Fun/weird/snorkel destinations in Asturias?

April 6, 2010 7:46 PM

I'm off to Asturias, Spain at the end of May. What should I do while I'm there? I like beaches/snorkeling and also weird cultural stuff (for example, in Berlin I loved the Dead Chickens Studio and in Prague I loved the crazy metronome and fake Starbucks at the bottom of its hill).
posted by unknowncommand to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

The nearby Picos de Europa are a must see for a person who likes hiking, also have some cider in a traditional bar which is most any bar, the way the waiters pour it over their backs is cool. You have to toss the last little bit out on the floor, it's some sort of protocol. In Gijon, I did see something strange...a tightrope walking competition along with Spanish bagpipes, they sound like nothing else and if you can see a performance it'd be worth it.

There are plenty of beaches and the coastal towns are quaint. It's a northernly place and will seem more like Scotland than Spain this time of year, very quaint. Galicia is not far off if you want to go farther out.
posted by manwoo at 8:57 PM on April 6, 2010

If you are willing to make a jaunt to Comillas in Cantabria (a nice seacoast town), which is not that far from Asturias, you can see a small Gaudí building - El Capricho.

Definitely have some of the alcoholic cider (sidra), and also try Manzana Verde - green apple liqueur. I quite liked Fabada (but you have to like/eat pork). Here's a bit more on the cuisine.
posted by gudrun at 9:48 PM on April 6, 2010

It was the only place I visited in Asturias, but I have nothing but fond memories of Luarca - it might be one of those quaint coastal town manwoo mentions.
posted by unmake at 1:12 AM on April 7, 2010

Definitely try Sidra. Also, go to Oviedo. It is a beautiful little city. Make sure you take your picture with the Woody Allen statue there.
posted by useyourmachinegunarm at 6:37 AM on April 7, 2010