Asturias is the birthplace of Spanish rural tourism, a form of travel deeply rooted in the authenticity of the villages.

Asturias has two quality brands that were pioneers in certifications in the field of rural tourism: "Casonas Asturianas" for charming hotels with unique architecture, and "Aldeas - Asturias Calidad Rural" for village houses and rural apartments, which are also a benchmark of excellent accommodation

Asturias was a pioneer in the emergence and growth of rural tourism in Spain in the 1980s, and as a result of the positive evolution of this way of traveling and discovering new destinations, it now has a complete network of accommodations, with notable options such as rural hotels, apartments, traditional village houses, and rural tourism centers. All of these accommodations have their own charm and offer outstanding quality in terms of facilities and services. They are all located in privileged settings and environments.

Taramundi, a small and secluded village in western Asturias, marked the beginning of rural tourism and has now established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for this type of tourism in Spain, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The hotel La Rectoral in this locality was the flagship of that rural tourism experiment, which was hugely successful. Since then, Taramundi and its tourism model have set a precedent that has transformed the way we understand, experience, and enjoy rural tourism.

Photo of a panoramic view of the village of Taramundi
Rural tourism is a well-established leisure trend, in which Asturias was a pioneer, and currently it offers a wide and excellent range in this field.

Rural tourism in Asturias offers many diverse attractions: the authenticity of villages and hamlets, the scenic beauty of the surroundings, and the charm of numerous corners where granaries (hórreos) and traditional barns (paneras) and other ethnographic elements take center stage. Moreover, there are plenty of leisure activities to keep oneself entertained, from engaging in conversations with the locals to hiking or participating in other active tourism activities. Of course, a visit to museums, ethnographic complexes, ancient forts (castros), and other cultural spaces is also a must.

Likewise, gastronomy is another undeniable allure of rural tourism in Asturias. Asturian cuisine blends tradition and innovation, making it truly unique. Every corner of Asturias's countryside is a place for delightful dining, offering the finest recipes and the best locally sourced products, prepared with a balanced combination of care and wisdom.

 

Photo of a granary in the foreground surrounded by houses in the village of Espinaréu. Municipality of Piloña

An essential part of rural tourism is also the activities related to ecotourism and agrotourism, and Asturias offers a wide and varied range in this field. Likewise, the traditions and festive celebrations, which are abundant throughout the entire Asturian territory, are a perfect complement to make rural tourism a unique experience where you will have a complete social and cultural immersion that is highly rewarding.

Rural tourism in Asturias will provide you with moments, landscapes, and sensations that will be unforgettable and will always leave you wanting to come back for more. You will be surprised by the history and culture, fascinated by nature, and charmed by the people and the surroundings.

Bread kneading trough at the Bread Ecomuseum (Villanueva de Oscos)
Because rural tourism in Asturias is much more than just landscapes, more than just villages and hamlets, more than charming accommodations, more than cultural heritage, more than gastronomy... It is an experience that integrates different essences, with one of the main pillars being the hospitality and generosity of the inhabitants of the Natural Paradise