Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler - Summer '19

SPAIN TRAVELER Cosmopolitan

Summer Edition | June - July 2019

LUXURY BY TRAIN

PRINCIPALITY OF ASTURIAS

CANGAS DE ONIS

Take a trip aboard authentic five-star hotels on rails and enjoy the cultural and scenic attractions of Spain.

Bordering the Bay of Biscay and traversed by the Cantabrian Mountains, this region is a secret waiting to be discovered.

Surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, this Parador awaits you in an incomparably beautiful spot.

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Summer Edition | June - July 2019

Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler

The Tourist Offices of Spain form part of a network of 33 worldwide offices of TURESPAÑA, Spain’s government tourism promotion authority based in Madrid. Four branch offices in the USA (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami) promote leisure and convention travel to consumers, press, and travel professionals in their respective geographic jurisdiction.

CONTENTS

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

LOS ANGELES (West Coast USA) losangeles@tourspain.es

CHICAGO (Midwest USA) chicago@tourspain.es

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Luxury By Train RENFE has a wide range of luxury trains to make the most unforgettable journeys.

NEWYORK (North-East USA) nuevayork@tourspain.es

MIAMI (South-East USA) oetmiami@tourspain.es

08 Principality of Asturias

Visit this charming region in northwest Spain to feel alive and get in touch with nature, leav- ing the stress of everyday life behind.

12 Paradors of Spain: Cangas de Onís

Stay at a former monastery on the banks of the Sella River in a beautiful building with spectacular rooms of stone and wood.

CONNECTWITH US

ON THE COVER

Cares Gorge The Cares Route trekking trail is one of the best in Europe. More on pg. 6. Photo courtesy of Turismo Asturias

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Letter from the Editor

Spain has a very varied climate, ideal to preserve the lush forests. Its geographical location and unique topographic relief create the perfect environment for hiking in the hills and mountain ranges. Lose yourself in the green countryside of the north, from the Pyrenees to Galicia, and enjoy the thrill of observing the most protected wildlife in their natural habitat. You can experience these magical surroundings when you travel on one of many luxurious trains and learn more about its hidden spots: the beautiful coast of northern Spain, lively Andalusia and the beautiful landscapes of Extremadura. The Transcantabrico, either the Great Luxury or the Classic train, the Tourist trains of Galicia, The Al Andalus train, La Robla Express and the Medieval train, offer a range of possibilities, from one-week trips to enjoy every minute of your journey aboard authentic five-star hotels, to day trips that allow you to appreciate the cultural and scenic attractions of various corners of Spain. In addition to their undeniable attractiveness, there is an abundant offer with multiple alternatives in terms of travel time and fares, which make it possible for tailor-made journeys. If you go to Asturias for the first time, without having read or heard anything about it, you will soon discover that it is a paradise with unique art, history and traditions. You will enjoy paintings and engravings made thousands of years ago, as well as pre-Romanesque art. Once you’re in Asturias, you’ll be captivated by its steep mountains, its coast and its deep blue sea, along with its gastronomy, architecture, nature and hospitality. You will also dis- cover beautiful virgin landscapes on an unforgettable trip to the heart of the seven UNE- SCO-listed Biosphere Reserves with a great variety of hiking trails. Asturias is also a shelter for wild animals in Western Europe. Its deep beech and dense oak woods make a natural environment for the brown bear. If you’re a city traveler, Asturias has one more gift for you since its architectural heritage combines tradition and innovation. Don’t miss the opportu- nity to visit the church of St. Mary at Naranco or the Cultural Centre Niemeyer in Avilés.

3 Tourist Office of Spain

Cosmopolitan Spain Traveler

Welcome to the trip of your dreams

LUXURY by TRAIN

RENFE has a wide range of luxury trains to make the most unforgettable journeys

The 2019 Renfe Luxury Tourist Trains, one of the broadest and most attractive rail tourism offers that exist interna- tionally, can already be booked. The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, Transcantábrico Clásico, the Al Andalus train, La Robla Express, the Tourist Trains of Galicia, and the Medieval Train are proposals which range from one-week trips aboard authentic five-star hotels on rails to day trips to enjoy the cultural and scenic attractions of various corners of Spain.

