While most Brits will be to the city of Barcelona or the beaches of the Costa del Sol this summer, there are some hidden gems in that are worth visiting. One of those is Asturias, located in northwest Spain, which is known for its stunning nature and beautiful countryside.

The region is also recognised by Unesco for its centuries-old cider culture. Asturias currently produces 80% of Spain's cider, with over 40 million bottles every year.

The cider producers in Asturias are all family-owned and date back up to eight generations. Asturian cider, which comes natural or sparkling, is different from the cider drunk in the UK as it has a far more intense and sharp flavour.

There are almost 500 local varieties of fruit in Asturias, meaning each cider has its own unique freshness and edge. The cider makers use different proportions of these fruits to create a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.

The tecniques and knowledge to produce the cider have been passed down from generation to generation. The aftertaste of Asturian ciders also lingers in a unique way which is impossible to create elsewhere.

Asturian cider isn't served like other drinks. Instead, it's poured from a bottle held above the head before landing into a tilted glass at the waist to help bring it to life.

This traditional method began in the 19th century and has now become a social act. It requires skill and a certain level of dexterity to pull off.

You can find these "professional pourers" at well-decorated cider halls across Asturias. As well as great local cider, they sell a host of paired tapas and Spanish dishes, such as potato omelettes, chorizos a la cidra, lacón and tortos.

In Asturias, cider lovers often visit the outskirts of Gijon and Oviedo. They also go to the councils of Villaviciosa and Nava, as well as Siero, for the best cider tasting experience.

Visitors to the area can take part in organised tours and cider tastings. There is a particularly popular Cheese and Cider Route in Cabrales, located in Eastern Asturia, which visits a local cheese factory and cider press.

There are also a number of cider-related events and festivals in Asturia. The Semana de la Floración del Manzano (Apple Blossom Week) is celebrated during the May bank holiday while the Cider Tasting takes place at the start of June.

In August, the Natural Cider Festival takes place in Gijon and includes competitions and tastings. The Apple Festival of Villaviciosa is then held in October.