The Principality fosters authentic experiences in its biosphere reserves and coastal areas

Asturias has boosted its position as one of Europe’s leading natural destinations following the addition of 38 unique experiences to the Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve project, an EU funding-backed network fostered by northern peninsular communities The region offers a sustainable and diverse range of experiences provided by 83 local companies, giving visitors the opportunity to explore its natural, cultural, and gastronomic richness through immersive experiences in protected and unique spaces all over the region. The Asturian region unfolds a mosaic of landscapes where the deep green of the mountains blends with the blue of the Cantabrian Sea, creating a host of proposals where each and every activity is experienced to the max. From observing the bearded vulture in the Picos de Europa to spotting the brown bear in Somiedo, visitors can delve deep into the biodiversity of the 8 protected areas within the ecotourism network. Some of the stand-out experiences include nighttime snowshoeing in Las Ubiñas–La Mesa, strolls through riparian forests along the Villaviciosa estuary, and interpretive hikes in the Redes and Ponga natural parks. Moreover, there is no better backdrop than rivers, mountains, and valleys for wool workshops with Xalda sheep and edible plant foraging, not to mention some ecological canoeing down the Sella River.

Kayaking or canoeing down the Sella River are among the most authentic activities in the Asturias region © Shutterstock

Activities such as “Cheesemaker for a Day”, making sweet cider using traditional methods, or trying your hand at ancient crafts like wool spinning led by the filandeiras ooze the living culture of rural life. Every activity has a gastronomic side to it: from the taste of Gamonéu cheese (where it comes from) to wine tourism in Fuentes del Narcea, not to mention discovering the liquid gold flowing from the Asturian mountains. The Principality is committed to preserving its natural heritage while also harnessing it as the driving force behind sustainable development. With its extensive network of protected areas, unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism, not to mention its rich cultural diversity, there is nowhere quite like Asturias for those seeking transformative experiences, away from the hustle and bustle right in the heart of nature.