Villaviciosa [Primitivo]

The town has been called Villaviciosa, an allusion to the fertility of the land, since the 14th century. It occupies a low valley south of the estuary and the rich land here supports a cattle and dairy industry, but perhaps more importantly it grows very good apples for the production of the sidra (the famous hard cider of Asturias). If you spot a sidrería stop in for a glass but mind the curious customs of drinking it: it is poured from a great height, bottle held high and glass held low, and usually behind the back, to get some air into the small amount which is to be consumed with haste. Don’t let it sit around!

The late-Romanesque/early-Gothic Iglesia de Santa María de la Oliva does not disappoint.