Asturias

This is one of Oviedo’s oldest buildings, founded in 848 AD and only parts of the original medieval building have survived. Nevertheless, San Miguel de Lillo is regarded as an important part of the region’s Christian heritage and has been granted World Heritage status. The oldest parts of the building include the portico, the choir entrance and the part of the three naves.

During the 9th century this was the largest church in Spain and although now dwarfed by later and greater buildings, it remains of great significance in the history of Spanish religious architecture. The church is well worth a visit, especially for its magnificent array of gorgeously coloured murals.

This magnificent 19th-century building opened in 1892 and is regarded as an emblematic of the city. Teatro Campoamor is also the venue for the annual Prince of Asturias prize ceremony and for the city’s annual opera season and the Zarzuela music festival. The theatre’s elegant interior was influenced by the Teatro de la Comedia in Madrid and is opulently decorated in scarlet, gold and red. On the first floor you can find the statue of Ramón de Campoamor, the Asturian poet after whom the theatre is named.

Covadonga is the gateway to the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa, the largest national park in Western Europe. The village’s main landmark is the 19th-century mock-Romanesque cathedral. Outside stands a statue of Pelayo, the Visigoth prince who defeated an army of Moors here in 722 AD.

Right in the middle of the city you will find Calle Uria. This is the main shopping street in Oviedo, a great place for strolling in beautiful surroundings, and of course for shopping.

Learn about prehistoric cave dwellers at this fascinating indoor museum & outdoor park. Tour an underground cave and admire replicas of Europe's most famous cave paintings. Meet some of the animals featured in the art and participate in activities to learn more about how cave dwellers made their living.

This 377.36 km2 park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Wooded areas cover over 40% of the park, with species such as brown bears, dear, chamois and wolves roaming free. Rare flora and fauna can be admired on one of the 3 walking routes: Ruta del Alaba (4 hours) - Easy Starting at the hamlet of Soto de Agues 5 kms from Rio Seco, this walk runs parallel to the River Alba. Desfiladero de los Arrudos (5 ½ hours) This walk starts from Caleao, following the gorge. Bezanes to Brañagallones (+/- 5 ½ hours) This walk climbs up a track from the village of Bezanes to the meadows of Brañagallones in the site of an old glacial lake.

In Gijón you can find Acuario de Gijon, a great place for some family fun. If you are interested in sea life, you will certainly enjoy walking around at this aquarium looking at all different species.

The Jardin Botanico is a botanical garden and a museum specialising in the flora from the Atlantic territories. Here you can stroll around in a beautiful park with over 2,200 species and 30,000 plants.

To the west of Aviles stretches the Costa Verde, a long stretch of rugged cliffs, sandy bays and deep river estuaries. Cudillero, the closest village to the airport, has a good selection of places to eat and drink, all crammed together around a small fishing harbour. Further west, Luarca is another tranquil and attractive fishing port.