A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Villaviciosa
From traditional cider houses to high-end restaurants, Villaviciosa offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich Asturian cuisine. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:
El Congreso Restaurant
Located in the center of Villaviciosa, El Congreso Restaurant is known for its excellent Asturian cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as Asturian fabada, cachopo and the famous Cabrales cheese. In addition, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
El Portal Cider House
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, El Portal Cider House is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Asturian dishes, such as corn tortos, cider chorizo and fabes with clams. In addition, its extensive cider menu will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Asturian ciders.
Casa España Restaurant
With a long tradition in Villaviciosa, Casa España Restaurant is a benchmark of Asturian cuisine. Its menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from the most traditional to its own creations, always with the highest quality products. Its fish and seafood stand out, as well as its excellent service.
El Llagar Tavern
El Llagar Tavern is a meeting place for lovers of good food and cider. Its rustic and cozy atmosphere, along with its varied gastronomic offer, make this place an ideal option to enjoy authentic Asturian cuisine.
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.
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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.
Helly Hansen Sport II Chaleco de Ayuda a la flotabilidadNavega con seguridad y estilo con el Helly Hansen Sport II, un chaleco de ayuda a la flotabilidad diseñado para aventureros acuáticos conscientes de su seguridad. Este chaleco unisex para adultos no solo ofrece protección y flotabilidad en el agua, sino que también asegura comodidad y libertad de movimiento para cualquier actividad, desde la vela hasta el kayak. Con la calidad y el diseño que caracterizan a Helly Hansen, este chaleco es una pieza esencial en tu equipo de deportes acuáticos. No comprometas tu seguridad ni tu rendimiento; elige el Helly Hansen Sport II y disfruta del agua con confianza y tranquilidad.
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.
Tabla Hinchable de Paddle Surf,Transforma tu manera de explorar el agua con la Tabla Hinchable de Paddle Surf, que incluye un Asiento de Kayak para versatilidad sin igual. Con dimensiones generosas de 330 x 76 x 15 cm y capacidad de hasta 150 kg, esta tabla está diseñada para estabilidad y rendimiento, integrando una almohadilla para mayor comodidad y una aleta desprendible para una navegación precisa. Completa con un doble remo ajustable y kit de reparación, es el equipo perfecto para aventureros que buscan calidad y funcionalidad. Vive la aventura en el agua; adquiere tu tabla hoy y disfruta de la libertad de paddle surf y kayak con un solo equipo.
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.
Wilson Staff Guante de Golf Grip PlusMejora tu juego y siente la diferencia en cada swing con el Wilson Staff Guante de Golf Grip Plus. Diseñado para la mano izquierda, este guante de construcción multitejido ofrece un agarre excepcional y un confort inigualable, permitiéndote mantener el control en todas las condiciones. Perfecto para golfistas exigentes que buscan rendimiento y durabilidad, el Grip Plus es la elección de los campeones. No dejes al azar tu próximo golpe; elige Wilson Staff y experimenta la precisión como nunca antes.
Cycling
The roads and paths of Villaviciosa are ideal for cycling. You can rent a bicycle and explore the area at your own pace.
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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:
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