Asturias is in north west Spain, on the Costa Verde, so called because the landscape is lush and very green, unlike the arid south. It is truly a Natural Paradise, being a combination of rugged mountains, incredibly clear rivers and streams, sandy beaches, rocky coves and fertile farmland. It is one of the last places in Europe where you can still find wild bears and wolves.

The main mountain range is The Picos de Europa, which extends into the neighbouring province of Cantabria. The mountains were given their name by sailors who would know they were nearing home when they saw the 'Peaks of Europe'.

The beauty can be enjoyed by car but there are many ways to get closer to nature; hiking, trekking and climbing, road cycling and mountain biking, 4x4 driving and quad biking, horse riding, swimming and surfing, kayaking and canoeing, river and sea fishing.

Regional specialities are local cheeses such as Cabrales, Gamoneu and Beyos; Fabada Asturiana - a white bean stew with morcilla, chorizo and lardons; and cider (sidra) which is poured from above the head into a glass held at arm's length to "wake it up".