8 ideas for an idyllic holiday in a village in Asturias

The song of the birds. The murmur of the river or the sound of the sea. The gentle swaying of the tree branches. The caress of the wind or the sea breeze. The laughter of children, blending with the ever-vast natural world, amidst the sound of cattle bells and relaxed conversation.

A rural world, with a steady rhythm and constant, varied sensations, ranging from a walk to keep you physically and mentally fit, to a siesta that seems to last forever, via an unforgettable moment in the shade of a tree, a dip in the river, a hidden museum, a mouth-watering village dish, or days and nights in rural accommodation that will forever be the refuge of your dreams. And to top it all off, the boundless kindness of the people who live in the villages of Asturias.

Here are 8 ideas for an idyllic holiday in a village in Asturias!

The walking routes in Asturias are a source of health and balance, where personal harmony and the enjoyment of the landscape come together in a unique way.

They are a way of enjoying yourself and learning at the same time, fostering a spontaneous connection with the environment. They also have the immense advantage of allowing you to enjoy them in company or on your own, because the Asturian landscape and its myriad sights are utterly captivating and welcoming, whatever the circumstances.

So, on your rural holiday in Asturias, you simply must include one or more of these trails…

They are undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy your free time!

A siesta in the village is always a real treat, and the best thing about it is that it happens spontaneously, without any planning. In spring, in particular, the most common and recommended way to enjoy one is outdoors, in places where the fresh air is the healthiest fuel for your brain and your overall wellbeing.

There are almost as many places to visit as your imagination can conjure up. Beneath a hórreo or panera – ancient structures closely linked to rural survival and a symbol of identity and tradition that lend a touch of authenticity and magic. What’s more, on your journey through Asturias, you’ll discover towns and villages teeming with hórreos and paneras.

You’ll also be able to relax in the cosy embrace of a tree; in the hallway of a village house; under the shade of a parasol on the beach; by the riverbank, entranced by the murmur of the water; in the comfort of a sofa with the windows thrown wide open… As you’ll see, there are plenty of options, all of them very pleasant and natural.

In short, an Atlantic siesta is one of the most delightful experiences you can imagine!

Trees in Asturias are half the experience, especially given that much of this region is pure nature, with forests in Asturias where you can lose yourself and which will seem almost endless.

And if you haven’t tried it yet, one of the best tips for a countryside holiday is to take a moment to relax completely in the shade of a tree, observing its form, its daily life, the traces of the past, its roots, its trunk and its leaves. Let yourself be carried away by the silence, listening only to the unique melody of nature.

You will experience a kind of ecstasy, which can only be attained through the respect and tranquillity provided by those beings that are so close to us and yet so unknown: our trees.

There are many different kinds of swimming spots and places to take a dip to enjoy in Asturias, but there’s no doubt that one of the most rewarding is swimming in our rivers. The River Sella, for example, has some magical spots along its banks where you can enjoy nature and the water.

Swimming in the river is always a different experience. Amidst crystal-clear waters, eddies, rapids and backwaters, your body and mind are immersed in a fluid landscape that you’ll find both fascinating and unusual.

It’s a great way to cool off on hot days and a way to discover the true nature of the river, which is constantly changing…

If you come to Asturias, don’t miss out on a swim in a river!

Can you imagine a remote village nestled amongst the mountains where there’s a museum? Or a museum right in the heart of a village, bringing a wealth of life and history to its surroundings? What about a craftsman demonstrating his craft live and in person? And a nature trail linked to the exhibits on display at a museum?

Well, you’ll find all this and much more in Asturias: places such as Os Teixóis, where you’ll see an entire village transformed into an open-air museum of ancient hydraulic devices, or the Ethnographic Museum of Grandas de Salime, which, situated on the very route of the Primitive Way of St James, offers you a stunning insight into Asturian rural life from centuries past. It is also common in some villages for craftspeople to have their workshops and shops open to visitors, both so you can admire their craft and learn about their techniques, and so you can buy something and take home a unique souvenir of your rural stay. And in some cases, such as the Navelgas Gold Museum, you will not only learn the art of gold panning (extracting gold using a pan) but also follow a wonderful trail through unspoilt countryside to discover how the Romans mined gold in western Asturias.

So the numerous ethnographic museums in Asturias are places where you can gain an insight into traditional life, customs, trades and, ultimately, a way of life that has now disappeared. Furthermore, many of these museums are vibrant venues hosting all sorts of activities: workshops, exhibitions, talks, and so on.

Art and memories in the countryside bring you peace and joy!

In Asturias, rural accommodation is elevated to an art form, because every little hotel and every village cottage, as well as offering its own unique style and atmosphere, usually enjoys a prime location. Without a shadow of a doubt, a stay at any of the establishments belonging to the Casonas Asturianas Quality Club, or at the holiday flats and rural cottages that form part of the Aldeas Asturias Calidad Rural quality scheme, will be an unforgettable experience. If you don’t believe us, close your eyes and imagine waking up every morning to the first whiff of a homemade breakfast – freshly prepared with care, using only the very finest seasonal produce. Now add views like the ones in the photo… do you think there’s any need to say more? We don’t. We’re sure you’ll come back as often as you can. The warmth and expertise of Asturian rural tourism providers will win you over for good.

Quiet villages, nestled at the bottom of a valley or perched on a hillside, by the river or overlooking the sea… always a treat for the senses, with those captivating landscapes that change with every hour of the day.

And suddenly, in the middle of the village, you come across the farm animals that have made rural life possible, and the children making friends with them. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to enjoy your free time in a healthy way.

A rural holiday is always full of surprises!

One of the most enjoyable things to do on your village holiday is to sample the delicious and wholesome Asturian home-cooked country cuisine, which you’ll find in hundreds of little spots where the landscape and the food go hand in hand like good friends.

In addition to the appeal of the ingredients – always fresh and wholesome – and the incredible culinary expertise of the chefs, there is the added bonus that you can buy traditional products from Asturian culinary culture in bar-shops, which retain all the flavour of yesteryear, with a few modern touches.

Bar-shops are places for getting together, for quiet chats, for soaking up the local atmosphere, for mingling with the locals, and, whilst you’re at it, they allow you to do your everyday shopping or pick up whatever you’d like to take home as a souvenir of your stay in Asturias.

Visiting a farm in Asturias is a perfect way for the whole family to have fun and learn about rural life in an enjoyable and educational way. Surrounded by lush green countryside, young and old alike can get up close to animals such as cows, sheep, hens and goats, and discover what everyday life is like in the countryside. Some farms offer activities such as feeding the animals, collecting eggs or learning how traditional products are made. It’s an ideal opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh air and spend time together whilst the children learn about nature, animals and Asturian traditions.

Some farms offer activities such as feeding the animals, collecting eggs or learning how traditional products are made. It’s an ideal opportunity to unwind, breathe in the fresh air and spend time together whilst the children learn about nature, animals and Asturian traditions.

So one of the best things you could do is visit a farm on a guided tour! It’ll be an unforgettable experience!