Cottage for 2, views of Picos de Europa, Asturias, Northern Spain

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Rustical´s review                                                     See prices

This lovely little Asturian cottage is situated in the Sierra del Sueve, the pretty range of misty hills that rises up almost directly from the Atlantic coastline. It’s walking distance to the village bar and restaurant and 20 minutes’ drive from beaches.

The views tell the story.

It’s not just a gorgeous location: it’s a great base for holiday options, too. There’s walking in the Sueve itself, in the Picos de Europa, swimming at well cared-for beaches, visits to fishing villages (Lastres and Tazones are especially recommended), strolls round tiny, ancient hamlets like Espinaredo, not to mention the justly famed local cuisine and sampling different sorts of cider and cheese… there’s even a top quality Japanese restaurant nearby.

The accommodation is traditional on the outside and modern on the inside. It’s very neat, uncomplicated and sunny. The large windows that wrap round the upstairs living area like a gallery mean that fabulous views are ever present: you can open the windows and really breathe in Asturias.


The upstairs room is a bright, wood-floored and open-plan living/dining room and kitchen. The kitchen has built-in appliances that keep it tidy and a large worktop for food preparation. The views are of a grand, evergreen valley that sweeps down from the Sierra del Sueve with the Picos de Europa in the distance (40 minutes by car: not far). All you see are cows, hillsides, forests and the rugged scenery of the Picos – looking more alpine Swiss than Spanish – daubed with snow patches.

A staircase takes you down to a double bedroom and a small hallway off which the shower room/WC leads. Doors open from the bedroom to a 20 m² terrace with two garden chairs. The upper gallery is supported by wooden pillars to provide a measure of shade, but most people prefer to sit out in the sun. Alongside is a small garden area.

The cottage is located 11 km from Infiesto (see Asturias map) on the edge of the pretty hamlet of Anayo, along a lane that takes you into deep tranquillity and privacy, with very few houses (AT11 is one of them) nearby and not disturbing your independence and peace and quiet.

About 150 metres from the house is a traditional bar-restaurant whose set meal of the day promises a generous serving of tasty home-cooked food. It’s the kind of place where old men play cards and other local games. Well off the beaten track. There’s no written menu, instead the cook will tell you – or show you – what’s cooking. Food can also be ordered to be taken away.

For a touch of sophistication, the Japanese restaurant in Robledo de Anayo (just 5 minutes from the cottage) is regarded as the best in Asturias. It’s pretty special and needs to be booked in advance. Once again, the views are wonderful.

Holidays in Asturias place you in a traditional culture, where people maintain many customs including the celebration of fairs: do ask when you’re there if there’s a feria on somewhere, as it’s not something to be missed or readily forgotten.

Otherwise, the Sueve hills and majestic Picos mountains have trails and vistas to keep you rambling almost endlessly, and if you long for the sea, it’s only a short drive.

The well preserved fishing village of Lastres, for example, is only 25 minutes away. Right by Lastres and overlooking the sea (you can make it out in the distance in one of the photos) is the Jurassic Museum, which celebrates the major find of dinosaur remains here. On the sandy beach below you can see fossilized dinosaur footprints.

The string of beaches along the cliff-lined coast range from the barely discovered and semi-wild to quite busy (but only by Northern Spain standards) little coves. Read our guide to the best beaches in Asturias and take your pick!

If you need to connect to Internet during your stay, the forward-thinking local townhall in Infiesto (11 km) provides free internet with computers provided at a municipal centre. There's also WiFi at certain café-bars if you bring a laptop.

Facilities
4-ring vitroceramic hob; microwave; kettle; coffee maker; toaster; blender; fridge-freezer; washing machine; iron & board; hairdryer; central heating (included); TV (Spanish channels only); DVD; all linen provided; nearby parking.

Distribution
On two floors
Ground floor: hallway to shower room/WC and double-bedded room (bed is 1.35 x 2.00 m); hallway and bedroom have direct access to private terrace
First floor: open-plan living / dining room / kitchen
Exterior: 20 m² private terrace; parking.

Notes
-No pets accepted at this property (sorry)

Location & Distances
In a very quiet neighbourhood on the edge of the small village of Anayo, walking distance to its one bar-restaurant and very basic shopping.

Anayo village (one bar/restaurant, very simple shopping)	8 mins walk
Robledo de Anayo (excellent Japanese restaurant)	5 km
Infiesto (most facilities)	11 km
Rodiles beach	20 mins
Lastres (fishing village, Jurassic Museum)	30 mins
Picos de Europa National Park	40 mins
Gijon or Oviedo	45 mins
Asturias Airport (Aviles)	1 hr
Santander Airport and Ferry terminal	2 hrs

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