Keep reading and get ready to drink cider like a real Asturian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is the Cider Route in Asturias?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you need to know is that more than a single physical route marked with arrows (like the Camino de Santiago), the Cider Route is a cultural<\/a> and gastronomic experience<\/a><\/strong> that immerses you in the heart of Asturian identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It revolves around what’s called the Comarca de la Sidra<\/strong>, a beautiful region in central-eastern Asturias (with towns like Nava, Villaviciosa, Colunga, among others), where you\u2019ll visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, the route is not just about drinking cider, it\u2019s about understanding its history, how it\u2019s made<\/strong>, and \u2014most importantly\u2014 its connection to Asturian social life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore our experiences with local cooks in Asturias.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since you\u2019re visiting from outside and want to enjoy the experience to the fullest, here are some key tips, straight from the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asturian cider is called \u201cnatural<\/strong>\u201d for a reason: it has no added carbonation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To release all its natural aromas and bubbles, it needs to be poured in a special way \u2014 known as escanciar<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means pouring it from a bottle held above your head into a glass held low near the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Don\u2019t try to do this yourself at first \u2014 it\u2019s harder than it looks, and you don\u2019t want to waste your cul\u00edn<\/em> (the small portion served each time).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always ask the server to pour it for you. It\u2019s part of the service. But if you\u2019re feeling bold, ask them to teach you \u2014 they\u2019ll love that!<\/p>\n\n\n\n At a sidrer\u00eda, you\u2019ll be served a cul\u00edn<\/em><\/strong> (about a finger\u2019s width of cider) \u2014 and you\u2019re expected to drink it in one go, not sip it slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After drinking, leave a little in the bottom<\/strong> to rinse the part of the glass that touched your lips, and throw it<\/strong> into a special wooden trough or bucket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is for hygiene and to keep each cul\u00edn<\/em> fresh and clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: When at a table with friends, the same glass is shared<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The server pours a cul\u00edn<\/em> for each person, passing the glass around. So don\u2019t be surprised if you\u2019re handed a glass someone else just used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cider is best enjoyed with good food \u2014 don\u2019t just drink!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Don\u2019t leave without trying Cachopo<\/strong> (breaded meat stuffed with ham and cheese), Fabada<\/a> Asturiana<\/strong> (a hearty bean stew), or some fine Asturian cheeses<\/strong> like Cabrales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask about a local espicha<\/em><\/strong>, which is an informal meal or dinner with shared dishes and lots of cider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going to sidrer\u00edas is great, but if you want the full experience, go to the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Visit a llagar<\/em> (cider house) in the Comarca de la Sidra (Nava or Villaviciosa are great options).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many offer guided tours where they explain the process and let you taste the cider. It\u2019ll give you a much richer perspective..<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cider is light (around 5\u20136% alcohol), but it\u2019s served quickly and continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip<\/strong>: Enjoy the vibe and the flavor, but drink in moderation \u2014 especially if you\u2019re driving afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, it\u2019s meant to accompany long conversations and good meals, not to be chugged down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional Asturian menu with mountain views<\/strong> in a rural setting near the Picos de Europa<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s where to focus your time to enjoy the best of the cider scene, whether you\u2019re after a more urban setting<\/strong> or something more rural<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re after a more urban vibe and the convenience of many sidrer\u00edas in one place, head to the big cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Oviedo<\/strong>, the capital, there\u2019s a famous street called Calle Gascona<\/strong> \u2014 widely known as the Boulevard of Cider<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a pedestrian street almost entirely dedicated to cider and Asturian cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience there is immersive: the constant sound of cider being poured, the scent of cider and traditional food, and people enjoying themselves on terraces \u2014 it\u2019s a show in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the perfect place for dinner and a truly authentic evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Gij\u00f3n<\/strong>, the largest coastal city, the cider has a slightly saltier flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sidrer\u00edas are clustered around the old town \u2014 Cimadevilla<\/strong> \u2014 and near the marina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The La Arena neighborhood also has a strong cider tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Tips for the Cider Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. The Art of Escanciado<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"escanciado\"](\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/escanciado.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. The Cul\u00edn<\/em> Rule and the Shared Glass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Food Is Half the Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"fabada\"](\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/fabada.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Visit a Llagar<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"llagar\"](\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/llagar.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Take It Easy with the Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to Go for the Best Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cider in the Cities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"cimadevilla\"](\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/cimadevilla.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![\"nava\"](\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/nava.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n