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The Al Andalus , El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo and El Transcantábrico Clásico are authentic gems of the historical railway heritage, which over the course of several days travel the most representative places of Spanish geography. Itineraries that combine landscape, nature, art, culture and haute cuisine and make an unforgettable experience, whose unrepeatable sensations begin at the same moment we get on one of these magnificent vintage trains. Part of the success of these trains, in addition to their undeniable attractiveness itself, lies in a varied offer with multiple alternatives in terms of travel time and fares, which make it possible even to make tailor-made journeys. The travel proposals on all departures and itineraries of the luxury tourist trains include accommodations aboard the train, which stops overnight at a station along the route so that travelers may rest; bus transfers and tour guides for the day trips; and a culinary offering worthy of the most exquisite gourmets, both on board the train as well as in the restaurants in the citie visited.

Collectively, the experience and the quality of the services provided have allowed Renfe’s tourist trains to become a world reference in the luxury rail sector.

Image courtesy of RENFE

Al Andalus - Granada Train Station

Al Andalus

The Al Andalus Train has a maximum capacity of 64 passengers distributed in 12 standard suites and 20 superior suites. Five of the suite cars were built in France in the late 1920s belong to the same series as those used by a member of the British monarchy for their holiday trips between Calais and the Cote d’Azur. Its “Belle Époque” spirit has been respected in terms of decoration and atmosphere, and the new additions affect, above all, the introduction of cutting-edge technical advances.

In addition, the train also has four saloon cars - true railway treasures of the 1920s - which serve as the common areas for the leisure enjoyment of the passengers. There are two restaurant cars, Alhambra and Gibralfaro; a bar car, Giralda; and another lounge car, Medina

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” El Transcantábrico Clásico takes travelers back to the golden age of the great railway journeys, accompanied by all comforts and services of the 21st century.

El Transcantábrico For the 2019 season, Renfe will once again start up the two different com- positions of the Transcantábrico, - the Gran Lujo and the Clásico - which circulate along two different itineraries: One between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela by way of the Cantabrian Cornice, and a second one which departs from Leon and also has Santiago de Compostela as its final destination. The Classic Transcantábrico is equipped with rooms with double beds, wardrobe, adjustable air conditioning, minibar and bathroom with hydro- massage shower and steam sauna. On the other hand, the spacious suites of the Gran Lujo composition add to the above a living room next to the bedroom, flat screen and computer. In design, quality and modern features, the suites leave nothing to envy to the rooms of the most prestigious five star accommodations worldwide. El Transcantábrico’s salons have all the charm of vintage trains, and four of them are original Pullman cars from the 1920s. All cars have been specifi- cally refurbished and decorated for this luxury train, and are the perfect setting to serve daily a la carte breakfasts and select dinners and meals. The bar service allows the traveler to enjoy tea, an espresso or a cocktail at any time, and when the afternoon or after-dinner falls, parties, music, cultural and gastronomic activities or live performances are offered. Azahara. All are air-conditioned and open 24 hours a day so that passengers have at their disposal bar service, magazines, national daily press, a library, television, and free Internet connection. These cars are the scene of social life, and are where the exquisite cuisine is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the afternoons and evenings, various activities enhance the pas- sengers’ stay aboard. On the train’s most classic itinerary, a 7-day tour of the various Andalusian provinces is made, including stops in Seville, Jerez, Cádiz, Ronda, Granada, Úbeda, Baeza and Córdoba. During the month of June, the 6-day Extrema- duran Route circulates between Seville and Madrid (or vice versa), bringing us closer to the charms of a region with much to discover.

