After 20 years and an investment of approximately £3.2 billion, Spain finally got a new high-speed train in 2023 linking Madrid to Asturias.
Perched on the northern corner of Spain sits Asturias, boasting gorgeous beaches, epic mountains and fascinating cities.
This part of Spain is one of the best conserved in the entire country and is home to lush vegetation as well as holding two of the most important natural parks in the country.
The much anticipated 213-mile line between Madrid and the northern principality of Asturias has shortened travel time by an hour and 15 minutes, it is hoped this will make it more attractive to travel by.
Serving both passenger and freight traffic, the line includes a 30-mile stretch of mainly tunnels — including one that’s 15 miles long — that pass through the Cantabrian Mountains which stretches over 180 miles across Northern Spain.
Experts believe the line will increase train arrivals to Asturias from 230,000 to 600,000 each year. The journey to Gijón, the largest city of the Principality of Asturias, takes 3h42 with tickets starting from £44.
The line was inaugurated in three stages. Its first 111.6 mile section runs from Madrid to Valladolid which opened for commercial service on December 23.
The second 101.1 mile section runs Valladolid to León, costing around £1.3 billion. Opening on September 29 2015 and since then the journey time between Madrid and León was cut by 44 minutes to two hour six minutes on AVE trains.
The line between Madrid and the northern principality of Asturias was the third stage.
From golden sands to Roman Ruins Gijón ticks all the boxes for a perfect city break getaway, however, it has remained somewhat of a hidden gem.
Located on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea and set on Northern Spain’s leafy and fertile ‘Green Coast’ overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Gijón has three urban beaches for you to choose from that you are sure to fall in love with.
While is one of Spain’s rainier destinations, Gijón is a true jewel in northern Spain’s crown, where gastronomy, golden beaches, history and leisure go hand-in-hand to make for the perfect destination.
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