Asturias

Moving to Asturias, Spain: Best Places to Live for Expats and Newcomers

Asturias is one of Spain’s most attractive alternatives for newcomers who want green landscapes, cooler summers, Atlantic beaches, mountains and compact cities without the intense tourism and housing pressure found in many Mediterranean destinations.

For most foreigners moving to Asturias, Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés are the easiest places to establish everyday life.

Oviedo is particularly strong for families, healthcare and administration. Gijón offers the best combination of city life and direct access to the sea. Avilés can provide better housing value while remaining well connected to central Asturias.

Smaller coastal and rural communities can be excellent for retirees, remote workers and people seeking more space, but they require more careful planning around transport, healthcare, schools, internet and year-round housing.

Is Asturias a Good Place for Expats?

Yes.

Asturias can be particularly attractive to newcomers who value quality of life, nature and integration into Spanish society more than constant sunshine or a large international expat community.

The region combines:

• Atlantic beaches
• Green countryside
• Mountain landscapes
• Compact cities
• Strong healthcare infrastructure
• Public and private education options
• Rail connections with the rest of Spain
• An airport with domestic and European services
• Industrial and technology employment
• Excellent food culture
• Cooler summers than much of Spain
• Easy access to outdoor recreation

Asturias feels very different from destinations such as Alicante, Málaga or the Balearic Islands.

Tourism exists, particularly along the coast and in mountain areas, but much of everyday life remains strongly local and Spanish.

For newcomers who genuinely want to integrate, that can be an important advantage.

The main compromises are the climate and language.

Asturias is wetter and cloudier than Mediterranean Spain, and Spanish becomes increasingly important when dealing with landlords, doctors, schools, tradespeople, employers and public administration.

Where Are the Best Places to Live in Asturias?

There is no single best place for everyone.

A remote worker, family, retiree and local employee may all choose different locations.

Location	Best for	Main advantage	Main consideration
Oviedo	Families, professionals, retirees	Healthcare, administration and services	No city beach
Gijón	Coastal living, remote workers, families	Beach and urban lifestyle	Strong rental demand
Avilés	Value-conscious newcomers	Housing value and airport access	Smaller employment market
Siero / Llanera	Families and commuters	Space and central location	Car often useful
Llanes	Coastal lifestyle	Attractive eastern coastline	Seasonal housing pressure
Ribadesella	Remote workers, outdoor lifestyle	Coast and mountains	Smaller rental market
Villaviciosa	Retirees, quieter living	Countryside close to coast	Fewer major-city services
Cangas de Onís	Nature lovers	Access to mountain areas	Tourism seasonality
Luarca / Navia	Quiet coastal living	Less crowded western coast	Farther from central Asturias
Mieres / Langreo	Lower housing budgets	More affordable inland options	Different employment profile

Oviedo: Best All-Round Choice for Families

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and one of the easiest places in the region for a newcomer to establish everyday life.

It offers a compact city centre, residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, schools, university facilities, professional services and access to regional administration.

Oviedo may be particularly suitable if you prioritize:

• Healthcare
• Schools
• Walkability
• Public administration
• Professional services
• Public transport
• A quieter urban environment
• Access to the wider central Asturias area

It can offer many of the practical advantages of a larger city without the scale, congestion and housing prices associated with Spain’s largest metropolitan areas.

Which Areas of Oviedo Should Newcomers Consider?

Centro and Casco Histórico work well for people who value walkability, restaurants and central services.

Buenavista and Montecerrao may appeal to families looking for residential areas and newer housing.

La Florida offers a more residential environment with access to green spaces.

La Corredoria can be practical for people who prefer newer development and good connections.

The best neighbourhood should be selected around your daily routine rather than simply around proximity to the historic centre.

Consider:

• Workplace
• Children’s school
• Healthcare
• Public transport
• Parking
• Shopping
• Noise
• Building quality
• Heating costs

Gijón: Best for Coastal City Life

Gijón is the strongest option in Asturias for newcomers who want to live directly beside the sea while still having the services of a substantial city.

