Asturias Tourist Information
Asturias is the autonomous community on the north coast of Spain, bordered by
Galicia to the west and Cantabria to the east. Its coastline is on the Bay of
Biscay and its southern boundary is part of the mountain chain often referred to
as the Cordillera Cantábrica, the Cantabrian Mountains.
Geography of Asturias
Asturian geography can be summarized by the rugged cliffs and clean, sandy
beaches of the coast and the mountainous interior, culminating in the Picos de
Europa. The coastline is extensive – some 190 miles of it - offering over 100
different beaches and protected harbours, many of them bordered by imposing
cliffs. The predominantly limestone Picos de Europa, rising to 2648m at
Torrecerredo, is an area of spectacular mountain scenery, with deep ravines and
beautiful river valleys. Map of Asturias
History of Asturias
Human occupation of this part of Spain dates right back to Lower Paleolithic
times. During the Iron Age, the area became quite Celtic in nature, and then, in
about 29 BC, the Romans invaded the land. However, the Romans, along with the
Visigoths and Moors who followed them, found the area difficult to suppress
because of the nature of the terrain. Consequently, during the years of Islamic
rule, the region was a Christian outpost, formally established as the Kingdom of
Asturias in 722. Since the 14th Century, the heir to the Spanish throne has been
given the title of Prince of the Asturias.
The geographical isolation of the region always kept it rather marginalised
from mainstream Spain, although it did have a vital part to play in the
colonisation of the Americas. It was the discovery and industrialised mining of
coal in the 1830s that helped the area become more prosperous.
Asturias was fiercely dedicated to the democratic republican ideals during
the Spanish Civil War to such an extent that Franco refused to allow the use of
the region’s traditional name; from 1936 until his death it became known only as
the Province of Oviedo. The traditional name was restored in 1977.
Language of Asturias
Castilian Spanish is the only official language of the region although
Asturian, sometimes known as Bable, is spoken by about half a million people.
Asturian, which has been traced back to writings in 1155, is a Romance language,
linked with Mirandese and you might see some signposts and street names in both
languages.
Economy of Asturias
During the Franco years, the coal mining and steel production of the area was
by far its biggest economic asset but this declined rapidly towards the end of
the twentieth century. This led to a return to the more traditional Asturian
products of agriculture and fishing coming more to the fore. Cattle raising is
especially important and Asturian milk can be seen throughout the country.
Although unemployment is higher than the national average, recent developments
in the service industries have slowed the rate down and tourism is now
significantly more widespread than it was previously as ‘Green Spain’ becomes
more popular with overseas’ visitors. Flag of Asturias
Climate of Asturias
Summer in Asturias is generally warm and sunny – although not without rain.
The winter weather varies significantly between the coast and the interior
mountains. Along the coastal strip, the winters are generally mild and wet, but
in the mountain areas they can be very cold, and snow is likely between November
and May. This is one of Spain’s wettest regions with some parts having as much
as 2000mm annually.
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