FIDMA 2026 sets record with 751,412 visitors as Asturias trade fair becomes a "great business centre"
The 69th edition of the Feria Internacional de Muestras de Asturias (FIDMA) in Gijón has closed with a new record of 751,412 visitors — 2,548 more than in 2025 — consolidating the event as the region's largest economic and commercial gathering. The fair featured 720 exhibitors, with all stands occupied, and hosted 230 institutional events. This year's edition focused on industry's transition to new materials and energies, while also celebrating Asturias' history. The Principality's stand attracted more than 150,000 visitors, a 36% increase from the previous year, making it the most visited in its history. The new Caja Rural de Asturias pavilion, with its 14-metre height and 1,576 square metres across three floors, drew over 60,000 visitors. Other highlights included the Hunosa pavilion with its 'Luis de Adaro' locomotive, the Sabadell Herrero 'Reino Astur' AI experience, and Alimerka's virtual reality eclipse installation. .inastour-article…
Foreign employment in Asturias rises as telework and quality of life attract professionals from around the world
The arrival of people from around the world to Asturias has been a growing trend for years, and it is most noticeable in employment statistics. Foreigners now occupy two out of every three new jobs in Asturias. In the first half of this year, the region gained an average of 8,054 employed people, of whom 5,370 were foreign — the highest number ever recorded, exceeding 33,000 in June. While immigrants remain essential in sectors such as commerce, construction and transport, the group also has increasing weight in highly qualified professions such as medicine and high-value professional services. Many have been drawn to Asturias by telework possibilities and quality of life. The association "Global Vibes", coordinated by the Lipscomb family, brings together numerous professionals of this profile. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Geoffrey and Adrianna Hewings: the Illinois doctors who fell in love with Oviedo and are donating a tree
For Adrianna and Geoffrey Hewings, a love affair with Oviedo is measured in daily walks through Campo San Francisco. He is Welsh-born, a professor emeritus in regional economics and honorary professor at the University of Oviedo; she is American, a doctor in plant virology. Together they have been married for 56 years and have travelled the world, but it is in the Asturian capital that they have found their definitive refuge. In a gesture of generosity, the couple has decided to donate a tree to the Oviedo park to leave a legacy of recognition to a city that has welcomed them with open arms. Their connection began in a laboratory at the University of Illinois, and a visit to Oviedo was an instant love affair. Now they spend six months of the year in the city, living without a car, attending the opera and walking through the park every day. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Alejandro González Iñárritu turns 63 with Asturias as refuge: building his own home near Llanes
Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, winner of four competitive Oscars and one special Oscar, celebrates his 63rd birthday with Asturias as a personal refuge. The director has spent the last several summers in Llanes and is now building his own home near Nueva de Llanes, with delivery expected in 2027. Iñárritu's connection to the area was facilitated by the influential Concha family, who have roots in both Asturias and Mexico. His friend Tom Cruise, with whom he has worked on the upcoming film Digger, had planned to visit this summer. The director's Asturian connection began in 2019 and has grown into a permanent project. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
David Villa on his Asturian roots: "Everything I am grew up there" in Langreo, where his first goals were scored
Former Spanish international striker David Villa, a key player in Spain's 2010 World Cup victory, has never forgotten his Asturian origins. "Everything I am grew up there," he confesses in a documentary about his beginnings. Born in Tuilla, Villa played his first official matches for the Unión Popular de Langreo, where he developed from childhood until the age of 17. Langreo, a municipality in the Nalón valley in the heart of Asturias, is deeply connected to coal mining, steelmaking and working-class culture. The Ecomuseo Minero del Valle de Samuño and the Museo de la Siderurgia offer visitors a different perspective on Asturias, while the Senderos del Carbón provide hiking routes through landscapes transformed by industrial history. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Woody Allen's Oviedo: "A refuge when the world gets dangerous" — the city that captivated Hollywood
