10 October 2011

Cudillero, Amphitheatre on the Cantabrico


Cudillero is a small village of around 6000 people, a number that gets multiplied by many during high season (June-September).  Too small to justify an overnight stay, Cudillero is definitely a MUST on any trip to Northern Spain. However, I will not be the one to say that it wouldn't be lovely to sleep in one of its many colourful houses perched on the hill. Cudillero is also known as the Amphitheatre, as its houses appear to be placed one on top of the other forming a semi circle of box seats looking down at the main square playing as the stage. 

In the summer, swarms of tourists fill up the main square at the bottom of the village to watch the fishermen's boats come into the port with the day's catches which they will sell in the local "lonja" (fish auction) to the many restaurants in the area. So as you may have already guessed, eating in Cudillero is also a MUST. You will enjoy the freshest fish and seafood, from tuna and hake to crab and lobster, all to be washed down by a glass of Sidra. Cider, is the local drink in Asturias and definitely a good subject for another post!

After lunch you can go for a walk up the small streets. It will be exhausting, but well worth the views from the top. Alternatively, a visit to the light house or one of the nearby beaches (Aguilar, del Silencio o Concha de Artedo)  is also highly recommended. 




On this link you will find a streetmap of cudillero plus information on local restaurants, beaches, activities and some more pictures. 


http://www.cudillero.org/mapas-folletos-visitas-guiadas/portada-cudillero/folletos-turisticos_124_1_ap.html


30 September 2011

So what is so special about Northern Spain?

I'm sure most people will be wondering. As a northern Spaniard living abroad I get tired of people's comments when you tell them where you come from.... "oh, how can you cope with the cold weather?" "can you teach me flamenco?", where did you leave your castagnettes?" etc. It can even get a bit annoying but you learn to live with it. At least, that is, until you think, enough is enough and you decide to make sure that people know that Spain is not just sun, beaches, flamenco dancers and guitar players eating paella. Spain is a lot more than that. Spain is a big country, rich in culture, language and people. You could write a book on every little village you come across, even ghost ones.
I want to use this blog to tell the story of Northern Spain, of its weather beaten people, of the treasures hidden and exposed, of its delicious food, of its picturesque but also modern and interesting places.
I hope I make you fall in love with all of it! So make sure you come back for more. Soon you will be hooked and booking your tickets to fly to Oviedo, La Coruña o Bilbao for the next bank holiday!
To be continued very soon....