Thinking of “Trying” Asturias First?

What to Know Before Planning a Longer Stay

Look, Learn, then Leap? Or Leap, then Look and Learn? For some, it’s chose your own adventure. For others, a longer stay in Asturias to see what daily life really feels like can be a valuable stepping stone – either in or out. 

Spending a few months in Asturias can provide a much clearer understanding of the region’s rhythm, the housing market, and whether the lifestyle truly fits.

But turning that idea into a smooth experience requires a thorough planning and flexibility. A few practical considerations — from visa rules to seasonal rentals — can make a big difference in how informative (and enjoyable) that trial stay becomes.

Can You Stay in Asturias for a Few Months to “Try It Out”?

Yes — many people considering relocation to Spain begin this way.

A longer stay allows you to experience the region beyond a short visit. You start to notice the pace of the towns, the weather patterns, where people gather, and how daily life actually works. 

However, spending several months in Spain does involve a few practical considerations. Visa rules, rental availability, transportation, and even tax thresholds can influence how you structure that stay.

With structured preparation, a trial period can become one of the most helpful steps in deciding whether Asturias truly feels like home.

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule

For many non-EU visitors, the first rule to understand is the Schengen 90/180 rule.

This allows visitors to stay in Spain (and the wider Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

For a trial stay, that typically means:

• Spending up to three months exploring Asturias

• Returning home before the 90-day limit

• Or considering a visa if you plan to stay longer

It’s also important to know that the Schengen Area is introducing a digital Entry/Exit System that electronically records arrivals and departures. Information about applying for the travel authorization is available through ETIAS. You can also use a “Schengen Calculator” to track your days. 

The ETIAS system makes tracking overstays very straightforward. Even short overstays can create complications for future travel, so it’s important to monitor dates carefully when planning longer visits.

Be Mindful of the 183-Day Tax Threshold

Another topic that occasionally arises during longer stays is tax residency.

In Spain, individuals are generally considered tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in the country during a calendar year.

At that point, worldwide income may become subject to Spanish taxation.

For people simply exploring the region for a few months this may not apply, but if your stay stretches across multiple visits within the same year, it’s worth speaking with a qualified tax advisor early so everything is structured appropriately.

Rental Prices Shift With the Seasons

Housing is another area where expectations can differ from reality.

Asturias experiences clear seasonal shifts in rental pricing, particularly in coastal areas.

During July and August, many towns transition into holiday season and short-term rentals dominate the market. Prices can increase noticeably in popular coastal destinations such as:

• Llanes

• Ribadesella

• Lastres

• Cudillero

But seasonality affects the cities as well.

Even in Oviedo and Gijón, rental prices tend to rise during the summer months when demand increases from visitors and seasonal residents.

Outside of peak season — especially from October through spring — longer-term rental options often become easier to find and pricing is generally more stable.

For someone evaluating whether to relocate, experiencing both seasons can actually be very helpful. 

Driving Makes Exploring Much Easier

Asturias is a region built around nature.

Many of the beaches, villages, and hiking areas that make the region so appealing are much easier to reach by car.

While cities like Oviedo and Gijón are walkable and well connected by public transportation, most people staying for several months find that having a car greatly expands what they can explore.

Visitors from many countries can drive in Spain with:

• Their home country driver’s license

• An International Driving Permit

  
  

Obtaining the permit before arrival is usually straightforward and avoids complications when renting a vehicle. 

Leap Key can also help you explore options for short-term and long-term rental car options. 

Language Becomes Part of the Experience

Another aspect that surprises many visitors is how quickly language becomes part of everyday life.

In some large Spanish cities it’s possible to navigate daily life primarily in English. Asturias tends to be more locally oriented.

Many professionals speak English, but daily interactions — cafés, shops, markets, services — generally happen in Spanish.

For people considering relocation, a longer stay can be a great opportunity to begin learning the language. Even basic conversational Spanish can make everyday life more enjoyable and open the door to deeper connections with the community.

Pay Attention to the Rhythm of Daily Life

A trial stay isn’t just about seeing beautiful places — Asturias has many of those.

What becomes more valuable over time is observing how daily life actually feels.

You begin to notice things like:

• How active towns are outside tourist season

• Where people shop and socialize

• What the weather feels like week after week

• Whether the pace of life fits your routines

  
  

Those everyday observations often matter more than the scenery when deciding whether a region truly fits.

A Trial Stay Works Best With Intention

Spending time in Asturias before relocating can be one of the most valuable steps in the decision-making process.

The key is approaching it intentionally — less like a vacation and more like a period of exploration and learning.

Some visitors leave certain they want to return permanently. Others refine their expectations or discover that a different town suits them better.

Either way, the experience brings clarity.

Thinking about spending time in Asturias before deciding to move? If you are considering a stay during late 2026 or early 2027, the time to start planning is now.  Book a Discovery Call and we can talk through timing, housing options, and how to structure a stay that gives you the clearest picture of life here.