Asturias, Spain: Cider, Coastlines, and an Eclipse

Most travelers heading to Spain think of Barcelona, Madrid, or the sunny Mediterranean coast. But along Spain’s northern coast is Asturias, a lush, green region with dramatic cliffs, beautiful fishing villages, distinctive food traditions, and a culture all its own.

In this episode, Christopher and Ashleigh continue their Spanish adventure in Gijón, a coastal city on the Bay of Biscay, where they’ve traveled to experience a total solar eclipse and spend time with local friends.

Their visit offers a different side of Spain, where cider is poured dramatically from overhead, hearty regional dishes are everywhere, and evenings unfold in lively neighborhood plazas. Along the way, they discover both the rewards and occasional frustrations of exploring a destination that sees relatively few American visitors.

In this episode:

• Discovering Gijón: Exploring the beachfront, historic Cimavilla neighborhood, scenic coastal walks, and the everyday rhythm of northern Spain.
• Eclipse Travel on a budget: How booking a hotel well ahead of the eclipse saved more than $1,000, plus practical experiences using local buses and trains.
• A region devoted to cider: Visiting traditional sidrerías, learning the art of pouring Asturian sidra, and sampling regional specialties like cachopo and fabada.
• Chasing a solar eclipse: An improvised road trip through the Asturian countryside as changing cloud cover threatens their carefully planned eclipse experience.
• A day in Oviedo: Exploring Asturias’ capital, its historic streets, free museums, and a memorable lunch on a street filled with cider houses.
• The beauty of Cudillero: Visiting a picturesque fishing village built into the hills above the sea and enjoying a leisurely seafood dinner with local friends.
• Travel lessons learned: Why dinner timing matters, what to expect from hotels without air conditioning, and how personal connections can transform a trip.

During the Wine Break, Christopher and Ashleigh open a bottle of Spanish cava, explain what distinguishes it from Champagne and Prosecco, and make the case for this often-overlooked sparkling wine.

From an eclipse hidden behind the clouds to a spontaneous village picnic, this trip is a reminder that the most memorable moments aren’t always the ones you planned.

Join us for an exploration of northern Spain and a conversation about traveling thoughtfully, finding good value, and discovering the places and experiences that make a destination special.

Go See Do Explore: Travel more thoughtfully. Discover more along the way.