Why come to Asturias in February?
There are months that invite you to slow down. February in Asturias is one of them: seas with character, intense greenery, unhurried fishing villages and festivals that warm up the winter. It is also the season for sea urchins and spoon cuisine - a perfect plan for combining nature and gastronomy. During the week and outside long weekends you'll find fewer people and better prices.
Where to stay
San Juan de la Arena (L'Arena), on the central coast, a stone's throw from Avilés, Gijón, Oviedo and Los Quebrantos beach. It is a seaside town, with a riverside promenade, ports and authentic Cantabrian cuisine.
February events and festivals (indicative dates for 2026)
The dates of Carnival vary from year to year. Here are official/municipal references for 2026
Antroxu de Avilés (Carnival): parades, charangas and the famous Descent of Galiana. In 2026 the municipal programme brought forward competitions and activities; the Descent is planned on a Sunday as part of the Antroxu cycle.
Avilés
Gijón Antroxu: big street party with burial of the sardine; Gijón sets Shrove Tuesday as a local holiday (17 Feb 2026).
Antroxu in Oviedo: is held the weekend after Shrove Tuesday, with menus and activities for families.
Visit Oviedo
Cristo del Socorro, Luanco (Gozón) - 5 February: seafaring tradition and procession along the Bay of Biscay, an identity festival on the central coast.
Updated regional agenda: consult the Asturias Tourism Agenda for exhibitions, theatre and gastronomic events that are added every week.
Winter flavours: sea urchins, elver and pot
Sea Urchin (sea urchins): their best season is January-March; in Asturias they are consumed fresh and in signature recipes. Harvesting is regulated and usually starts in February and March with quotas for shellfish gatherers. Try them in cider bars and coastal restaurants.
Antroxu menu (Oviedo and other towns): stew with compango and traditional pastries (frixuelos, casadiellas...).
San Juan de la Arena, the “angular capital”: the tradition of the angulera is still very present in the town and its seafood gastronomy.
Nature you can feel (from San Juan de la Arena)
Playón de Los Quebrantos and riverside promenade: walk on the dark sand, listen to the waves and return with the sunset along the boardwalk.
Nalón estuary: estuary with muddy plains and interesting riverside vegetation; in L'Arena you have the “Puerta del Mar” Interpretation Centre to understand its environmental value and the culture of the elver.
Coastal path (San Juan de Nieva - San Juan de la Arena stage): cliffs, viewpoints towards Cabo Peñas and the central coast, ideal on clear winter days.
Perfect 3-day plan in February
Day 1 - Sea and tradition
Morning in Los Quebrantos. Seafood lunch in L'Arena (ask for sea urchins if available). Afternoon at the Nalón Estuary Interpretation Centre. If it coincides, go to Luanco (20 min) for the Cristo del Socorro (5th February).
Day 2 - Antroxu and city
Avilés (15-20 min): old town + Antroxu. If you like the streets and fancy dress, Gijón or Oviedo at the weekend. Antroxu menu dinner.
Day 3 - Unhurried Central Coast
Route around Cabo Peñas and fishing ports; if the day is closed, alternative museums and cider houses. Consult the Asturias Tourism Agenda for theatre and music.
Practical tips for February
Clothing: layers, light mackintosh and shoes with wet soles.
Driving: curvy coastal roads; changeable weather.
ReservationsFor sea urchins and special menus, reservations are recommended. (Season January-March, subject to availability and catch quotas).
Why stay in San Juan de la Arena (central coast)?
- Location 10/10: you are in the centre of the Asturian coast, with motorway and fast connections to Avilés, Gijón, Oviedo and airports.
- Authentic seafaring atmosphere: promenades, small harbour, restaurants and the beach of Los Quebrantos on foot.
- A great plan all year round: nature, gentle surf on good days, estuarine birds and lots of local life without overcrowding.
Coming to Asturias?
Las Mimosas del Nalón is your home in Asturias: soft sheets, the smell of bread, windows overlooking the estuary and winter silence. From here, Antroxu, sea and cider are just a short drive away.
Are you coming in February? Write to us and we'll save you a fireplace, tips and a table to taste sea urchins.
Atlantic winter: cool, wet and changeable; bright days between fronts. Perfect for warm walking, photographing waves and enjoying spoon-fed cuisine (check the local report before setting off).
Varies every year; in 2026 Shrove Tuesday is 17 February (public holiday in Gijón and Illano, among others). Programmes in Avilés, Gijón and Oviedo on the nearby weekend.
Yes, January-March is in season; always in premises that work with legal and seasonal products.
