Chef José Andrés has opened dozens of restaurants, earned Michelin stars and led amazing humanitarian efforts in places like Haiti, Puerto Rico and Gaza but when he wants to reconnect with his roots her returns to one place — Asturias. Located between the peaks of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Sea, this northern Spanish region is where his love of food began.

Born in the small town of Mieres del Camín, just south of Oviedo, Andrés grew up surrounded by culinary abundance: seafood pulled straight from the coast, cheeses aged in mountain caves, hearty stews designed to fuel long hikes, and orchard-grown cider poured with Asturian signature flair. “The land of my birth, Asturias, is a beautiful, ancient kingdom between the mountains and the sea,” he says. “If you want the natural beauty of both mountains and oceans — and great food — you need to plan a vacation to this tiny corner of Spain.”

I met with Andrés on a recent trip curated by PRIOR and Capital One, during which he took travelers through his homeland. The itinerary included everything from Michelin-starred restaurants where the chefs are old friends to hidden cheese caves and bustling fish markets.

Here’s how to explore Asturias the José Andrés way.

Where and What to Eat

1. Casa Marcial

Andrés’ favorite restaurant in the region is Casa Marcial, a three-Michelin-star monument to Asturian cuisine tucked high in the mountains. Chef Nacho Manzano, a close friend of Andrés, builds tasting menus around emotions like intrigue and memory, plating seasonal delicacies such as white asparagus with caviar and the coveted L’arbeyu peas.

2. Rula de Avilés Fish Market

Asturias’ fishing culture comes alive at the Rula de Avilés, one of Spain’s busiest seafood markets. Watch the daily auction of anchovies, shrimp, and the prized gooseneck barnacles (percebes), then taste the catch at a nearby stall or restaurant.

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3. Cheese Caves

With more than 40 varieties, Asturias is Spain’s “land of cheese.” Some, like Cabrales, are aged in remote mountain caves that give them their sharp, pungent flavor. Touring a cave and sampling cheese on-site is a true taste of the region’s heritage.

4. Casa Gerardo

Run by chef Marcos Morán, another close friend of Andrés, Casa Gerardo is legendary for its Fabada Asturiana. This rich stew of beans, chorizo, morcilla, and bacon is Asturias in a bowl — hearty, comforting, and deeply tied to its mountain culture.

5. Cider Houses

Asturias is the heart of Spain’s cider tradition. Visit a llagar (cider factory) to watch the dramatic escanciado — cider poured from great height — and sample different varieties alongside tortilla española, morcilla, pastries, and cheeses.

Things to Do in Asturias

1. Stay at PuebloAstur

Part boutique hotel, part open-air art gallery, PuebloAstur sits in the mountains with sweeping views of the Picos de Europa. Its design, spa, and gastronomy make it an ideal luxury base.

2. Covadonga Sanctuary

This cliffside chapel and basilica, set against dramatic peaks, is one of Asturias’ most iconic landmarks and a pilgrimage site filled with history and reverence.

3. Hot Air Balloon Over Picos de Europa

Soar above jagged limestone peaks and lush valleys at sunrise for one of the most unforgettable views of northern Spain.

4. Cangas de Onís

The former capital of Asturias is known for its Roman bridge spanning the Sella River, a postcard-perfect backdrop and lively hub for exploring nearby national parks.

5. Palacio de Meres

A Renaissance palace often used in films and weddings, Palacio de Meres offers a glimpse into Asturias’ aristocratic past with manicured gardens and grand halls.

Asturias might not be Spain’s most famous region, but through the eyes of José Andrés it feels like a revelation. It’s equal parts rugged and refined, humble and luxurious. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to hidden cheese caves to cliffside sanctuaries to cider poured with a flourish, this is a place where every meal is a story and every view is a reminder of nature’s power.