When we open the doors of the Principality of Asturias, we find one of the most charming territories: Villaviciosa. It's known for being an "Apple Capital" for the large number of apple trees that grow on its land, having as a result, apple-cider, one of its typical drinks.
It's the capital of the council of the same name and, did you know that the largest estuary in the entire Principality is here? A place quite popular among wildlife lovers since this territory highlights the bird watching area.
There are many tourists attracted by its coast, where we highlight the Cantabrian Sea, where you will be able to lie on any of its beaches if you plan something calmer, and for the adventurers? Its destination, especially for surfers, is Rodiles Beach, one of the most impressive on the Cantabrian coast.
Villaviciosa is part of the Cider Region, where rural tourism is one of the economic engines. A walk through its framework will make you enjoy the many apple orchards and wineries where you can stop to taste a little cider.
There is a whole culture around this drink, including the Cider Festival, a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.
But this is not the only reference of its gastronomy, since in this area seafood and fish are very common, which you can taste next to Puerto de Tazones, a historic place, where Carlos V disembarked the first time he arrived in Spanish territory.
Let's not forget another fundamental pillar for rural tourism in Villaviciosa: its cultural and historical heritage, in which reference is made, especially to the Romanesque and pre-Romanesque currents.
You can see some of the clear signs of this style in the Santa María de la Oliva Church or Santa María de Lugás.
The Monumental Complex of Valdediós stands out, in which El Conventín is the best example of Pre-Romanesque Art in Asturias. Next to this place is the Monastery of Santa María de Valdediós, a building that you can visit delight yourself with its three heights full of arches.
It should be noted that Villaviciosa is one of those areas that touch the famous Camino de Santiago, with a route that includes towns such as the Aldea de Sietes, which contrasts with what has already been seen in its church and with Renaissance origin. Perfect for nature and hiking lovers. Something that stands out in this little jewel among nature, it's the granaries and bread baskets, typical of the Asturian territory.
The cherry on top will be a gastronomic day like never before and, if we talk about delicious food, in Villaviciosa you are going to get fed up.
You can find its most famous flavours in dishes such as sausage with cider or "the pixín". Nor can we forget the cheeses and, of course, the jewel in the crown: fabada. You can't leave without trying it.
Save room for dessert because a delicious rice pudding or some frixuelos awaits you. Your mouth will water!