The renowned New York filmmaker Woody Allen has been, on several occasions, the best ambassador for Oviedo, describing the Asturian capital as a place that transcends the conventional. He has defined the city as "a paradise, a refuge for when the world gets dangerous" — a description that resonates with international buyers seeking security and tranquillity. Allen has also highlighted Oviedo as "delicious, exotic, beautiful, clean and pedestrianised," characteristics that make it the perfect setting for a sophisticated lifestyle away from the bustle of large metropolises. His famous statement that the city "is as if it did not belong to this world" underscores the unique character and historical charm that Asturias offers. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Moving from Barcelona to Asturias: a German vet and her family's story highlights the need for a buyer's agent
Asturias is consolidating its position as the ideal destination for those seeking quality of life, direct contact with nature and a tranquil environment. Recent press coverage highlighted the story of Katrin, a German-born veterinarian, and Daniel, originally from Granada, who decided to leave the stress of their life in Barcelona to settle with their daughter in a small village in Llanera. Their experience confirms the region's appeal for starting a new chapter, but also reveals one of the greatest challenges facing international buyers: the high risk of searching for a property at a distance. As Katrin warns, buying a house 900 kilometres away is an extremely complex process. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Asturias crowned Spain's most valued region with 7.9/10 rating, according to Electomanía and Esquire
According to a recent Electomanía study of 1,600 participants, cited in an Esquire report, Asturias has been crowned the most highly valued autonomous community in Spain, leading the national ranking with an average score of 7.9 out of 10. The fact that Asturias awakens the greatest sympathy and appreciation nationally reflects an objective reality on the ground: it offers an exceptional combination of quality of life, security, rich heritage and an impeccable natural environment. For international buyers, this data constitutes a fundamental indicator — acquiring property in the area best valued by local residents is a guarantee of investment in a region with consolidated prestige and stable demand. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Forbes highlights Asturias among Spain's safest residential destinations as second-home interest rises 44%
Forbes has highlighted the Principality of Asturias as one of Spain's safest autonomous communities, consolidating the region's appeal for international buyers. According to the report "Security in homes and businesses" prepared by the Securitas Direct Observatory and cited in the publication, Asturias records protection levels that place it at the forefront of the country. The Asturian capital, Oviedo, is positioned in the select group of cities with over 30,000 inhabitants with the best and most solid security data nationally. The study reveals that protection of second homes has grown by 44% in the last two years, increasing the need to invest in protected environments. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Asturias named Spain's safest region with 0.9% intrusion rate; Oviedo leads national list
The recent 'Security Barometer' prepared by Securitas Direct, based on the analysis of more than 1.7 million alarm devices in Spanish homes and businesses, places the Principality of Asturias as the safest autonomous community in Spain, with an intrusion rate of just 0.9%. This regional leadership is reinforced at the local level: Oviedo tops the national list and is consolidated as the safest municipality with over 30,000 inhabitants in all of Spain. For international buyers, these statistical indicators represent a fundamental value — investing in a protected and stable region ideal for both permanent residence and second homes. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Asturias ranked 6th in Spain for quality of life by INE, surpassing Madrid, Catalonia and Andalusia
The latest Multidimensional Quality of Life Indicator (IMCV), published by Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), has placed Asturias in sixth position nationally, consolidating it as one of the country's regions with the highest wellbeing. With a score of 103, the Principality significantly outperforms traditionally more crowded areas such as the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Madrid, Catalonia and Andalusia. The INE report analyses nine fundamental variables that guarantee a superior standard of living, including environment and surroundings, physical and personal security, health and education, material living conditions, and leisure and social relationships. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Oviedo ranked among Spain's highest quality-of-life cities: healthcare, safety and green environment