Its major advantage is the ability to combine:

• Beaches
• Restaurants
• Public transport
• Shopping
• Healthcare
• Schools
• Cultural activities
• Sports
• Urban services
• Coastal lifestyle

Gijón can be especially attractive to remote workers, families, younger newcomers and retirees who want the coast without moving into a resort environment.

Your dedicated Gijón expat and relocation page goes into greater detail about living specifically in the city.

Which Areas of Gijón Should Newcomers Consider?

Centro is convenient for services, restaurants and shopping.

Cimavilla offers historic character and immediate waterfront access.

El Bibio is an established residential area.

Viesques can appeal to families looking for newer residential housing.

Somió offers larger properties and a lower-density environment.

La Calzada can provide alternatives to some of the more expensive central and eastern districts.

Rental conditions can vary considerably by neighbourhood and season, so compare long-term housing carefully.

Avilés: An Underrated Alternative

Avilés is smaller than Oviedo and Gijón but should not be overlooked.

It combines a historic centre, cultural facilities, industrial employment and convenient access to Asturias Airport.

Avilés can work particularly well for:

• Families looking for better housing value
• Remote workers
• Industrial professionals
• Retirees
• Airport-related workers
• Newcomers who prefer a smaller city

Its main limitation is a smaller employment market.

If your income comes from remote work, retirement income or a confirmed job elsewhere in central Asturias, that disadvantage may become much less important.

What About Smaller Towns and Villages?

One of the greatest advantages of Asturias is that newcomers are not limited to three cities.

The region contains dozens of attractive coastal, rural and mountain communities.

Coastal Towns

Popular possibilities include:

• Llanes
• Ribadesella
• Villaviciosa
• Cudillero
• Luarca
• Navia
• Tapia de Casariego

These places can offer an exceptional lifestyle but usually have smaller year-round rental markets than Oviedo or Gijón.

Seasonal tourism can also affect housing availability.

Mountain and Rural Areas

Cangas de Onís and other communities closer to the mountains can appeal to:

• Hikers
• Cyclists
• Nature lovers
• Remote workers
• Tourism entrepreneurs
• People seeking rural life

But beautiful scenery should not be the only reason to choose a location.

Check daily practicality before committing.

Before Moving to a Small Town, Check

• Reliable internet at the exact property
• Distance to supermarkets
• Healthcare access
• Pharmacy availability
• Schools
• Public transport
• Road conditions
• Winter accessibility
• Year-round rental availability
• Distance to a larger town or city

A village that is ideal for a two-week holiday may feel very different as a permanent home.

Is Housing Affordable in Asturias?

Housing is one of the major reasons newcomers consider Asturias.

Compared with Spain’s most expensive metropolitan and coastal markets, Asturias can still provide relatively good value.

However, affordable does not mean rents are static.

Demand has been increasing in desirable parts of Oviedo, Gijón and the coast, while smaller towns can have another problem: very limited rental supply.

The housing situation varies considerably.

Location	General housing situation
Oviedo	Good choice of urban housing with growing demand
Gijón	Strong demand, especially in desirable coastal districts
Avilés	Often better value than Oviedo and Gijón
Popular coastal towns	Seasonal pressure can reduce long-term supply
Inland municipalities	Lower prices but fewer properties
Rural Asturias	More space, but transport and heating become important

Before signing a lease, read the Newcomer.es guide to long-term rentals in Spain.

What Should Foreigners Check Before Renting in Asturias?

Northern Spain requires some additional attention when viewing properties.

Do not judge an apartment only by size, location and monthly rent.

Check:

• Heating system
• Estimated heating costs
• Window quality
• Insulation
• Humidity
• Mould
• Ventilation
• Natural light
• Building orientation
• Parking
• Fibre internet
• Distance to shops
• Healthcare access
• Public transport
• Whether the property is genuinely available year-round
• Type and duration of the rental contract

Humidity deserves particular attention.

Look carefully around windows, wardrobes, external walls, bathrooms and poorly ventilated rooms.

Fresh paint does not necessarily mean that a property has never had moisture problems.

