Winter in the UK can feel a bit gloomy, with evenings drawing dark by 5pm and the weather remaining cold and wet for months on end.

It’s not surprising that many Brits opt to ditch the UK at this time of year in search of some much needed winter sun, with Spain continuing to remain a popular choice for UK holidaymakers.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten track, away from the tourist hub of the Costa del Sol, then a visit to Spain’s northern region could be just the ticket.

Nestled in the lesser-known Asturias region along the Spanish coast is a hidden gem of a village that’s been named among “Spain’s most secret destinations” by European Best Destinations.

Cudillero is a small, picturesque fishing port which sits on the side of a mountain, tucked away between luscious green hills and the Cantabrian Sea.

Here tourists can soak up the natural beauty, enjoy peaceful strolls down the village’s charming narrow streets, and take in the striking colourful houses which cascade down the hillsides.

The village is known for its bright houses which are set on a steep horseshoe of cliffs surrounding the bustling harbour, which offers a vast array of fresh seafood to try and traditional northern dishes in the local restaurants.

The fish taverns, which sit in a narrow cobbled square by the sea, are one of the main tourist attractions, offering visitors ample culinary delights.

Asturian cuisine, which hails from the Asturias region, is renowned for its hearty and flavourful dishes that often highlight fresh seafood, hearty stews, and locally sourced ingredients.

One of its most famous dishes is the Fabada Asturiana, a rich and comforting bean stew made with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork. 

Caldereta de Pescado, an Asturian seafood stew, is another warming dish worth trying in the colder months and is packed full of fish and seafood, such as hake, monkfish, prawns, and clams, cooked in a flavour-packed broth with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

Tourists should also give the Empanada Asturiana a try, which is a savoury pastry filled with tuna, chorizo, or other ingredients, as well as the traditional Asturian Cider, which is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it and enhance its flavour.

As well as its rich culinary scene, Cudillero offers tourists a wealth of sites to be explored, including hiking trails which lead through its rugged coastal landscape to various viewpoints such as the lighthouse, La Garita, La Atalaya and El Pico.

Tourists can wander up to the Church of Santa Maria which sits perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering spectacular panoramic views, and take a wander through the village’s historic quarter.

Here you can meander through a maze of winding streets lined with traditional Asturian houses, many of which are adorned with colourful balconies and flower-filled pots.