Embrace Respectful Tourism. Asturias Awaits

Travelling transforms the way we see the world. It invites us to discover landscapes, cultures and people, but it also offers us the opportunity to do so in a more mindful and respectful way. In Asturias, tourism is seen as a shared experience between those who visit the region, those who live there and the natural environment that makes it unique.

This is why ‘Respeturismo’ was created : an invitation to enjoy your journey through respect, sustainability and a commitment to the destination. It is not about following a list of rules or sacrificing experiences. It is about discovering a way of travelling that is more authentic, more enriching and more connected to the essence of each place.

Asturias, known as the ‘Natural Paradise’, is home to some of Europe’s most valuable protected areas, villages with a strong cultural identity, ancestral traditions and a way of understanding hospitality that turns every visit into a personal and memorable experience. Maintaining this balance is a shared responsibility between residents and travellers.

Every decision counts. From choosing a less-travelled route to buying local produce, respecting the rhythms of the environment or taking an interest in Asturian culture. These are small gestures that help to preserve what makes Asturias special and allow you to enjoy the destination in a more authentic way.

If you see yourself as a conscious traveller, if you’re looking for experiences that leave a lasting impression on your memory but not on the environment, Respeturismo is for you.

Because travelling better also means enjoying yourself more.
 

Respecturism is a form of travel that promotes a model of tourism that is responsible, sustainable and committed to the natural environment, local culture and the community.

Its aim is to promote a form of travel that helps to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Asturias, fosters harmonious coexistence between visitors and residents, and generates benefits both for the region and its inhabitants, as well as for travellers.

More than just a set of recommendations, ‘Respeturismo’ and its ten-point code are a philosophy of travel: based on respect, curiosity and responsibility.

A great experience begins before you even set off on your journey. Finding out about the places you want to visit, checking opening times or discovering lesser-known spots will allow you to enjoy Asturias in a more relaxed and enriching way.

Planning also helps to better manage visitor numbers and encourages you to discover areas that have retained their authentic character.

For example, as well as the most popular destinations, Asturias offers dozens of charming villages, walking routes and natural areas where you can enjoy a more leisurely experience.

Before you travel, take some time to explore new ideas and let yourself be surprised by lesser-known places!
 

Nature is one of Asturias’ greatest treasures. Natural areas, biosphere reserves, unspoilt coastlines, splendid beaches and centuries-old forests make up an exceptional environmental heritage.

Enjoying these areas also means helping to conserve them. Staying on the signposted paths, picking up litter and respecting the flora and fauna are simple actions that help to preserve these environments for future generations, whilst ensuring you can enjoy them safely and relax.

Asturias has seven Biosphere Reserves:

• Eo River, Oscos and Terras de Burón: A cross-border reserve between Asturias and Galicia and the only Asturian Biosphere Reserve with a coastline. It is notable for the Eo estuary, its beaches, a valuable ethnographic heritage linked to traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, cutlery-making and water mills, and an extensive network of walking routes that wind through forests and picturesque villages.
• Picos de Europa: Spain’s first National Park, renowned for its spectacular mountain landscapes and for being a refuge for iconic species such as the chamois and the bearded vulture.
• Ponga Natural Park: One of the best-preserved areas of the Cantabrian Mountains, characterised by its dense forests, gorges and mountains.
• Redes Natural Park: Renowned for its lush forests and mountain landscapes, where traditional livestock farming continues to form part of the region’s way of life and identity.
• Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park: An area of stunning mountains, vast pastures and ancient paths steeped in history, which for centuries linked Asturias with the Meseta.
• Somiedo Natural Park: Known for its beautiful trails winding between mountain lakes, its ‘teitos’ – traditional thatched huts – and its landscapes of great beauty. It is one of the main refuges of the Cantabrian brown bear.
• Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park: Hometo the iconic Muniellos Forest, considered one of the best-preserved oak forests in Western Europe, and the vineyards where the Cangas PDO wine is produced, one of the hallmarks of south-western Asturias.

These are all examples of areas where conservation and tourism coexist in harmony.