If you are unsure how Spanish renting works, also review renting or buying property in Spain as a foreigner.

What Documents May a Landlord Request?

Foreign tenants may be asked to provide evidence that they can reliably pay the rent.

This may include:

• Passport or identity document
• NIE when available
• Residence documentation
• Employment contract
• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Pension statements
• Proof of savings
• Foreign income documentation
• Tax returns
• References

Remote workers and people earning income outside Spain may face more questions because landlords are not always familiar with foreign employers or banking systems.

Preparing a complete rental file before beginning serious property searches can make the process easier.

Can Foreigners Work in Asturias?

Yes, provided they have the legal right to perform the relevant work in Spain.

Asturias does not have its own visa.

Spanish immigration rules apply nationally.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally operate under the applicable European free-movement and registration framework.

Non-EU nationals require an immigration status appropriate to their circumstances.

Possible routes can include:

• Employment residence
• Self-employment
• International remote work
• Study authorization
• Family residence
• Entrepreneur residence
• Highly qualified professional routes
• Other qualifying Spanish residence pathways

If you do not yet know which route applies to you, start with the Newcomer.es immigration services overview.

What Jobs Are Available in Asturias?

Asturias is not simply a tourism economy.

Important sectors include:

• Manufacturing
• Metals
• Engineering
• Energy
• Ports and maritime activity
• Logistics
• Agri-food
• Healthcare
• Education
• Technology
• Tourism
• Environmental services
• Public administration

The central Asturias area provides the broadest employment opportunities.

However, newcomers should be realistic about language.

Spanish can significantly expand your access to employment.

Foreigners seeking international corporate jobs may find fewer opportunities than in Madrid or Barcelona, while remote income provides much greater flexibility over where to live.

Is Asturias Good for Digital Nomads?

Yes.

Asturias can be an excellent option for remote professionals who prioritize quality of life, nature and manageable cities over a large international digital-nomad community.

Oviedo and Gijón offer the easiest combination of:

• Reliable broadband
• Coworking
• Restaurants
• Urban services
• Housing
• Public transport
• Social opportunities

Avilés can offer greater housing value.

Smaller towns can work particularly well for established remote professionals who do not depend on frequent networking or international travel.

However, always verify internet service at the exact property.

Coverage can vary considerably outside the main urban centres.

For non-EU nationals, remote employment alone does not provide permission to live in Spain.

Qualifying applicants should determine whether the international teleworker route or another residence category applies.

See the Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide for more information.

Is Asturias Good for Families?

Yes.

Asturias can be particularly attractive to families who want access to cities, healthcare, schools and outdoor activities without living in one of Spain’s largest metropolitan areas.

Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés all provide established family infrastructure.

Families can choose among:

• Public schools
• Concertado schools
• Private schools
• International or internationally oriented education

The selection of international schools is much smaller than in Madrid, Barcelona or the Costa del Sol.

If a particular curriculum is essential, investigate schooling before choosing your home.

The Spanish School System for Newcomers explains the differences between Spain’s main education options.

How Does Healthcare Work in Asturias?

Public healthcare in Asturias is managed through the regional healthcare system.

However, moving to Asturias does not automatically give every foreign resident identical public healthcare rights.

Eligibility can depend on factors such as:

• Spanish Social Security participation
• Employment
• EU healthcare coordination
• Pension arrangements
• Family entitlement
• Other recognized healthcare rights

Some immigration routes may instead require qualifying private medical insurance.

Healthcare should therefore be planned before relocation, not after arrival.

Oviedo provides particularly strong access to major hospital and specialist services.

If you are considering a rural property, healthcare travel time should be part of your housing decision.

Is Asturias Good for Retirees?

Asturias can be an excellent retirement destination for the right person.

It is especially attractive to retirees who prefer:

• Cooler summers
• Green surroundings
• Coastal access
• Walkable cities
• Healthcare access
• Less mass tourism
• Quiet year-round communities
• Outdoor activities

Oviedo is particularly practical for healthcare and services.

Gijón suits retirees who want to live beside the sea.

Avilés may provide better housing value.

