Things To Do
in Pola de Siero
Pola de Siero is a welcoming Asturian town just a short drive from Oviedo, set in a green, rolling landscape along the Nalón river valley. It blends traditional culture with a practical, modern vibe, making it a convenient base for exploring northern Spain. The town is known for its markets, cider houses, and easy access to surrounding mountains and picturesque coastlines.
Visitors enjoy wandering its compact historic center, sampling local dishes, and using Pola de Siero as a gateway to the region’s natural beauty.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of Pola de Siero, admiring the traditional architecture and vibrant flower displays. Don't miss the chance to visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where you can appreciate the stunning town hall building.
In the afternoon, visit the Museo Evaristo Valle, which showcases local art and history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can taste Asturian specialties like Fabada Asturiana. Afterward, take a walk in the nearby Parque de La Prehistoria, exploring its beautiful trails and natural scenery.
As the sun sets, head to a local tapas bar to indulge in a variety of small dishes paired with Asturian cider. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals gather for dinner, sharing laughter and stories. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll back through the historic center, soaking in the enchanting ambiance.
Begin your day with a visit to the weekly market held in the town square, where you can find fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local delicacies. Engage with friendly vendors, learning about their products and the region’s culinary traditions. Enjoy a light breakfast of fresh fruit and baked goods as you wander through the vibrant stalls.
After the market, take a guided tour of a local cheese factory, where you can witness the cheese-making process and sample some delicious Asturian cheeses. For lunch, find a quaint bistro nearby that specializes in local dishes made from fresh, market-sourced ingredients. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Parque de la Prehistoria, exploring the impressive exhibits and beautiful surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy a cooking class where you can learn how to prepare traditional Asturian dishes, such as cider-braised meats and regional desserts. Dine on the fruits of your labor, paired with local cider, while sharing stories with fellow cooking enthusiasts. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the riverbank, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-16 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $4-7 |
| 🧀Cheese or dairy products (local) | $6-12 |
| 🚌Public transit pass (monthly) | $45-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to Oviedo and nature
- Rich local cuisine and cider culture
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some services concentrated in Oviedo; longer travel times to beaches or far-away attractions
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
Places to Visit in Pola de Siero
Visit one of these nice places.
Centro histórico with arcaded façades, ideal for street photography and sunset silhouettes.
Riverside paths with evergreen banks and bridges, perfect for golden-hour photos.
Tree-lined avenues and lively morning markets provide candid photography opportunities.
Food in Pola de Siero
Pola de Siero Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich bean and sausage stew, best enjoyed in a sidrería with crusty bread.
Must-Try!
Breaded beef filled with ham and cheese, fried until golden and served with potatoes.
A hearty stew of beans, cabbage, and chorizo, perfect for cooler days.
Pungent blue cheese from the region, often enjoyed with bread or apples.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sample cheeses, embutidos, fresh produce, and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días'. A handshake or cheek kisses are common among friends; in informal settings, a nod or wave also works.
Lunch is typically late (2-3 pm) and dinner after 8-9 pm; be mindful of early-morning hours when shops may close.
Polite and relaxed conversation; avoid loud behavior in quiet areas and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Pola de Siero
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants. In bars, leave small change.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some smaller places may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with rising greens; expect showers; best for outdoor photography and hillside walks.
Warm days with long sunlight; perfect for outdoor markets and cider tastings, but can be crowded near Oviedo.
Cooler days with colorful foliage; great for hikes and cozy taverns, occasional rain.
Mild winters compared with much of Europe; possible rain and chilly winds; ideal for indoor cultural venues and hearty dishes.
Pola de Siero at Night
Hiking in Pola de Siero
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and hill trails just outside the town offering easy to moderate hikes with views of the valley.
Not far away; classic viewpoints above Oviedo with skyline of the city and surrounding hills.
Airports
How to reach Pola de Siero by plane.
Located near Avilés, about 40-60 minutes from Pola de Siero by car; regular domestic and some international flights.
Leon is LEN, a regional airport about 2 hours by road; limited international connections, mainly domestic.
Major international and domestic hub; about 2.5-3 hours by road; frequent connections to European cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Spanish and Asturian locals, with families, retirees, and a student component from nearby Oviedo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team and recreational sport in the region; many local clubs and casual games.
Active outdoor culture; routes through green hills and countryside.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pola de Siero.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Asturias, vegetarian options exist in many restaurants; ask for dishes like vegetable stews, cheeses, salads, and roasted vegetables. Many sidrerías can accommodate with vegetarian tapas or vegetable stews.