The best reasons to stay at a rural holiday cottage in Asturias with your family

Charming rural cottages in Asturias are always the perfect choice for a family getaway and ideal for couples looking to enjoy a natural setting that offers unbeatable moments of relaxation and unwinding. There are many reasons to choose rural accommodation; here are just a few of them.
 

Asturias is an incredible place to get away from it all. It’s a region that has it all: beautiful beaches, coastal villages, inland landscapes with lovely mountain views, and a rich culinary tradition. Few places have as much to offer as this corner of northern Spain.

And to discover and fall in love with these picture-postcard landscapes, there’s nothing better than finding a rural holiday home that will turn your trip – and your family’s – into a unique experience. When planning your trip to Asturias, you’ll find plenty of rural holiday homes to enjoy with your family, and you’ll realise that there are many advantages to choosing a rural setting for your stay.
 

Asturias boasts some 400 kilometres of coastline and seven areas designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves; as such, its natural environment is truly enviable and offers the chance to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. But when travelling as a family, you need to think about the little ones and plan your holiday so that they can learn from and enjoy every experience. By booking a holiday cottage, you’re not only giving yourself the chance to enjoy a wonderful natural setting, but also an endless array of seaside villages and fun family activities.

Museums and interactive attractions are always a safe bet with the little ones, and in Asturias you’ll find several entertainment venues suitable for children. One of these is the impressive Jurassic Museum of Asturias, in Colunga, which houses more than 20 life-size dinosaur replicas that will amaze young and old alike. What’s more, they’re situated in the garden, and this outdoor area offers free entry. Meanwhile, in Teverga, you can show your children recreations of caves and rock art at the Prehistory Park or take part in one of its educational workshops. If you’re keen to learn more about traditional trades, you can visit the Samuño Mining Ecomuseum, where the whole family can experience first-hand the work of miners in Asturias. Or head over to the Mill Museum in Taramundi.

But you don’t always have to visit a museum; in Gijón , you’ll find the impressive Atlantic Botanical Garden, which preserves a significant natural heritage and where a small children’s woodland has been created, complete with animal figures and play equipment, where you can enjoy a lovely time together. Likewise, the greenways are another of the great attractions Asturias has to offer. In addition to the well-known Senda del Oso, which you can explore on foot or by bike (there are several bike hire companies in the area), you can also explore the coastal paths in the municipalities of Llanes or Ribadesella, where the routes are straightforward and can be covered on foot or by bike, whilst never missing out on the splendid views of the Cantabrian Sea.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure on your holiday, you can always take the whole family on a canoe trip down the River Sella or the River Eo – it’ll be one of the most fun experiences you can have in Asturias. And of course, you can follow one of the easy routes suitable for children, some of which are themed and offer a wonderful, immersive experience of Asturias’ natural surroundings. You can also visit one of Spain’s most important shrines, that of Our Lady of Covadonga, situated just 10 km from Cangas de Onís; to do so, consult the Guide to visiting Covadonga, the lakes and the surrounding area.
 

But if there’s one thing that appeals to young and old alike, it’s the beaches, and when you go on a rural holiday in Asturias, you’ll have access to numerous sandy beaches, coves and coastal spots surrounded by vast green spaces where children can play freely. You simply need to head down to the coast and lay out your towel at such beautiful spots as Rodiles beach in Villaviciosa, Barayo beach in the Valdés Nature Reserve, or Guadamía beach in Llanes, to realise just how special they are.

Asturias is full of endless valleys in infinite shades of green, beech and oak woodlands stretching along the mountain slopes, and wild beaches tucked away amongst steep cliffs.

Staying in rural accommodation will give the whole family the chance to experience an atmosphere of peace and relaxation, helping you to leave your daily routine behind. After all, there’s nothing better than escaping to a mountainous setting with all the charm of country life, so that children can reconnect with nature in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. This way, they can run through the vast meadows, spot animals at every turn, gaze at the stars or enjoy a lovely day in the sun on the beach. What’s more, they’ll be able to make friends in the village, sharing moments and experiences that will be unforgettable for them, whilst discovering rural life alongside other children their own age who’ll be delighted to teach them the village’s traditions and customs.
 

