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Discovering Villaviciosa: The Apple Capital of Spain

Introduction

Located on the eastern coast of Asturias, Villaviciosa is a charming town known for its rich history, impressive architecture, and above all, for being the apple capital of Spain. With its picturesque old town, beautiful natural landscapes, and famous cider, Villaviciosa is a destination that should not be missed on any traveler's itinerary when visiting Asturias.

The Old Town of Villaviciosa

The old town of Villaviciosa is a place full of charm, with narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful houses with wrought iron balconies, and a large number of historical buildings. Among them stands out the Church of Santa María de la Oliva, a beautiful example of Asturian Gothic architecture, and the Casa de los Hevia, an impressive 16th century mansion that today houses the Town Hall of Villaviciosa.

The Ría de Villaviciosa

The Ría de Villaviciosa is an estuary of great ecological value that has been declared a Partial Nature Reserve. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature and observe a wide variety of birds. In addition, its surroundings are home to several beaches, such as Rodiles, one of the most beautiful in Asturias.

The Cider of Villaviciosa

Villaviciosa is famous for its cider, a traditional Asturian drink made from apples. The city hosts several cider houses where you can taste this delicious drink and learn about its production process. In addition, every year Villaviciosa celebrates the Apple Festival, an event that pays tribute to cider and the apple, the two symbols of the city.

Romanesque in Villaviciosa

Villaviciosa is also known for its numerous Romanesque buildings. Among them stands out the Monastery of San Salvador de Valdediós, known as "the Conventín", which is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Asturias. Another place of interest is the Church of San Andrés de Valdebárzana, a jewel of rural Asturian Romanesque.

The Gastronomy of Villaviciosa

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Villaviciosa. The city offers a wide variety of typical Asturian dishes, such as fabada, cachopo or frixuelos. In addition, one should not forget to try the desserts made with apple, such as apple pie or rice pudding.

Gastronomic Products of Villaviciosa

• Villaviciosa Cider

  Villaviciosa is known as the cider capital of Asturias. Cider is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from apples, and Villaviciosa is famous for its high-quality production. The city hosts numerous cider houses where you can taste this refreshing and slightly acidic drink.

• Asturian Fabada

  The Asturian fabada is a traditional dish from the region that can be enjoyed in Villaviciosa. This hearty and satisfying stew is made with fabes (a variety of white beans), chorizo, black pudding and is often served with cornbread. It is a comforting and nutritious dish, perfect for cold days.

• Cabrales Cheese

  Although Cabrales cheese is produced in the council of Cabrales, it can also be enjoyed in Villaviciosa. This strong and spicy blue cheese is made with cow, sheep and goat milk, and is cured in natural caves. It is a cheese with character and an unmistakable flavor that is loved by cheese lovers.

• Asturian Empanada

  The Asturian empanada is another traditional dish that can be found in Villaviciosa. Unlike empanadas from other regions of Spain, the Asturian empanada is made with a bread dough and is filled with a variety of fillings, such as tuna, cod, meat or even apple, a tribute to the rich cider tradition of the region.

Sport Activities in Villaviciosa, Asturias

Hiking

With routes of great natural beauty, Villaviciosa is an ideal destination for hiking lovers. You can explore routes such as the Ría de Villaviciosa and the Camino de Santiago.

Canoeing

The Ría de Villaviciosa is a perfect place to practice canoeing. With calm waters and an impressive natural environment, it's an experience you can't miss.

Surfing

The beaches of Villaviciosa are known for their good surfing conditions. Beaches like Rodiles are a meeting point for surfers from all over the world.

Golf

If you like golf, in Villaviciosa you will find the Villaviciosa Golf Club, a course with excellent facilities and panoramic views of the estuary.

Cycling

The roads and paths of Villaviciosa are ideal for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and explore the area at your own pace.

Places near Villaviciosa

If you are in Villaviciosa and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Rodiles, in Asturias, Spain, is a natural paradise with stunning beaches, perfect for surf lovers. Its local cuisine, rich in seafood and cider, offers an authentic and delicious culinary experience.

Lastres, a charming Asturian fishing village, offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea and a rich cuisine based on fresh seafood. Its old town, full of steep streets and colorful houses, is a must-see tourist destination.