A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Avilés: A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Asturias

Introduction

Located in the beautiful region of Asturias, in the north of Spain, Avilés is a city rich in history and culture. With its impressive medieval architecture, vibrant artistic scene, and stunning natural landscape, Avilés offers a unique experience for travelers seeking something beyond traditional tourist destinations.

The Historic Quarter of Avilés

The old town of Avilés is a maze of narrow streets and charming squares. Here, visitors can explore a series of historical buildings, including the Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, an impressive example of Gothic architecture, and the Palace of Valdecarzana, the oldest civil building in the city. It's also worth visiting the Plaza de España, where the Town Hall, a beautiful 17th-century building, is located.

The Niemeyer Center

The Niemeyer Center, designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is an impressive cultural complex that has become a symbol of the city. With its modern and futuristic design, the center houses a number of facilities, including an auditorium, an exhibition hall, a cinema, and a restaurant. The Niemeyer Center also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, making it a hub of cultural activity in Avilés.

The Ría de Avilés

The Ría de Avilés is an estuary that extends from the city to the Cantabrian Sea. This beautiful natural landscape is a popular place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The Ría is also home to a number of wildlife species, including several species of migratory birds.

The Asturian Gastronomy

Avilés is also a great place to experience the famous Asturian gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local dishes, including fabada asturiana, a stew of white beans and chorizo, and cider, the regional drink. There are a number of restaurants and cider houses in the city where visitors can taste these and other local dishes.

The Surroundings of Avilés

The surroundings of Avilés also have much to offer. A short drive from the city, visitors can explore the beautiful Asturian coast, with its stunning cliffs and beaches. It's also worth visiting the nearby cities of Gijón and Oviedo, both with their own charm and tourist attractions.

Gastronomic Products of Avilés

• Asturian Fabada

  The Asturian fabada is one of the most representative dishes of Avilés and all of Asturias. It is a stew of white beans, accompanied by chorizo, black pudding, pork shoulder, and bacon. It is a hearty and very tasty dish, ideal for cold days.

• Asturian Cider

  Cider is the quintessential drink of Asturias and Avilés is no exception. It is made from the fermentation of apple juice and is very popular in the city's cider houses. The tradition of pouring the cider, which involves pouring it from a certain height to aerate it, is quite a spectacle.

• Cabrales Cheese

  Although Cabrales cheese is originally from the council of Cabrales, it is also widely consumed in Avilés. This strong-flavored and smelling cheese is made with raw cow, sheep, and goat milk, and is cured in natural caves. It is a high-quality product that has Protected Designation of Origin status.

• Bollos preñaos

  The bollos preñaos are a kind of bread roll filled with chorizo, very typical of Asturian cuisine. They are ideal to eat as an appetizer or at a snack and are very popular at the parties and pilgrimages of Avilés and all of Asturias.

Sporting Activities in Avilés, Asturias

Hiking

Avilés offers stunning hiking routes, such as the Route of the Viewpoints, which provides panoramic views of the city and the Cantabrian Sea. You can also explore the Coastal Route, which runs along the Asturian coast.

Surfing

The beaches of Avilés are ideal for surfing. Salinas Beach, in particular, is famous for its waves and is a popular spot for surfers from around the world.

Cycling

Avilés has numerous cycling routes, both for mountain bikes and road bikes. You can explore the Asturian landscape by bike and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Canoeing

The Avilés river offers opportunities for canoeing. You can rent a canoe and explore the river at your own pace, enjoying the tranquility of the water and the beauty of the landscape.

Golf

For golf lovers, Avilés has several high-quality golf courses. The La Morgal Golf Club and the Real Club de Golf La Barganiza are just two of the many golf courses available in the region.

Places near Avilés

If you are in Avilés and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Cudillero, a picturesque Asturian fishing village, is famous for its colorful houses nestled in hills and its delicious seafood cuisine. A must-visit destination for lovers of fresh seafood and panoramic sea views.

Castrillón, in Asturias, Spain, is a charming tourist destination with beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. Its rich cuisine includes delicious seafood and Asturian cider, offering an authentic and memorable culinary experience for visitors.