The natural environment is a real paradise for spending quality time with the whole family. The mountain and seaside scenery, the climate and the local cuisine all offer perfect opportunities to switch off, to leave behind the hustle and bustle, the daily grind, technology and the ticking of the clock, and to allow both body and mind to rest. And this can only be achieved in a peaceful, unhurried setting such as that found in rural areas.

Rural tourism in Asturias sets the standard. For decades, it has been at the forefront of a way of travelling that prioritises getting to know the local environment, connecting with the local people and respecting the local culture, whilst always staying clear of large crowds. In this way, the negative effects of conventional sun-and-beach tourism have been mitigated, promoting a rural economy that has facilitated the emergence of new tourism initiatives.

This philosophy continues to this day, and the vast majority of people who visit Asturias do so in a responsible, sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This has been achieved through the fusion of nature and travel, which has given rise to immersive experiences with genuine charm, such as ecotourism, wine tourism and adventure tourism. Indeed, Asturias’ natural wealth offers hundreds of outdoor activities to enjoy on your own, with family, with friends or as a couple.
 

One of the great benefits of choosing a rural holiday home is that it offers the whole family a great deal of independence, and provides plenty of space for the children to feel more at ease.

Discovering the marvellous natural wealth of Asturias – exploring forests, beaches, lakes and fascinating natural environments – will give you the chance to discover the beauty and diversity of the natural world around you, offering you a unique connection with the region and making this holiday an unforgettable experience.
 

Not to mention that in rural areas you can enjoy a variety of activities with the children, such as visiting ethnographic museums or taking part in agritourism experiences – such as visiting a farm – where your children will learn about farm work, how to tend a vegetable patch or make cider, as well as enjoying a range of culinary experiences.

Asturias is a region brimming with life, boasting sublime landscapes and charming spots. Whether you’re staying in a small hamlet nestled amongst the mountains or in a fishing village overlooking the sea, there’s always a natural area to discover close to where you’re staying.

Nature is the hallmark of this part of northern Spain, which, not surprisingly, boasts 1 National Park, 5 Natural Parks and 7 Biosphere Reserves, amongst other specially protected areas. Consequently, you’ll have no shortage of places to breathe in fresh air and enjoy unspoilt scenery. What’s more, this means there are numerous signposted trails, of varying difficulty and intensity, where you can discover incredible natural surroundings that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
 

The fishing villages of Asturias preserve the essence of their ancient traditions and rich culinary heritage; here, time seems to have stood still, for you can still smell the sea and the aroma of delicious fish being cooked on every corner.

Visitors are captivated as they wander through its narrow streets and admire its beautiful snow-white houses, dotted with palaces and houses bearing coats of arms, leading down to the fishing harbours where fishing boats, as well as small, colourful vessels, are moored. A visit to these picturesque Asturian fishing villages will give you and your family the chance to sample the finest fresh fish and seafood, whilst also allowing you to be enchanted by the beautiful white villas.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable break, there’s nothing better than choosing the rural accommodation offered by Aldeas Asturias Calidad Rural. These are beautiful and special rural lodgings and village cottages that showcase the charm of the villages in which they are situated and the natural surroundings.

Many of these properties are housed in former country houses, stables, farmhouses or stately homes that have been lovingly renovated and decorated with great charm. To meet the needs of families, many of these properties offer activities and well-equipped outdoor areas that will delight the little ones.

We can think of these and many other reasons to choose to stay in a rural cottage in Asturias during your getaway: a pleasant climate without sweltering temperatures, a unique cultural setting and friendly, welcoming locals just waiting to be discovered. We’re sure that if you stay at one of the properties run by Aldeas or Asturias Calidad Rural, you’ll be back for more!

What’s more, until 31 December, you can take advantage of the Rural Tourism Vouchers(opens in a new tab) and get a discount of between €75 and €150 on your stay.

• Buy up to two vouchers for €150 and enjoy up to €300 in credit towards your accommodation.
• Minimum stay: 2 nights.

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