The University of Oviedo is the only public higher education institution in the Principality of Asturias, a region of just over one million inhabitants, with a privileged natural landscape, a rich historical and artistic heritage, and excellent communications in the central area of the region, where the main cities are located.
This community is in an ideal geographical location for the development of research and business activity, with modern communications. Asturias has an exceptional natural environment. Nearly a third of the Asturian territory has been declared a protected natural area of special interest. Five areas enjoy the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve distinction: the Oscos-Eo region and the Lands of Burón, the Picos de Europa National Park and the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Redes, Somiedo, and Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Parks. The quality of its more than 200 beaches is also an unquestionable attraction for tourists and for the inhabitants of the autonomous region.
Its historical and artistic heritage is one of its hallmarks, such as the monuments of Asturian Pre-Romanesque art, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Also worthy of this distinction is the Palaeolithic cave art of northern Spain, which includes five Asturian caves of great international importance. In addition, the region has modern cultural facilities.
The University campuses are located in Oviedo, Gijón and Mieres. Oviedo, the capital and political and administrative centre of the region, has in its architecture, both historical and contemporary, one of its most valuable elements. Gijón, the city with the largest number of inhabitants in Asturias, is an open city with beaches and green areas that make it particularly attractive. Mieres also has a modern university campus. The future of this town, with its mining tradition, is strongly linked to technological research.
Natural Paradise
Asturias is a privileged natural enclave within the variety of Spanish landscapes. In fact, the region is known throughout the country as the Natural Paradise, the slogan that has defined it for decades. A large part of its territory has some kind of protection and its coastline is among the best preserved and least urbanised in the whole of southern Europe. The Asturian climate favours the existence of a great variety of vegetation and fauna in an ideal environment for different outdoor activities and sports.
The spectacular orography of the Principality allows you to find peaks of over 2,600 metres high and beaches of great beauty at barely ten kilometres as the crow flies. This contrast of landscapes allows you to enjoy unparalleled views and some unique corners and natural phenomena.
The spectacular orography of Asturias makes it possible to find peaks of 2,600 metres and beaches of great beauty less than ten kilometres away.
The natural wealth of Asturias offers a wide range of leisure and adventure sports throughout the length and breadth of the Principality. The region has the Picos de Europa National Park and UNESCO has declared five areas within its boundaries as Biosphere Reserves. This unique natural environment has allowed the survival and reproduction of some endangered species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, the capercaillie and the bearded vulture.
Along its more than 350 kilometres of coastline, Asturias combines spectacular cliffs with more than 200 beaches, some of them almost wild. It is an ideal location for water sports all year round.