Smaller towns such as Villaviciosa, Llanes or Luarca can offer a quieter lifestyle.

Before choosing a rural property, consider:

• Stairs
• Building accessibility
• Driving requirements
• Distance to healthcare
• Heating
• Shopping
• Public transport

A beautiful hillside property may become less practical if driving becomes difficult later.

What Is the Climate Really Like?

Asturias is not Mediterranean Spain.

That is simultaneously one of its strongest advantages and one of its biggest compromises.

Summers

Summers are generally milder than in Madrid, Andalusia and much of Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

This can be particularly attractive to people who dislike extreme heat.

Autumn and Winter

Expect more rain, humidity and cloud cover.

Good heating and insulation matter.

Spring

Weather can change quickly between sunshine and rain.

If constant sunshine is one of the main reasons you are moving to Spain, Asturias may not be the right choice.

If avoiding increasingly intense summer heat is important to you, Asturias deserves serious consideration.

How Well Connected Is Asturias?

Asturias has its own airport and good connections with other parts of Spain.

Residents can also use rail, long-distance buses and major roads to reach Madrid and other destinations.

For frequent intercontinental travellers, Asturias is less convenient than Madrid, Barcelona or Málaga.

For people who travel internationally only occasionally, the combination of Asturias Airport and onward connections can be perfectly workable.

Do You Need a Car in Asturias?

It depends on where you live.

Central Oviedo: usually not essential.

Central Gijón: usually not essential.

Central Avilés: often manageable without one.

Outer suburbs: increasingly useful.

Small coastal towns: usually useful.

Rural and mountain areas: often essential.

Before renting outside a major city, check the actual public transport schedule.

A location that looks close on a map may have very limited evening or weekend service.

What Administrative Procedures Should Newcomers Expect?

Your exact procedures depend on nationality and immigration status.

However, several administrative steps frequently become relevant after moving.

NIE

The Número de Identidad de Extranjero, or NIE, identifies foreigners in Spanish administrative and legal dealings.

An NIE is not the same thing as residence permission.

Some immigration processes already assign an NIE automatically, so do not assume you need a separate application.

Read the NIE Number in Spain guide before beginning the process.

Empadronamiento

Once you establish your habitual address in Asturias, municipal registration may become an important part of settling in.

This is known as empadronamiento.

Read the Empadronamiento in Spain guide for the wider process.

Digital Certificate

Many Spanish administrative procedures can be completed electronically.

Obtaining a Digital Certificate can therefore make future dealings with public administration considerably easier.

See the Digital Certificate in Spain guide.

Asturias Relocation Checklist

Before Moving

• Confirm your legal basis for living in Spain.
• Determine whether your planned work is permitted.
• Prepare required foreign documents.
• Arrange apostilles or legalization where necessary.
• Obtain sworn translations where required.
• Determine your healthcare position.
• Compare Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés and smaller municipalities.
• Research schools if moving with children.
• Prepare financial evidence for landlords.
• Check Spanish tax and Social Security implications.
• Research long-term rentals.
• Arrange temporary accommodation.
• Verify broadband if working remotely.

After Arrival

• Secure suitable long-term housing.
• Complete empadronamiento where applicable.
• Confirm your NIE.
• Complete the appropriate residence-document procedure.
• Complete TIE formalities where required.
• Register for healthcare when eligible.
• Arrange utilities and banking.
• Enrol children in school.
• Obtain a Digital Certificate or other electronic access method.
• Register employment or self-employment where applicable.
• Track residence renewal deadlines.

Common Mistakes When Moving to Asturias

Choosing Asturias Only Because Housing Looks Cheap

Lower housing costs can be attractive, but rural homes may create additional transport and heating expenses.

The cheapest property is not necessarily the cheapest lifestyle.

Ignoring Humidity

Property condition matters considerably in northern Spain.

Inspect carefully for moisture and mould.

Expecting Mediterranean Weather

Asturias is green because it rains.

Anyone considering a permanent move should understand the climate before making a long-term commitment.

Moving to a Village Without Testing Daily Life

Check healthcare, supermarkets, pharmacies, schools, internet and transport first.

