Avilés

A historic port city with an attractive medieval old town and the striking modern Niemeyer Cultural Center. It offers a mix of arcaded plazas, churches, and contemporary architecture.

Things to do

• Explore the Casco Histórico — Wander the medieval old town's narrow lanes lined with noble houses, arcades, and small squares.
• Visit Centro Niemeyer — Tour Oscar Niemeyer's striking white cultural complex on the waterfront, home to exhibitions, film and performing arts.
• See Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari — Step into this Gothic church on Plaza de España, one of the town's oldest religious landmarks.
• Stroll Calle Galiana — Walk beneath the colorful arcaded facades of this iconic medieval street lined with bars and shops.
• Admire Palacio de Camposagrado — Look up at this Baroque palace with its distinctive twisted columns near the old town center.
• Relax in Parque del Muelle — Enjoy this green riverside park along the estuary, popular for an evening stroll near the Niemeyer Center.
• Check out Plaza de España — Sit at a terrace on this lively arcaded square surrounded by historic buildings and the town hall.

Food to try

• Fabada asturiana — A hearty bean stew with chorizo, morcilla, and pork, the region's signature comfort dish.
• Sidra natural — Try Asturian cider poured from height (escanciada) in a local sidrería, a regional ritual as much as a drink.
• Cachopo — A generous breaded veal or beef fillet stuffed with ham and cheese, a filling local specialty.
• Oricios — Fresh sea urchins served in season, a prized delicacy along this stretch of the Asturian coast.
• Queso Cabrales — A pungent, strong blue cheese from the region, often served with cider or crusty bread.
• Arroz con leche asturiano — A creamy rice pudding dessert, often caramelized on top, found in most local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn the cider pour — Cider is poured from high above the glass to aerate it, and you're expected to drink it quickly in one go.
• Respect siesta hours — Many small shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon, especially outside the main tourist streets.
• Catch El Bollo festival — held around Easter Tuesday, this local festival features parades, music, and traditional sweet bread called bollu.
• August fiestas — Fiestas de San Agustín in late August bring concerts, fireworks, and street celebrations throughout the old town.