Asturias is a great destination for a short winter break. Despite the expected cold weather at this time of year, there are many attractions, as rural tourism in the Principality has gradually diversified and become less seasonal, offering all kinds of leisure activities: nature , culture , gastronomy , heritage , traditional events , and countless breathtaking views .
Each geographical area of the Principality contributes its own unique value to rural tourism. The common denominator, however, is the concept of quality , a quality that in winter is also intimate and welcoming, characterized by the tranquil pace of its villages, the wintery charm of its landscapes, and its cozy accommodations.
The existing hospitality sector has also generated numerous parallel projects, mainly in traditionally depressed rural and mountain areas. There has been increased activity in sectors such as retail, restaurants , local agricultural products, and crafts.
Furthermore, the high presence of active tourism or adventure sports companies in the vicinity of the accommodations completes a rural tourism offering many leisure options for all ages and audiences.
Rural accommodations in Asturias vary in style, although professionalism is paramount in all of them.
Village houses are a magnificent tool for promoting and developing local rural areas, as well as offering a way to connect with nature, traditions, and Asturian culture for all those who choose to enjoy their interiors. In the last seven years, the number of these houses has grown from 50 to over 500. They are a type of accommodation located in rural hamlets, generally in areas with little or no hotel infrastructure. They can be booked in two ways: Shared Village House, where rooms are rented individually within the family home, including breakfast; and Entire Village House: for the exclusive use of the renter, with conditions that allow for immediate occupancy. Village houses are classified from one to three triskeles (a symbol indicating the quality of their services) and are identified by the acronym CA.
Rural hotels are those located in buildings of significant architectural value or that reflect the traditional architecture of the area. Like other hotels, they are classified from 1 to 5 stars, depending on the services they offer to guests.
Tourist apartments are defined as blocks or groups of accommodation units consisting of a living/dining room, bedroom or bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom or toilet, fully equipped with all necessary facilities, furniture, and equipment. Equipped with every comfort, these rural apartments are sometimes located in buildings of traditional architecture: rustic houses, farmhouses, or manor houses carefully restored to preserve their original charm. In other cases, they are recently constructed buildings, faithful to the local architecture and typically integrated into their surroundings. They are classified from 1 to 4 keys according to their services.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
