Asturias is home to the soaring picos de Europa mountain range. These spectacular peaks contrast sharply with  green pasture lands and dense forestes that stretch out to the seaside. An impressive array of flora and fauna can be seen from the seaside all they way up to the tallest mountains at around 10,000 feet. In the summer months, it is common to see shepherds moving heards of sheep, goats and cows up from the valleys to higher altitudes to graze. The area is famous for its Queso de Cabrales (blue cheese) and hearty meat & bean filled stews called Fabada and Pote. Dining in this area is definitely something special. Some villages in the picos, while incredibly charming, almost seem lost in time as they can be so isolated and even only accesible by foot or mule. For the adventurous, we have the option of visiting some of these villages, only accesible by an exposed/airy path that climbs steeply above they canyon floor. In these highland areas, an indigenous romance language known as Bable still exists and is spoken by over 100,000 people as their first language. This is truly a hikers paradise and our options are numerous depending on your ability. Highlights and possibilities include the Cares River Gorge (a stone pathway carved out of the side of the canyon rock that leads to the village of Cain), hiking to the base of Naranjo de Bulnes peak (also known as Pic Urriellu in the indigenous language), or hiking to the Vegarredonda mountain refuge. Those not interested in the hikes have great options as well. Mountain villages like Potes won't disappoint, nor will their traditional eating establishments known as Siderias, a word that references the cider brew they produce from local apples. The capitol Oviedo, a city of 230,000 habitants, should also not be missed as it contains a very rich architectural history dating from the earliest of the medieval times. The Cathedral in the old town is impressive and houses the Cross of Victory.  Volunteer Opportunities here include working with a Environmental NGO that monitors a bear population and ensures their survival through re-forestation policies.  Towards the state of Cantabria, fans of art nouveau will be surprised and impressed with the town of Comillas, where Anotnio Gaudi decided to construct impressive modernista works of art for the first time outside of his homeland of Catalonia. Cantabria is also a region with more upper-paleolithic archaeological artefacts in the world. Perhaps you have heard of the Altamira caves (near to Santillana del Mar), some of the earliest works of art done by man 38,000 years ago that show wild animals and human hands suggesting a type of hunting ritual. For the outdoor enthusiasts, you needn't worry. We have explored this coastline well on foot, bike and by surfing its coastline. We make a special effort to introduce you to the best and most scenic spots for the nature lovers and for those that want activities to round out their time here.