The British are in love with Spain. For decades, they have made this country one of their favourite destinations. Mostly, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and the south of Spain. However, they are expanding their gaze to other places in the national geography.
For this summer, the trend will continue when it comes to the British love for Spain. This was reflected in a survey carried out by Tourspain in which three out of ten Brits plan to land in our country.
However, not all of them are going to go to the usual places. In fact, they are expanding their focus to other regions. So much so, that even the ‘Financial Times’ has prepared an extensive article about one of the regions in the north of Spain where a greater landing of British tourists is expected.
The ‘Financial Times’ is betting on Asturias
Asturias is a region that according to the British newspaper is not as crowded as others. In fact, and according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), it only received 380,000 visitors during 2023. Thus, it emphasises that in its more than 10,000 square kilometres “it has everything from snow-capped peaks to sandy beaches.” But there is more: rustic and avant-garde restaurants, “noisy” local festivals and “silent” valleys.
Some valleys where “bears and wolves still roam.” Therefore, a powerful magnet for those who like nature. Because the author of the text also speaks of a “green, rugged region, often cold and always so well watered.” Quite a contrast to the “scorched and exhausted appearance” of the south.
“Glorious” landscape
The ‘Financial Times’ speaks so well of Asturias that it goes so far as to define its landscape as “glorious”. There are the lakes of Covadonga, for example. And a description of the three large cities as follows: ·bustling” Gijón; “charming” Oviedo; and “beautiful” AvilesGijón.
What other highlight in Asturias?
To the natural heritage, and its cities, the British newspaper adds another series of attractions. Hereunder, its artistic heritage. To name a few examples, the sanctuary of the Virgin of Covadonga, the Monument to Don Pelayo and the Victory Cross, the cable car to Fuente Dé or the Roman bridge of Cangas de Onís.
©Else Beekman
Likewise, it elevates pre-Romanesque churches such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo to the altars, along with the cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo. Tradition that coexists with the modernism of the Niemeyer Centre, by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
And the beaches?
Well, the prestigious newspaper doesn’t ignore them. What’s more, it even describes them as “the best beaches on the Iberian Peninsula.” So much so, that it emphasises that “some of the most perfect beaches are found along the coast of Asturias.” A few examples: Barayo or Playa del Silencio (which lives up to its name). But also San Lorenzo (Gijón), Santa Marina (Ribadesella), Sablón (Llanes), or La Griega (Colunga).
Not content with everything reviewed above, the author focuses on its gastronomy. In addition to the fact that this year Oviedo will be the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, its extensive range of products will delight all those Brits who visit any of its corners.
And the offer is the most succulent: from Asturian cider to cachopo, through the 329 different varieties of cheeses. Delicacies that can be tasted in places such as Casa Lin, Casa Pachu or Casa Fermín, in Oviedo. Of the cider houses, he does not give names, but he does give locations: Gascona street, in Oviedo, and the Cimadevilla neighbourhood, in Gijón.
