A hidden gem in the Spanish North (Oviedo)

Member Name: Vandersar

Product:	Oviedo
Date:	24/08/09 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, cultured, no crowds.

Disadvantages: No big name attractions.

Oviedo is definitely one of Spain's hidden treasures: a small, cosmopolitan city with a great range of cuisine and nightlife for all manner of tastes. If you're looking to explore a part of Spain that is a world apart from the sun and sand of the South but still offers a great deal of culture, scenery and life then give Oviedo and the Costa Verde a try and you won't regret the change.

As I lived for nearly a year in Oviedo, I got to know the city really well and have since been back several times. Ok, it doesn't have the bright lights and bustle of Madrid or Barcelona but it is definitely a vibrant city which is well worth a long weekend, if not a full week. It also has the added bonus of being about half the price for food, accommodation and travel.

With EasyJet now flying to Asturias airport (about 20 minutes from Oviedo), this historical city is becoming more and more accessible to visitors from UK. There is a good range of accommodation from youth hostels to budget hotels, or if you prefer to splash out, you could try 'La reconquista' a famous 5* hotel which has hosted the Spanish royal family as well as celebrities like Woody Allen and Arthur Miller. At £110 a night, it's not for the tight-walleted but it does give you luxury. My personal recommendation is the Gran Hotel Regente which is luxurious enough for most travellers and half the price.

Oviedo's centrepiece is its Gothic cathedral with many picturesque plazas
surrounding it and the beautiful 'Parque de San Francisco' where you can spend sunny afternoons relaxing with a book or just enjoying the scenery and wildlife. Dotted around the city are many interesting statues including a life size version of Woody Allen (which stands about 3ft tall and whose glasses are broken off and stolen with astounding regularity) and 'La Gorda' an enormous woman with an even more enormous behind! If you stare out to the hills, you'll see the giant Cristo statue which overlooks the city and can be reached by a short bus ride to the outskirts followed by a challenging but ultimately rewarding walk up to the summit.

Without doubt the best part of Oviedo is its old town with the Sidrerías and restaurants along the Calle Gascona. These offer a great range of food including lots of seafood and of course the famous Asturian Sidra (Cider) which the waiters insist on pouring into your glass from over their heads! Also you can try the Fabada Asturiana which is a deliciously filling bean stew but whatever your taste you won't be disappointed with the range and quality of food in Oviedo. For more authentic Asturian cuisine or loads more local produce, get down to the market in the old town on weekends and take home a taste of Asturias.

If you're still on the streets (and you should be until at least 4 o'clock) you could head deeper into the old town onto the famous Calle Mon which has lots of small bars catering to all musical tastes. Wander down to the Bar Asturiano: a favourite with both international and Spanish students of the City's university, for a warm welcome, live music and a large selection of ales. Interspersed between the bars are the dangerous chupiterías which offer a huge range of shots and concoctions of different colours and potencies to keep your alcohol levels up between bars. This can be particularly dangeous if you get lost among the choice of rock, dance, cheese and Jazz bars on offer. For dance fans, there's the Santa Sebe: an ultra-modern dance club with 3 floors and unisex toilets. However don't miss out on the ultra-laidback Danny's Jazz club: perfect for the end of the night and some relaxed chilled-out chat and music. The friendliness of the locals means the international students and tourists feel at ease among the bars and restaurants and this reflects in the buzzing, happy atmosphere in the old town every night.

The City is also within easy reach of the quiet and beautiful Asturian coast as well as the Picos de Europa which provide breathtaking walks in the historical region around Cangas de Onis and Covadonga.

If you're thinking Spain is just sea, sun and sangría, think again: Oviedo is the perfect location for those wanting to discover a different aspect of Spanish culture in a lighter climate and with more open, green spaces to enjoy. Puxa Asturias!

Summary: Take a break from the Costa del Sol and get to the Costa Verde.