Image courtesy of RENFE

El Transcantábrico Clásico

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La Robla Express

Renfe’s great offering in terms of rail tourism with overnight stays includes another consolidated product, El Expreso de La Robla (Larobla Express). This train offers the charm and comforts of travel in a classic tourist train at affordable prices. In 2019, its two traditional itineraries will be maintained: That of La Robla, between León and Bilbao (or vice versa) by the route of the old coal train, and the Green Paradise, the name that has been given to the route that this train makes through the Cantabrian Cor- nice, between Bilbao and Oviedo (or vice-versa). The duration of this trip is 4 days-3 nights, and operates during the month of August. The Tourist Trains of Galicia will circulate once again in 2019, in co- operation with the Xunta de Galicia and Inorde. In 2018 they had more than 50 circulations, which took place between summer and autumn. The novelties were the “Route of the Monasteries” and the “Route of the Ribeira Sacra del Río Miño”, which were joined to other consolidated routes that run along the north coast lighthous- es, the Rías Baixas farmhouses and the D.O. Galician wines, among others. These are one-day excursions that allow the traveler to discover both the cultural heritage as well as Galician nature. Meanwhile, the Medieval Train has established itself as an attrac- tive leisure activity to get to know Sigüenza, the mythical city of El Doncel. Art, history, theater, gastronomy and crafts come together in this evocative journey, in which a group of characters await pas- sengers at Madrid Chamartín station to welcome them. Trouba- dours, stilt walkers, musicians and jugglers liven up each trip. Tourist Trains of Galicia and Medieval Train

Image courtesy of RENFE

Image courtesy of RENFE

Image courtesy of RENFE

For more information visit www.renfe.com/trenesturisticos

Above images - La Robla Express

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ASTURIAS The Natural Paradise of Spain

Asturias is honest, authentic, full of life, respectful of the past and present, attentive, brave, welcoming and cosmopolitan. It comes together in a sort of mag- ic potion, the proud essence of all the cultures that have tried to conquer it and have left an indelible mark on its history, legend, architecture and customs.

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Image courtesy of Turismo Asturias Lastres - one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias, Spain

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nature is to experience it, the seven UNESCO- listed Biosphere Reserves in Asturias, with the first Spanish National Park, Picos de Europa, are the best certificate for nature lovers. Enjoy a variety of landscapes, a vast network of hik- ing trails, with 15 miles of straight-line routes between mountains peaks, with some of them reaching an elevation of over 8,000 feet. Ad- ditionally, there is the presence of some of the best beaches in Spain. Asturias is one of the last shelters for wild life in Western Europe. For example, the brown bear, wild wolves, eagles and other animals are an example of wealth of wild fauna that forms part of its mountain landscape. In this area, tra- ditional farming is still practiced, enabling the sustainable maintenance of large open spaces to coexist in perfect harmony with some of the most important forests in Europe such as the Muniellos oak forest. In its cities, and in its countryside, the legacy of the first Spanish medieval kingdom remains. The domain of Asturias started in the 8th century in the Mountain of Covadonga, and expanded to become one of the most relevant in the European medieval ages. Remains of this period would be the impressive church of St. Mary at Naranco from the 8th century with Pre-Romanesque style, still standing strong after many centuries. A land full of history

Image courtesy of Turismo Asturias Fabada

T he first settlers captured their dreams, fears and emotions on the walls of caves where they took shelter from danger. From these Paleolithic cave paintings, which today enjoy international recognition and protection, to the Castro culture at the end Bronze Age, to the warrior Pelayo and the Kingdom of Asturias, during the Enlightenment of the 18th century to the avant-garde architecture of the Centro Niemeyer in Aviles. In conclusion, centuries of history have passed which have helped to form the landscape of this country and the idiosyncrasies of the Asturian people. It does not matter how you get there land, sea or air. The lofty sight of the steep Cantabrian Mountains, with their rolling green valleys which meet the

Natural paradise One thing Asturians are proud of is their region’s nature: its mysterious forests and coastline left unscathed by the whirlwind of property developments, its salmon rivers and steep mountains, ideal for rock climbers and hikers. Arising from this pride is a magnifi- cent conservation that has led to more than a third of Asturias’ territory being declared as national and international protected areas and the best-preserved coastline in Spain. coastline in an abrupt outline of its coast which falls off into the deep blue Cantabrian Sea, captivates you before you even step foot into Asturias. This is just the starter of a unique experience because you will be stunned by its architecture, its gastronomy, its urban heartbeat and its hospitality.