Before setting off on your trip, take a look at these practical tips on how to look after Asturias whilst you’re enjoying it. And remember: when you’re exploring Asturias, the best mark you can leave is the one etched in your heart.

In a fast-paced world, Asturias invites you to gradually slow down from your usual pace, until you come to a complete halt wherever you please. To take in the scenery, to chat at your leisure and to enjoy every experience at a relaxed pace.

Travelling without strict timetables or a demanding leisure schedule allows you to connect more deeply with your destination and make the most of every moment.

A walk along the coast, a hike through the hills, a meal in a village, an exciting outdoor activity, and so on. Many of the best experiences arise from those moments of tranquillity, with your body in ‘holiday mode’.

Slow down your life to the healthy pace of Asturias!
 

Every region has its own identity. Its customs, traditions and ways of looking at life are part of its cultural heritage.

Approaching them with respect and curiosity enriches the travel experience and fosters exchange between visitors and locals.

Traditional festivals, cider culture, rural life, historic sites, prehistory, towns and cities. All this and much more are expressions of an identity that deserves to be discovered, appreciated, shared and enjoyed.

Discover Asturian identity and journey to the very depths of your emotions!
 

Asturias is so much more than just its landscapes. It is a region of historical heritage, gastronomy, music, traditional architecture and a culture deeply rooted in its land.

Visiting a museum, discovering a craft tradition or learning about the history of a village are experiences that give you a better understanding of the destination.

The Way of St James, Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture and traditional crafts are just a few of the many gateways to Asturian culture.

Explore and discover at your own pace… but don’t stop!
 

Every time you choose a local product, accommodation with its own unique character, or an experience run by local professionals, you are helping to boost the local economy.

Responsible tourism creates opportunities for local communities and helps to keep alive the traditions, crafts and ways of life that are at the very heart of Asturias.

Local markets, artisan cheese makers, cider houses and small rural businesses are a fundamental part of this network.

The people of Asturias, with their characteristic warm, open and hospitablenature, will enrich your travel experience, making it truly unforgettable.

Support Asturias and it will more than repay you!
 

Asturias is a place to live in and to visit. Harmony between residents and visitors is key to creating the best possible experience.

Small gestures such as respecting neighbours’ peace and quiet, looking after public spaces or acting considerately all help to create a positive experience for everyone.

The towns, neighbourhoods and villages are part of the destination’s identity and deserve to be enjoyed with sensitivity.

Remember that in every place there are people who feel at home here, and you could be one of them!
 

Often, the most cherished memories of a trip stem from a conversation, an unexpected recommendation or a shared story.

Hospitality is one of the hallmarks of Asturias. Appreciating this warm welcome and forging relationships based on mutual respect enriches the travel experience.

A chat in a cider house, a tip at a rural guesthouse, a chance encounter on a hiking trail, a friendly get-together on the beach or at a seaside bar. All of this makes you feel that the people are an essential part of the destination.

Make hospitality part of your emotional luggage!
 

Adventure and discovery are part of the journey, but it is always important to act with caution and common sense.

Checking the weather conditions, obeying road signs, following safety advice and choosing more sustainable modes of transport helps you to enjoy every experience to the full.

This is particularly important for outdoor activities, whether in the mountains or by the coast.

The best experience is one that ends safely and leaves you with fond memories!
 

Travelling allows us to discover new places, but also new ways of understanding the world.

Every experience, even the unexpected ones, can become an opportunity to learn, grow and broaden our horizons.

Respectourism is all about precisely that: enjoying the journey with a positive, open and enriching attitude.

Take home memories, lessons learnt and new perspectives so you can continue to travel mindfully.

Why is responsible tourism important in Asturias?

Responsible tourism helps to preserve natural and cultural heritage, improves relations between visitors and residents, and generates benefits for local communities.

In a destination like Asturias, where nature, culture and quality of life are part of its identity, committing to a sustainable tourism model is essential to preserving everything that makes this ‘Natural Paradise’ unique.

That is why every traveller can play an active part in this commitment.

Asturias is best enjoyed when experienced with respect. Every trip is an opportunity to discover, connect with and help preserve this ‘Natural Paradise’.

Embrace Respectful Tourism. Asturias Awaits.