Looking to disconnect from reality and reconnect with nature? A villa holiday in Asturias allows you to do exactly that, waking up to mountain views each morning, taking valley strolls in the afternoon, and hitting the beach by sunset. So far, Asturias is one of Spain’s lesser-known regions – but don’t expect it to stay that way for long!
With our stunning selection of villas in Asturias, you'll be able to explore everything the region has to offer, with various options available within walking distance to a beach and local restaurants.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Asturias have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas and holiday homes in Asturias that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our luxury apartments all have that exclusive ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Situated on the northern coast of Spain between Galicia and Cantabria, Asturias is one of our favourite European hidden gems. And with such celebrated neighbours, you may be wondering why you should spend your Spanish villa holiday here instead. From the delectable food scene to the incredible natural landscape, it’s an excellent choice for those who crave a simpler way of life. Couple that with several enchanting cities to visit throughout your stay, and the possibility of breath-taking hikes for the more adventurous, and you’ve got the complete package.
The natural scenery is really the star of the show when it comes to Asturias – and for good reason. Take some time to explore the Picos de Europa National Park, which has some of the best hiking trails you’ll find across the continent. The huge area actually spans Asturias, Castilla y Leon and Cantabria, so you can expect to find everything from steep mountainous inclines to deep river gorges.
The coastline is equally beautiful, dotted with fishing villages and overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Whether you’re looking to catch some rays or try your hand at water-sports, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Demonstrating the region’s commitment to preserving not just its wildlife but the buildings too, the Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, composed of six 9th century buildings. You’ll also find five ancient caves in the Comarca de Oriente area, with palaeolithic artwork that dates back as far as 35,000 BCE.
For those who have more of a thirst for knowledge than adventure, you can certainly quench that in Asturias too, with the Fine Arts Museum of Asturias allowing visitors to take in works by Picasso, Dalí and Goya.
Picos de Europa National Park
Fabada Asturiana is one of the most beloved dishes across Spain and, as you’ve probably guessed from the name, it was first created here. It’s a warming sausage and bean casserole, and while you can buy canned versions all over the world, nothing compares to the real thing prepared from scratch.
You’ll also find caldereta (fish stew) on many menus – unsurprising given Asturias’ easy access to fresh seafood. It’s made up of fish, lobster and crab, combined with onion, parsley and tomato. Looking for something simpler? Try merluza a la sidra (hake in cider), a delicious baked dish that’s often served as a main course.
Aside from the catch of the day however, Asturias is well-known for its cheeses. Cabrales is the most famous variety to come out of the region – think of your most pungent blue cheese and then go up a notch!
When it comes to dessert, you can’t pass up arroz con leche (rice pudding). The Asturian way is to make it using rice, butter, lemon, sugar, and a cinnamon stick, before caramelised sugar is added on top. Asturian cheesecakes are also popular, made using goat’s cheese and finished with fresh fruit, while casadielles (fried Spanish pastry rolls filled with walnut) are a great treat to enjoy on the go.
Casadielles
While you may be planning a villa holiday in Asturias with the sole intention of relaxing, you don’t want to miss the chance to explore some of the region’s picturesque towns and villages. Embodying the traditional Spanish lifestyle through their slower pace, secret spots and preserved architecture, there’s plenty to entice you out to explore.
Fancy extending your trip even further around this region? We have holiday homes to rent all over northern Spain or take a look at our offering in neighbouring Portugal to carry on your Atlantic adventure.
You don’t get much more picture perfect than the little village of Cudillero, boasting colourful buildings that cling to a luscious hillside.
This charming capital city is found in the centre of the region and defined by its Gothic cathedral. For unparalleled views of the area, take a trip up Monte Naranco, stopping at the buildings of the Conjunto Prerrománico Asturiano on the way. Then, head to Calle de la Gascona come nightfall to eat, drink and be merry with the locals.
This historic city has managed to preserve its ancient fishing village feel, continuing to be one of Spain’s most important ports. The seaside promenade is perfect for an afternoon stroll, taking you all the way into the old city centre. You’ll also find many museums if you’re looking for a break away from the midday sun.
This Spanish village is known for its two caves, the Cave of Tito Bustillo and the Cuevona of Argüelles. You’ll find prehistoric drawings here that date back over 14,000 years, while outside, the surrounding sights of the mountains and beaches are simply incomparable. Take the stairs up Monte Corberu to enjoy blissfully uninterrupted views.
Ryanair, Iberia and Vueling operate direct flights to Asturias, with a flight time of around 2 hours. It can sometimes be cheaper to fly to one of Spain’s major airports and then get a connecting flight to Asturias (OVD). You could also fly into Santander airport and then hire a car or taxi to your holiday villa in Asturias.
If you’re over 20 years old and have a valid driver’s license on you, it’s easy to rent a car in Asturias. It costs as little as 10 euros a day.
The main cities of Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés will all have vehicles available to hire, though it’s best to reserve in advance – especially in the high summer season.
The Feve narrow gauge railway connects all the main towns and villages in northern Spain, tracking a 1,100km route from Bilbao to Ferrol, Galicia. It offers stops in Gijón, Avilés and Oviedo, plus a few additional ones in between.
The three main cities are connected by Alsa buses, departing every 30 minutes. These also allow you to access various hiking trails. Tickets cost as little as 1.25 euros.
Taxis are widely available but expensive. If you’re looking for direct transportation to your destination and don’t want to hire a car, it’s undoubtedly the best option.
