Avilés

The seafaring tradition of its economy has been supplemented since the last century by a diversified industrial activity, and more recently with sectors close to the new technologies, renewable energies, and research and development centres.

A spectacular architectural complex by Oscar Niemeyer stands on the banks of the Avilés firth: the Niemeyer Centre. Opened in the Spring 2011, this complex is a symbol of the modern and driven Asturias of the future.

As the Brazilian architect’s only work in Europe, this centre offers a wide range of meeting halls and rooms that make it possible to hold all types of activities and business, cultural, and social events. With a multi-use, functional architecture, it has more than 40,000 m2 and several large halls, where different types of events can be held.

The area offers an extensive, varied range of hotels, as well as an international airport near the town centre.

Local gastronomy is based on excellent fish, seafood, meat, and locally-grown vegetables. These can be tasted in Michelin-starred restaurants as well as in restaurants that bear the “Mesas de Asturias” quality hallmark. To these are added a wide range of restaurants, tapas bars, and the traditional Asturian cider houses.

The town’s cultural activity revolves around the Niemeyer Centre and the Palacio Valdés Theatre. Opera, theatre, classical and popular music, dance, plastic arts, and film can be enjoyed throughout the year. There is also an appealing range of activities and experiences on offer, such as a spa, an 18-hole golf course, boat tours, and guided visits.

The Historic District is singularly appealing, and visitors can walk through it, visiting fashion shops, crafts shops, bakeries, restaurants, and other leisure areas.

The urban areas of the town are perfectly complemented by beautiful natural and sea landscapes, which allow visitors to enjoy local beaches and the largest dune area in Asturias. In the nearby rural areas visitors can enjoy spectacular natural landscapes and find more about the ethnographic architecture associated with Asturian agricultural and livestock activities.