Asturias is a principality on the northern Spanish coast. It overlooks the Cantabrian Sea and is known for being an area of outstanding natural beauty which is yet largely undiscovered by the tourist industry, despite the superb Atlantic coastline.

The region is served by Asturias Airport (OVD) which receives international flights, although many also enter via the port at Santander, which is particularly convenient if you're looking to organise Asturias car hire for a longer cross-region trip. Car rentals remain the best way to see this region, which is not particularly well served by public transport. You can hire a car in the city itself or at the airport or the ferry port - look for signs to the Gateway of Oviedo OVD for car-hire pick-up.

Asturias is a largely agricultural region punctuated by delightful highlands with plenty of greenery and babbling streams. If you want to interrupt the serenity of the country then a trip to the region’s capital, Oviedo, won’t disappoint. It’s a lovely, easy-going place honed from typical northern Spanish architecture that resonates to the beat of a vivacious nightlife when darkness falls.

To get around Asturias, car rental is recommended. Find cheap car hire in Asturias by using TravelSupermarket to pre-book your vehicle, which can be collected from the airport at Oviedo or a convenient downtown location.

Opt for a rental car that is well sized and air-conditioned if you're travelling in the summer. A vehicle with the ability to tackle different terrains can be handy. There's plenty to see and explore. Make sure in particular that you see the beaches at Llanes and the Covadonga Lakes.

In fact, you'll be hard pressed to stay indoors when visiting this part of the world. You are never more than 18 miles away from either the majestic Cantabrian mountains or the Green Coast of Spain when you're in the city. One of the best places to visit is the Torre de Cerredo peak towards the east, which is well worth the drive.

Places to add to your visitor list include the Picos de Europa National Park and Santiago de Compostela. Other attractions include Ribadesella, Gijon, Cudillero, a visit to the castles at Leon and Castille in the south, and a trip to Galicia in the west and Santander and Bilbao in the east.

One of the highlights of Asturias has to be Somiedo National Park. It’s little more than an hour’s drive south of Oviedo, but it is as stunning an area of wilderness as you’re ever likely to see. Bears roam the woodlands and eagles soar above it – it’s one of the few truly wild places left in Europe.

To find the best price on car hire in Asturias, use TravelSupermarket's search tool.