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I fell in love with Asturias four years ago while judging the World Cheese Awards in Oviedo.
A view of the town of Lastres in Asturias, Spain.
Several visits later, Asturias remains one of the most magical places Ive ever experienced.
Its called Asturias, says chefJose Andresin his Substack,The Chefs List.
What makes Asturias so special is its year-round appeal.
Photo: Courtesy of CoolRooms Palacio de Luces
Summers are refreshingly cool compared to most of Europe, though unpredictable once you venture into the mountains.
Thanks to this temperate climate, outdoor adventuresfrom coastal hikes to mountain-top excursionsare always on the menu.
The regions magic extends far beyond its landscapes.
Photo: Courtesy of Gran Hotel Boutique Brillante
Asturiass gastronomic prowess takes center stage in Oviedo, recently crowned the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2024.
We have incredibly rich products and many optionsfrom comforting, casual dishes to the most sophisticated meals.
And thanks to the new high-speed rail line connectingMadridand Asturias, getting there has never been easier.
Photo: Mercedes Blanco / Courtesy of Narbasu
Heres everything you better know before you go.
Where to Stay
A flawlessly restored 16th-century palace that blends heritage with contemporary design.
Original stone walls meet sleek interiors, and suites reflect the hues of the surrounding landscape.
Photo: Salva Lopez / Courtesy of El Moderne
In San Esteban de Pravia,Gran Hotel Boutique Brillantehas been reimagined as a stylish coastal hideaway.
The hotels kitchen garden, planted on a former golf course, honors a deep commitment to sustainability.
Chef Jose Andres considers it a must-visit, underscoring its world-class status.
Photo: Courtesy of Parador de Corias
Its truly a tribute to the land.
Seven years ago, Constance Barrere Dangleterre and Damien Teixidor helmed a restaurant called Native in Perpignan, France.
Lastres was kind of love at first sight, says Dangleterre.
Photo: Siro Garcia / Courtesy of Casa Marcial
Here, acclaimed sommelierMarcos Grandareturns to his culinary roots, with a cooler than cool dining experience.
I left describing it as if it felt like dining in an end-of-world shelter underground.
It was that good.
Photo: Javier Peñas / Courtesy of Restaurant Marcos
Manin has a few locations in Asturias but my favorite location is tucked away in Cangas del Narcea.
Its more like a designer boutique, blending traditional Asturian baking with a chic, contemporary aesthetic.
Be sure to indulge in the bollo prenao, a beloved Northern Spanish snack elevated at Manin.
Photo: Javier Peñas / Courtesy of Restaurant Marcos
This family-owned bar-turned-hip restaurant in Cangas del Narcea is a culinary cornerstone that has delighted patrons since 1915.
Their mother, Engracia, still graces the bar with her presence after nearly 66 years.
And standout dishes like the best steak tartare are considered the best in the region.
Photo: Jonathan Hevia Valles / Courtesy of NM de Nacho Manzano
What to Do
Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias, Spain.
Each Cantabrian anchovy is treated with the care usually reserved for fine jewels.
Its a culinary shrine that encapsulates Asturiass commitment to quality and tradition.
Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias, Spain.
No trip to Asturias is complete without diving into its cider culture at Sidra Trabanco in Gijon.
Learn the traditional art of cider-making and perfect your poura ritual thats as much about showmanship as flavor.
The range is home to gorges, caves, walking trails, and lots of world-renowned Cabrales cheese.
The Cangas de Onis Sunday market also is a must for the artisan cheese stalls alone.
Pack a gourmet picnic and spend the day immersed in one of Spain’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Note: the roads are tiny and windy and not for the faint of heart.
Truth be told, theres so much to do in Asturias that it’s hard to narrow it down.
Borcherss approach to showcasing Asturias is one of a kind.