The Asturias kingdom gave us two extraordi- nary milestones recognized as World Heritage by the UNESCO. One is he Asturian Pre-

The only way to understand this passion for

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Romanesque architecture with a superb example in the St. Julian de los Prados church, which keeps one of the most complete wall paintings since medieval ages. The other is that Asturias is the real cradle of the Santiago’s way since it start- ed in the 9th century when King Alfonso II became the first pilgrim.

The coast of Asturias is vast and rich. Therefore, fish is of the upmost qual- ity. Moreover, the land is generous, thus abundant livestock farms are common- place, providing ingredients for world-fa- mous cheese like Cabrales and Gamoneu. The network of small gardens and farms is the main supplier of fruits and vegetables and the raw material used to make cider and wine. Asturias not only produces exceptional products but fabulous chefs too. José Andrés is the most famous Asturian chef, who has become a real personality all over the world, completely in love with his homeland, always opening new doors to

showcase its magnificent offerings.

The urban beat

Aviles, Gijon and Oviedo are the three main cities of Asturias, with different backgrounds and characters. They all preserve tradition without surrendering to modernity. Unique architecture, museums, a varied cultural of- fering, and a vibrant nightlife is a constant. In addition, they are all well connected to each other and can be reached in just half an hour, so you can travel between these cities all by car, bus or train.

Traditional gastronomy

Asturias has one of the most celebrates cuisines in Spain. Traditional dishes like fabada (Asturian bean stew), cachopo, Aviles sausage, hake skewers or stuffed onions can provide the real flavor of As- turias making your taste buds blissful.

For more information visit: www.turismoasturias.es

Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga Image courtesy of Turismo Asturias

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P A R A D O R S O F S P A I N

Parador de Cangas de Onís Villanueva de Cangas, Asturias, Spain Asturias is synonymous with natural beauty. Its steep mountains, white beaches, hidden caves, beautiful lakes, deep green woods and rivers of crystalline water are all just a short journey from the Parador de Cangas de Onís.

How to arrive

This Parador is located in the town of Villanueva de Cangas, 2 km from Cangas de Onís. The main route is via the A-8 (Oviedo-Santander). It is about an hour’s drive from Gijon or Oviedo.

Address Villanueva de Cangas, s/n 33550 Cangas de Onís, Asturias Telephone +34 985 849 402 Email cangas@parador.es Fact Sheet Parador de Cangas de Onís (PDF)

More Information: www.parador.es

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O n the banks of the Sella River, surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, the Parador de Can- gas de Onís awaits you in an incomparably beautiful spot. The hotel is located in the former San Pedro de Vil- lanueva Monastery, a beautiful building with spectacular rooms of stone and wood. The décor is elegant, warm and traditional. The function rooms and riverside garden are ideal places for a unforgettable celebration. We take me- ticulous care with every detail and offer the best cuisine, allowing you to fully enjoy this idyllic spot. The Parador is two kilometers from Cangas de Onís, making it an ideal starting point for visits to Picos de Europa National Park, the shrine and lakes at Covadonga, and even charming coastal towns such as Llanes and Ribadesella. A half hour away by car is the town of Cabrales, where you can visit a museum in a natural cave which offers a demon- stration of the traditional method of making the town’s famous cheese. Another lovely option is the hiking trail through Cares, a spectacular 12-kilometer canyon, or the driving route through Beyos Gorge, another amazing canyon parallel to the Sella. On the way, you can stop at the salmon ladder and marvel at the amazing sight of salmon swimming upriver.

This is the place to enjoy picture postcard scenery, perfect hiking trails around the lakes and mountains, and the idyllic tranquility of a Parador located in a spectacular spot.

Image courtesy of Paradores de Turismo

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City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia, Spain

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

— Mark Twain

Photo by Tom Milanovic

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SPAIN TRAVELER Cosmopolitan

About Us TURESPAÑA is the government tourism agency responsible for marketing Spain around the world, creating value in its tourism industry, and driving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of Spanish destinations. Its mission is to break new strategic ground in Spanish tourism, coordinating and leading public and private actors. All our activities form part of our tourism brand España Global . Our network of 33 Tourist Offices abroad act both as centers of knowledge and marketing, and as business platforms for the tourism sector. Their role abroad is essential for the execution of our international tourism promotion strategy.

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