Why not take date night to the next level? Book a romantic weekend getaway to beautiful Asturias with your significant other. There are a thousand different ways to live unforgettable moments and up the romance in one of the most stunning and charming areas of Spain. Come discover the lush green pastures, idyllic villages and hospitable people.
Take in the fresh air, sip a glass of wine along the Cantabrian Sea shoreline and enjoy renowned Asturian cuisine (Link) during your romantic getaway. These are just some of the many things you could do. Let’s start planning your trip to any one of the magical enclaves in Asturias.
The Asturian landscape will provide the perfect backdrop for your couple time. From the seafaring port of Avilés to the sandy beach of San Lorenzo in Gijón, to the vibrantly coloured quarters of coastal Tazones, and the cosy mountain village of Prieres – Asturias has the place for you.
Romantic dining in Asturias
If you believe the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, Asturias won’t disappoint with its ample selection of restaurants for the perfect romantic night out. Asturias may be known for serving up fabes and cachopo, but it offers plentiful other delicacies. Whether you are looking for more traditional or innovative fare, you are sure to find something to suit your palate. Here is a shortlist of restaurants to get your stomach rumbling:
El Corral de Indianu (Arriondas)
The architects behind this fabulous restaurant are the eccentric chef José Antonio Campoviejo and his partner Yolanda Vega. They serve delectable, savoury dishes using traditional methods and organic products to bring nature closer to the table. If you are looking for a unique culinary experience, this is the place. El Corral’s one Michelin star and two Repsol Suns are further proof of this restaurant’s remarkable rise.
AUGA Restaurant (Gijón)
Should you prefer spending an evening out at a quaint restaurant, be sure to book a table at Auga. Gonzalo Pañeda and Antonio Pérez are at the helm of magnificent modern space, where good food and meticulous attention to detail are on the menu. Located in the town centre, spoil your senses with the restaurant’s breathtaking views as you indulge in carefully prepared dishes.
Not convinced yet? The modern market cuisine is available at affordable prices, with a special emphasis on local fish and seafood. Antonio Pérez, the sommelier and maître d’, has carefully crafted a wine menu with the finest wines to ensure the most sublime pairings – a feat reflected in the two Repsol Suns awarded the restaurant in 2019.
Romantic plans in Asturias
When planning a getaway to somewhere charming, you usually stumble across the most common places in your research. In Asturias, this means Covadonga, Cudillero and the incredible and majestic Picos de Europa – three safe bets if visiting Asturias. However, there is so much more to Asturias than these three places. Asturias offers magical, off-the-beaten-track gems that will add a unique touch to your romantic getaway. Read on to learn more.
Selgas Palace: For art lovers
Come and discover the magical beauty of Selgas Palace, known locally as the Asturian Versailles. Composed of gardens, a tapestry hall, a school museum and a church, it houses hundreds of works of art, including oil paintings, sculptures, tapestries and other singular works.
Avilés: For urbanites
The medieval town of Avilés became heavily industrialised at the turn of the 20th century when chimneys and warehouses started to shape the town’s landscape. However, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about Avilés. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and take in the Baroque architecture of the main plaza, the Llano Ponte Palace and the Marqués de Ferrera Palace, today refurbished into a gorgeous 5-star hotel.
The sightseeing doesn’t stop there. Visit the iconic Valdecarzana Palace, the Romanesque church of Franciscan monks, the ancient churches of Sabugo and San Nicolás de Bari that date back as far as the 13th century, and wander the seafaring Sabugo Old Quarter, a stone’s throw away from the most important harbour of Asturias, the Port of Avilés
Portizuelo Beach: For beach lovers
Part of the protected western coast seascape, the picturesque quartzite-pebble Portizuelo Beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and offers sweeping oceanic views. The beach has drawn everyone from maruyas (the village housewives who bathed fully dressed) to the Nobel Prize winner Severo Ochoa. The gorgeous scenery provides a unique backdrop for unique memories.
The mountains of western Asturias: For the adventure hungry
The mountains of western Asturias rise from the mouth of the Nalón River to the boundaries of Lugo and León. Hiking- and rock climbing-loving couples will find their paradise on Earth in these mountains. You’ll stumble across quasi-uninhabited but quaint villages, reminiscent of more prosperous times. One of the itineraries crossing through the regions is the Camino de Santiago Primitivo (The Original Way of St James), the first major pilgrimage route linking Asturias to Santiago de Compostela.
Asturias offers endless possibilities and caters to all tastes. An incredible mix of pure nature, epicurean wonders, friendly locals and, idyllic and charming villages. Mix and match experiences to create a tailor-made romantic getaway. Where will you go?