A recent global report on urban quality of life has positioned Oviedo as one of Spain's most highly valued cities by its residents, with particular recognition for the excellence, accessibility and efficiency of its healthcare system. The study confirms that access to first-rate health services, low crime rates and a high-quality environmental setting are decisive factors for an optimal standard of living. While Spain's major metropolises face challenges related to high housing costs, noise and pollution, Oviedo and the Principality of Asturias offer an unrivalled balance of modern infrastructure and privileged natural surroundings. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Eva Longoria's ancestral village in Asturias: "I go to my town, I'll drink cider and eat cheese"
Actress Eva Longoria has a deep connection to Asturias, specifically to the village of Llongoria (Belmonte de Miranda), where her ninth great-grandfather was born. With only 28 inhabitants, this small parish is her dream place to live, where she claims "life is lived more slowly." The 17th-century manor house of the Longoria family, currently in ruins, is the symbol of her roots. During her visits, the actress enjoys the local gastronomy, especially cider and cheese, and has expressed her desire to restore the family house. Llongoria is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, nature and traditional Asturian culture. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Cudillero, Rosalía's father's hometown: a natural amphitheatre between the sea and the mountains in Asturias
Cudillero, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, is the hometown of Rosalía's father, a place the artist has described as 'beautiful'. This Asturian municipality, with just over 5,000 inhabitants, is shaped like a natural amphitheatre with colourful houses cascading down the mountainside towards a picturesque fishing port. It boasts a coastline declared a Protected Landscape, with spots such as the Silencio beach and the Vidíu cape. Its heritage includes the 19th-century Quinta de Selgas palace, with works by Goya, El Greco and Titian, as well as a rich gastronomy that combines fresh fish with mountain dishes. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Russian content creator Vlada: "We Russians have a lot to learn from Asturians" about life, traditions and gastronomy
Vlada, a Russian content creator, moved to Oviedo in March with her partner in search of a quieter life surrounded by nature. Through her social media profiles, she shares her discovery of Asturias, highlighting its gastronomy, landscapes and the way Asturians preserve their towns and traditions. She is particularly impressed by the tranquility of places like the Covadonga Lakes and the warmth of local culture. She also points out similarities between Russian and Asturian cuisine, especially spoon dishes. Her conclusion is clear: "Russians have a lot to learn from Asturians" about living with less stress and more connection to the community. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Tortos: the humble cornbread that conquered Asturian gastronomy from the countryside to the finest restaurants
Few preparations represent the evolution of Asturian cuisine as well as tortos. Born as a subsistence food in peasant homes, made with cornmeal, water and salt, they have gone from being a daily meal in the villages to occupying a prominent place on the menus of restaurants and cider bars throughout Asturias. Their origin dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when corn from America found favourable conditions in Asturias. Recovered at the end of the 20th century, today tortos are a living heritage, served with minced meat and fried eggs, Cabrales cheese, black pudding, mushrooms or even sweet versions. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Semen quality in Asturias leads Spain with highest sperm concentration and motility, study finds
A study published in Archives of Medical Research and presented at the ESHRE congress has analysed semen samples from 2,329 men across 12 Spanish regions, revealing that Asturias has the best results in sperm concentration (59.8 million/mL), total motility (54.3%) and total motile sperm count. The research, led by biologist Rocío Nuñez Calonge, used a standardised methodology in all centres, ruling out measurement errors. Although the causes of these differences are unknown, factors such as environmental conditions, climate and lifestyle habits are suggested as possible influences. The study highlights the need for further research into geographical variations in male fertility. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Asturias surpasses Germany, Norway and France in percentage of 'excellent students' according to PISA
The percentage of Asturian students reaching the highest levels in the PISA tests exceeds that of European countries such as Germany, Norway and France. According to a study by the Ivie and the Universitat de València, 9.2% of Asturian students reach levels 5 and 6 in mathematics, compared to the Spanish average of 5.9% and the OECD average of 8.7%. In reading comprehension, 7.6% of Asturian students achieve top marks, and in science, 7%. Globally, one in seven Asturian students (14.9%) reaches high performance, a figure that places the Principality among the leaders in educational excellence in Spain. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}