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Barcelona, Madrid and countless Spanish islands have a new report to thank for taking the figurative monkey off their backs and hyping an undiscovered destination as Spain’s hotspot of 2025.
As Spain has exploded in popularity (much to the chagrin of locals), there’s a lesser-known city without crowds and timeless wonders just waiting to be explored.
Best of all, there are no ‘anti-tourism’ protests or smelly ‘Karens’ to put you off. Oh, how refreshing.
Instead, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals eager for an economic boost, hearty tapas bars, captivating UNESCO-recognized architecture, and of course, traditional markets and cheap wine.
After all, it is the capital of Asturias, a region full of breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled flavors.
Oviedo: Spain’s best alternative to the cities where it has already been done
ABTA is a British trade association representing tour operators, travel agencies and other travel-related businesses.
Time-out has just revealed that the ABTA has set its sights on Oviedo, Astoria’s lesser-known gem, as the Spanish destination for 2025 to beat the crowds in cities where tourists no longer feel welcome.
Between protests, ugly anti-tourism graffiti and locals occasionally wrongly taking action into their own hands, places like Oviedo have gained a new appreciation for travelers who want to enjoy the delights of Spain without the fuss of overtourism.
Oviedo has over 200,000 inhabitants and dates back to the 8th century and officially became the capital of Asturias in 810 AD.
So when I say this city is a treasure trove of timeless charm, it’s a literal statement. While it may be tempting to visit icons like Barcelona and Madrid, imagine experiencing similar historical wonders without resisting pesky selfie sticks.
Such is the case here with religious sites such as the 9th-century Church of Santa María del Naranco and the Church of San Julián de los Prados, and the unmissable Oviedo Cathedral anchoring the city center.
As we delve deeper into Oviedo’s fascinating timeline, there’s a hidden gem not to be missed Archaeological Museum of Asturiaswith archaeological remains from different parts of Asturias.
There is no shortage of sights, despite being much smaller than the Spanish metropolises. Oviedo’s picturesque squares are beautiful to explore and take memorable photos as you browse the local markets and enjoy local eateries, where free tapas are a must in places like Jamon Jamon.
Wine and Dine in Oviedo
There’s no such thing as a bad meal in Spain, but why not head to the heart of the country’s famous cuisine?
Being the capital of Asturias, there is no better place to enjoy local dishes and sip good wine at ultra-cheap prices.
This foodie paradise is teeming with savory dishes that you’d be hard-pressed to find at home Fabada Asturianaa bean stew considered a staple of the region, among other artery-clogging entrees Cachopoa beef fillet, usually stuffed with ham and cheese, and of course a sweet tooth Carbayones.
Seafood is also on a whole other level, combining common catches such as octopus and monkfish into unforgettable meals.
As far as wine goes, there’s certainly no shortage of vineyards to enjoy, but another way to pick your poison is by indulging in another Asturian delicacy: Shadraor as well known at home as cider.
You will find many Sidrerias to enjoy, perhaps even more than wine. La Finca Sidreria Agrobar is a popular place located in the city center, close to all the above-mentioned historical sites.
How affordable is Oviedo?
Airline tickets are usually the most expensive part of any trip. While Oviedo doesn’t necessarily have its own airport, Astoria does in nearby Santiago del Monte, about 17 miles away, connecting major hubs such as London, Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon with budget airlines. Volotea And Ryanair.
Financially speaking, you have a solid start. Hotels are also easy to score great deals on, and because it’s such a historic city, Oviedo’s timeless allure translates into their range of accommodations, from $40 old-fashioned boutique hotels to $80 Airbnbs.
However, if it were me, I’d splurge on a five-star hotel where old world meets modern luxury. Eurostar Hotel de la Reconquistajust 2 blocks from the scenic city park, Campo San Fanciscosurrounded by cozy cafes, quirky monuments and dazzling cathedrals.
As mentioned, food and wine won’t break the bank either. According to Expatistana bottle of local red wine costs $6, for reference.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
