Asturias

The former principality of Asturias, now a province named after its capital, Oviedo, is a mountainous region extending along the Bay of Biscay to the west of Santander province, almost completely occupied by the Cantabrian Mountains, here rising to Alpine altitudes and reaching a height of 2642m/8668ft in the Picos de Europa. In the west they are wild and rugged, offering unexpectedly romantic mountain scenery. High passes run south through the range, but only the Puerto de Pajares, which is followed by the road from Oviedo to Leon, links Asturias with central Spain.

Asturias resisted the Moorish invasion in the 8th century, laying the foundation for the come back of Christian Spain. Following this many churches and important buildings were built in the region. Some of these pre-Romanesque structures can still be seen, particularly near Ovied, the capital of Asturias.

The rural areas also offer a variety of attractions. Much of the Picos de Europa mountain range lies within Asturias, allowing for great walking opportunities. Picturesque villages and beach towns, which line the coast, also attract a large number of visitors.