Asturias, Oviedo

Combining the elegance of French architecture with the irresistible culture Spain, accommodation in Asturias nothing short of incredible. If you really want to get the most bang for your buck, consider a stay at the Castillo del Bosque la Zoreda which is built in the style of a crenellated villa and offers every modern convenience. Thrifty tourists should head into the city centre, where they can find plenty of quality hotels for a low price, including Ayre Hotel Alfonso II and the Silken Monumental Naranco.

Asturias is a shopper’s paradise with everything from sprawling malls to tiny independent high streets. If you want to go on a frantic shopping spree you should head to the intu Asturias shopping centre which offers hundreds of big name brands. Alternatively, those in search of some traditional keepsakes should head out in search of the smaller villages in the mountainous parts of the region, where it’s easy to find many local craftsmen.

As with any nation bordering water, seafood is the order of the day for visitors to Asturias. Local fishers reel in everything from lobsters to razor clams and fresh prawns, a true lover of seafood will be in heaven. However, those who aren’t as enamoured with fish can find plenty to enjoy - including the region's famous selection of cheese and hearty pork stew. If you have a sweet tooth you should venture out to Gijon, which is said to have more bakeries per capita than any other destination in Spain.

Asturias has a unique culture that celebrates many festivals in a way unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you fancy making one of these events the centre of your holiday we have a few recommendations:

Festival of Santa Maria Magdalena

Held in the small town of Llanes, this festival is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene and sees groups of men and boys carry huge logs throughout the town to build a gigantic bonfire. The incredible spectacle of the finished fire makes this a great celebration for kids and adults alike.

Lent Carnival

Held at the start of lent, this festival takes place across every city in the region as revellers dress up, parade and play games. The day is dedicated to entertaining the younger generation while the evening is often more aimed at adults with a music festival or other activities running into the night.