Asturias, Spanish SUP and FOOD retreat
Discovering Spain’s Green Paradise: The Ultimate SUP Retreat in Asturias
If you love stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and crave authentic adventure, Spain’s northern coast belongs at the top of your travel bucket list. Known as the "Green Belt of Spain" (or España Verde), Asturias is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for outdoor enthusiasts—and food lovers alike.
Organised by the Glasgow Paddleboarders Co., the Asturias Spanish SUP Retreat offers a unique paddleboarding getaway designed for all levels of water lovers, combining world-class paddling with incredible local culture and regional gastronomy.
Why Asturias is one of Europe’s Premier SUP Destination
Asturias stands out because of its incredible geographical diversity packed into a compact area. Within a single region, you can paddle:
Paradisiacal Coves & Hidden Islands: Explore turquoise waters along pristine sea cliffs.
Calm Estuaries & Turquoise Rivers: Glide through serene waterways framed by lush mountain landscapes.
Mountain Lakes: Take in alpine views with peaks reaching up to nearly 3,000 metres.
Whitewater & Ocean Waves: For those seeking adrenaline, sample river gorges or catch waves along wild Atlantic beaches.
A Taste of the Coast: A Guide to Asturian Food
After a long morning on the water, nothing beats refueling with authentic Asturian cuisine. The region is world-famous for its hearty mountain recipes, incredible seafood, and iconic cider culture. Here are the must-try dishes and culinary traditions you’ll encounter:
1. Sidra Natural (Asturian Cider) & the Escanciar Ritual
In Asturias, cider is more than a drink—it’s a social event. Natural Asturian cider (sidra) is uncarbonated, so it must be poured from high above the head into a glass held at hip height (a technique called escanciar). This aerates the drink and releases its natural fizz. It is poured in small shots called culinesand should be drunk in one go!
2. Fabada Asturiana
The ultimate comforting feast. Fabada is a slow-cooked, hearty stew made with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, blood sausage (morcilla), and pork belly (compango). It's the traditional lunch fuel after a full morning of paddling.
3. Cachopo
A true crowd-pleaser for big appetites. Cachopo consists of two large, tender beef fillets stuffed with cured Serrano ham and melted cheese, lightly breaded, and fried until golden. It’s almost always shared among friends alongside a cold bottle of cider.
4. Fresh Atlantic Seafood & Pixín
With miles of wild coastline, seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Look out for Pixín (local monkfish, often served fried in crisp bite-sized pieces), grilled squid (chipirones), sea urchins (oricios), and local spider crab.
5. "El País de los 40 Quesos" (The Land of 40 Cheeses)
Asturias produces more varieties of artisan cheese than almost anywhere else in Europe. Don't miss Cabrales, a famous, sharp blue cheese aged in natural mountain caves, or Gamonéu, a slightly smoked mountain variety that pairs perfectly with fresh crusty bread.
6. Sweet Finishes: Arroz con Leche
Save room for dessert! Asturian rice pudding (arroz con leche) is legendary—ultra-creamy and finished with a caramelized, scorched sugar crust burnt onto the top with a hot iron.
Trip Details & Booking Info
Dates: April 27 – May 02
Pricing Options:
Deposit: £250 (secures your spot toward total trip cost)
Full Trip Payment: £999
Hosted By: Ally, Glasgow Paddleboarders Co and Hugo of Escuela de Surf Asturiana
Ready to Trade the City for the Coast?
Whether you're looking to refine your paddling technique, try SUP on a river for the first time, or indulge in Spain's richest culinary traditions, the Asturias SUP retreat offers an unforgettable balance of adventure, community, and incredible food.
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