Assuming English Will Be Enough

Spanish makes almost every part of everyday life easier.

Assuming an NIE Means You Can Live or Work in Spain

It does not.

Your identification number and your immigration status are different things.

Assuming Remote Work Is Automatically Permitted

Non-EU remote workers need an immigration status compatible with their intended activity.

Treating Immigration, Tax and Social Security as the Same Question

They are related but separate systems.

A residence authorization does not automatically determine every tax or Social Security obligation.

Who Is Asturias Best For?

Asturias is particularly suitable for:

• Remote professionals
• Families
• Retirees
• Outdoor enthusiasts
• Engineering and industrial professionals
• People who dislike extreme summer heat
• Newcomers wanting greater Spanish-language integration
• Residents who want access to both coastline and mountains
• People who prefer year-round communities to tourist resorts

Who Might Prefer Another Part of Spain?

Asturias may not be the right choice if your priorities are:

• Hot and dry weather
• Mediterranean beach conditions
• A very large English-speaking community
• Extensive intercontinental flights
• A large international corporate employment market
• Numerous international schools
• Resort-style living
• Constant nightlife

The goal should not be finding the supposedly “best” region of Spain.

It should be finding the place that fits your immigration status, income, work, family, healthcare requirements and preferred lifestyle.

How Newcomer.es Can Help You Move to Asturias

Relocating successfully to Asturias requires much more than deciding between Oviedo and Gijón.

The practical process can involve:

Immigration → documents → housing → arrival → NIE/TIE → empadronamiento → healthcare → schooling → digital administration → long-term settlement

Newcomer.es helps international newcomers coordinate these stages rather than treating each procedure as an unrelated task.

Support can include:

• Immigration pathway coordination
• Relocation planning
• Document preparation
• Apostille and sworn-translation coordination
• Housing assistance
• Rental documentation
• NIE and TIE procedures
• Empadronamiento assistance
• Digital Certificate support
• Healthcare orientation
• School-related relocation planning
• Post-arrival administration
• Coordination with appropriately qualified professionals where specialist advice is required

If you are considering Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés or another part of Asturias, contact Newcomer.es and tell us where you are moving from, who is moving with you and what you plan to do in Spain.

We can help organize the relocation process in the correct order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Asturias

Is Asturias a good place for expats?

Yes. Asturias can be especially attractive to newcomers looking for cooler summers, green surroundings, compact cities, strong public services and a lifestyle less dominated by international tourism.

What is the best city in Asturias for foreigners?

For most newcomers, Oviedo is the strongest all-round option, particularly for families and practical everyday living.

Choose Gijón if living directly beside the sea is more important.

Consider Avilés if housing value and a smaller city are priorities.

Is Asturias affordable?

Asturias remains comparatively affordable compared with many of Spain’s most expensive relocation destinations, but housing demand is increasing in popular areas.

Is Oviedo or Gijón better?

Choose Oviedo for healthcare, administration, family life and a quieter urban environment.

Choose Gijón for beaches, coastal living and a more active waterfront lifestyle.

Is Asturias good for digital nomads?

Yes. Oviedo and Gijón are particularly practical for remote professionals. Non-EU nationals must still ensure that their immigration status permits their intended remote work from Spain.

Is Asturias good for retirement?

Yes, particularly for retirees who value cooler summers, nature, healthcare and quieter cities.

Do I need a car in Asturias?

Not necessarily in central Oviedo, Gijón or Avilés. A car becomes considerably more useful in smaller towns, suburbs and rural areas.

Can I live in Asturias without speaking Spanish?

Yes, but everyday life will be much easier with Spanish, particularly when dealing with landlords, healthcare, public administration, schools and local employment.

Does Asturias have a separate visa?

No. Immigration law applies nationally throughout Spain.

What is the first thing I should do before moving to Asturias?

Start by confirming your legal basis for living in Spain.

After that, determine your work and healthcare position, choose a suitable city, organize documents and housing, and plan the required post-arrival procedures.

For personalized relocation support, contact Newcomer.es.