Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +34 for Spain
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +34 98 551 9331. Open from 8.30am-10pm Monday-Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday.
Taxi :
The fare is about €46 to Oviedo, €41 to Gijón and €21 to Avilés.
Bus :
An express bus service leaves for Oviedo and Gijón 7am-midnight, every hour, on the hour (except at 10pm). Tickets: €5.60.
(20 La Fruta, Avilés. Tel. 98 554 1065) Not only does this cosy and recently opened pizzeria serve arguably the best pizzas in town, it also offers a good-value lunchtime set menu, served with a smile.
(23 Ruiz Gómez, Avilés. Tel. 98 483 2701) Fun, new eatery in the centre of Avilés with converted warehouse-style décor. It serves tried and tested Asturian dishes at reasonable prices.
(26 Marques de San Esteban, Gijón. Tel. 98 535 0049) In the mood for good food? Up-market and snazzy but still laid back, Tapelia serves locally sourced food with an international twist. Succulent seafood, chicken and vegetable-based rice dishes, followed by desserts to die for.
(16 Avenida Santander, Oviedo . Tel. 98 522 0028) Eat in style to the soothing sounds of classical music at one of Oviedo’s most famous restaurants. Tip-top modern décor, top-notch service and substantial, mouth-watering cuisine make for a memorable meal. The lamb comes highly recommended, as does hake or squid cooked in its own ink.
(4 Martinez Vigil, Oviedo . Tel. ) Lively bar on Oviedo’s main pub/club drag, blasting out funk, fusion and instrumental music by local musicians at the weekend.
(19 Bances Candamo, Avilés. Tel. ) Funky atmosphere and décor, 80s music and off-the-wall DJs make this one of the town’s coolest venues. Open until 5.30am at the weekend.
On the ground
Shop
Kit yourself out with stylish gear made in Spain by famous designer Adolfo Dominguez at one of his boutiques in the region (7 Covadonga, Gijón; 70 Cabrales, Gijón; 5 Milicias Nacionales, Oviedo. www.adolfodominguez.com).
Insider Tip
Wondering what to do when shops and museums close from 1.30pm-4.30pm? Gijón’s Botanical Gardens remain open and are a great place to relax amid beautiful vegetation (Jardin Botánico Atlántico, Avenida del Jardin Botánico).
Key Area
It’s a good time of year to join the locals as they enjoy the sea air and wander around Gijón’s Puerto Deportivo (marina). Packed with good bars and restaurants, it's also home to the Palacio Revillagigedo gallery.
This month
Keep an eye out for details about regional Ascension Day events this month. Oviedo celebrates in a big way with its fair on La Losa. Marquee-holders sell Asturian crafts, local cheeses and cider, while street performers entertain the crowds (2-4 May).
Day Tripping
Caldas de Luna
–
Escape the hubbub for a day at Caldas de Luna, a mountain spa town just 45 minutes from Oviedo, in the province of León. Pamper yourself in beautiful surroundings with a massage and all types of hydrotherapy (Tel. 98 759 2224. www.balneariocaldasdeluna.com, Spanish only).
No way!
The origin of the former Kingdom of Asturias came under scrutiny recently when carbon dating from archaeological excavations in Raíces revealed the Castillo de Gauzón was probably built in the seventh century—two centuries earlier than previously believed.
