Asturias is a small region in the north-west of Spain, bordered by Galicia, Cantabria and Castile and Leon. To the north lies an Atlantic coast and the Bay of Biscay. The provincial capital is Oviedo. Outside of Spain, this is a relatively unknown region, making it well worth a visit for those who want a retreat from Spain's busier areas.

Asturias is very mountainous with the Cantabrian mountains forming its southern border, with the magnificent Picos de Europa National Park being one of the biggest attractions. Bears and wolves can still be found here. However, along with Galicia, Asturias forms what is known as Green Spain, with verdant valleys and rolling hills providing a contrast to the drama of the mountains. The coast has impressive cliffs interspersed with coves, caves and sandy beaches, many of which can be surprisingly empty. The climate is cooler and a little wetter than in much of Spain, largely consistent with its latitude and elevated terrain.

This is a region of outdoor activities, with fishing, golfing and surfing being very popular as well as climbing, hiking and skiing in the mountains. The beach is an obvious attraction in the summer.

Asturian cuisine features alot of seafood, although its most popular regional dish is fabada asturiana, somewhat similar to French cassoulet. Cider is the regional drink.

Despite being somewhat off the beaten track, there is a good range of private places to rent here - apartments and villas on the coast, stone cottages and houses inland. Holiday homes in the mountains are a little more chalet style, with pitched roofs although they tend to be built of stone rather than wood.