Cider Museum

The Cider Museum in Nava is Asturias's dedicated tribute to the drink that defines the region's identity almost as much as its green hills and coastline. Standing on Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias, right in the heart of the town widely regarded as the cider capital of Asturias, it gives visitors a compact but thorough introduction to a craft that shapes local life far beyond the glass.

Where exactly is the museum located?

The building occupies a prominent spot on Nava's main square, Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias. Nava itself sits in central Asturias, a short drive from Oviedo and not far from the Cantabrian coast, making it an easy stop for anyone touring the region rather than a dedicated day trip.

What is the story behind the museum?

The museum opened its doors in 1996, inaugurated by the Prince of Asturias — a detail that signals how much weight regional authorities placed on preserving this tradition. It belongs to the Ethnographic Museums Network of Asturias, a group of institutions that document the region's traditional crafts and rural customs, placing cider-making alongside other pillars of Asturian heritage.

What will you actually see inside?

The exhibits walk visitors through the full arc of cider production: apple orchards and harvesting, pressing the fruit in traditional presses known as llagares, and fermentation in wooden barrels. A dedicated section covers escanciado, the distinctive Asturian pouring ritual in which cider is poured from a bottle held high above the head into a glass held low, aerating the drink and bringing out its flavor before each sip. Alongside this, the museum displays the tools, vessels, and everyday objects tied to generations of cider-making in the region.

How do you get there?

Nava sits along the main roads connecting Oviedo with eastern Asturias, so driving is the most straightforward option — the trip from Oviedo usually takes under an hour. Bus connections from larger regional hubs also serve the town, though it's worth checking timetables in advance, since service can thin out outside peak season.

When is the best time to visit?

Nava hosts an annual natural cider festival each summer that draws crowds from across the region and beyond. That's when the town — and the museum's atmosphere along with it — is at its liveliest, with tastings, escanciado demonstrations, and local food all part of the mix. Outside festival season, the museum is a quieter, more relaxed visit, which some travelers will actually prefer.

Who is this museum for?

The Cider Museum works well both for visitors curious about traditional regional crafts and for food-and-drink travelers trying to understand why cider holds a place in Asturian culture comparable to wine elsewhere in Spain. No prior knowledge of cider-making is needed — the exhibits build the story step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Cider Museum located? It's on Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias in Nava, in central Asturias, close to Oviedo.

When did the museum open? It opened in 1996, inaugurated by the Prince of Asturias.

Can you taste cider at the museum? The exhibits focus on history and production rather than tastings, but a visit to Nava is a natural chance to try local cider at nearby venues that serve it in the traditional style.

Is this the only museum of its kind in Asturias? The Cider Museum is part of the Ethnographic Museums Network of Asturias and remains the region's main institution dedicated entirely to cider.