Living and Teaching English in Asturias

Green coast, mountain valleys, cider culture, and cozy old towns.

Asturias at a Glance

Asturias Overview

If you are thinking about teaching English in Asturias, picture Spain’s lush north where the Costa Verde meets the Picos de Europa. The region centers around the Oviedo–Gijón–Avilés corridor, blending medieval charm, seaside energy, and an artsy riverfront feel, with easy access to friendly neighborhoods and small-city convenience.

Daily life moves at a relaxed pace with café con leche mornings, market-fresh food, and a year-round outdoor mindset. You’ll likely walk a lot and use buses or trains to hop between cities. The climate is mild but often rainy along the coast, crisper inland with fog at times, and truly alpine in the high mountains. Weekends are made for lakes, cliffs, and mountain trails.

Why People Love Asturias

“Asturias has truly become home for me. I moved here permanently in 2021, drawn not only by my partner’s roots but by the region’s natural beauty, authenticity, and way of life. Every corner of Asturias, from its wild coastline to its quiet mountain villages, is magic, and I’ve come to appreciate its slower pace, incredible food, and the genuine warmth of its people.”

Lourdes, RVF Team

“Picos de Europa National Park is a must! I really enjoy the endless opportunities to enjoy nature here and nothing beats their sidra (cider)!”

Petter, RVF Team

“The sidra (cider) is incredible here and there is a whole culture around it recognized by UNESCO. I love how the summers are milder and the area still feels authentic.”

Harrison, RVF Founder

Local Culture & Attractions

Surfing and seaside promenades in Gijón.

Sidra natural poured in traditional cider houses.

Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga

Oviedo old town and cathedral squares.

Covadonga Lakes and Picos de Europa hikes.

Where to Live in Asturias

Oviedo – Centro/Casco Antiguo: walkable old town, cafés, short commutes.
Oviedo – La Corredoria: residential value, quick train access.
Gijón – Cimavilla: historic headland, beach and tapas streets.
Gijón – El Coto/La Arena: neighborhood feel, easy reach to San Lorenzo Bay.
Avilés – Sabugo/Centro: compact historic core, riverside arts venues.

Tip: Choose housing near your school’s bus or Cercanías stop; intercity trips Oviedo–Gijón–Avilés are quick and frequent.

Quick Facts

Population: ~1.0M across the region. Comparable to the state of Delaware or the Honolulu metro (Albuquerque is similarly sized).
Famous For: Picos de Europa, Covadonga Lakes, fabada and sidra.
Travel: Asturias Airport (OVD) handled ~2.0M passengers in 2024; AVE/Alvia and regional Renfe lines link Oviedo–Gijón–Avilés and beyond; buses cover coastal and mountain towns.

Cost Snapshot

Rent (room in shared flat): €150–€350 ($175-$408) typical in Oviedo/Gijón; lower in smaller towns depending on quality and location. (Benchmarked to local rent levels below.)
Groceries: ~€170–€230 ($198-$268)
Public transport (monthly): Conecta Asturias capping system keeps frequent riders near ~€30 ($35)/month for urban travel; single urban rides ~€1.20 ($1.40) with lower per-trip cost on the card. Local sites note monthly caps and discounts for heavy use.

Top 3 Can’t-Miss Experiences

Lakes of Covadonga (Cangas de Onís)

Mirror-still alpine lakes in Picos de Europa with classic viewpoints and trails.

Tip: Summer access can be controlled; check shuttle schedules.

Oviedo Old Town & Cathedral

Atmospheric squares, cider bars, and the Camino de Santiago vibe.

Tip: Pair your cathedral visit with the Cámara Santa (Holy Chamber) if it’s open during your visit, then head to Calle Gascona for a classic sidra stop nearby.

Gijón’s San Lorenzo Bay

Broad city beach with a scenic promenade and surfing scene; sunset walks are a must.

Tip If you want to surf, mid tide is often your best bet at San Lorenzo, and the promenade is extra dreamy early morning or golden hour when it’s less crowded

🌿️ Green-coast 🌊 Surf-friendly. 🏔️ Mountain-to-sea 🍎 🫗 Cider-culture (sidra) 🌧️ Cozy-rainy days 🥾 Trail-weekends

RVF Staff Picks

(top places staff suggests)

Playa del Silencio: A stunning, quiet beach surrounded by cliffs that lives up to its name.
Lagos de Somiedo: A spectacular group of glacial lakes nestled in the Somiedo Natural Park.
Luarca Village: A colorful fishing village built into a hillside, with incredible views and authentic seafood spots.