Hi everyone,

I’ve been living in Asturias, northern Spain, for several years now — in a small village near the coast, not far from the town of Villaviciosa. I thought it might be helpful to share what this experience has been like for anyone considering moving to rural Spain or working remotely from here.

This region is nothing like the south of Spain. It’s green, cool, very natural. We’re surrounded by forest and the sea, and there are beaches, cliffs, estuaries, and hiking trails all around us. The area is safe, quiet, and very peaceful. It feels more like the Irish countryside than Mediterranean Spain.

The pace of life is slow — really slow — and that’s either a dream or a challenge, depending on your personality. For us, it was what we needed. It’s affordable (by European standards), people are private but respectful, and there’s still a strong sense of community. Local food is incredible: cider, cheese, fresh fish, apples everywhere.

The cons? It rains often. The sun isn’t guaranteed. Public transport is limited, and you really do need a car. And there’s not much in the way of local employment unless you work in tourism or agriculture — but if you’re already a remote worker, it’s a great setup.

Internet is fast, prices are reasonable, crime is low, and healthcare is solid (public or private). You can get to Gijón or Oviedo in 30–40 minutes, and to the airport in about 50.

I’m not promoting anything — just offering a look at what life is like here in case it helps someone decide if this kind of environment is for them. If you’re burnt out from city life or want something quieter without feeling completely isolated, Asturias is worth exploring.

Happy to answer any questions about daily life, costs, language barriers, community, etc. We've had ups and downs, but overall, it's been a great chapter of our lives.