This little-known region in the north of the country merits more than a passing visit. Its pre-Romanesque art around Oviedo, untamed coastline and the tall summits of the massif of the Picos d’Europa remind Spain of its true origins.

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean between Cantabria and Galicia, Asturias has stayed free of any great influx of tourism. Although the region has taken full advantage of the strong industrial potential of the city of Gijon and the surrounding area, it also jealously guards its remarkable Christian heritage and solid gastronomic traditions. There is a wealth of places to explore, both on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea and in the villages of the massif of the Picos d’Europa, which separates the south of Asturias from Castile and Leon. Gijon will appeal to anyone who enjoys a gentle stroll, with its Revillagigedo Palace offering a fine example of 17th century architecture. But it is the nearby monastery of Valdedios that is really worth a detour, with the beautiful pre-Romanesque chapel of San Salvador and harmonious group of convent buildings, nestling in a lush valley bottom.

There is more pre-Romanesque art around Oviedo and its superb Gothic cathedral, symbolised by the chapels of Santa Maria del Naranco and Miguel de Lillo in the remote countryside.

The finest stretch of coastline is to the east of Gijon: the little seaside towns and fishing villages such as Villaviciosa, Ribadesella and Llanes are all quiet places to stop and appreciate the unchanging nature of the real essence of Spain. By contrast, the Picos d’Europa, which reach 2,648 m at their highest point, offer a wonderful natural landscape, perfect for hiking and walking from village to village, enjoying some fine Asturian specialist ciders and cheeses along the way.