The Principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias) is an autonomous community within the kingdom of Spain, former Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages. It is situated on the Spanish north coast facing the Cantabrian Sea (Mar Cantábrico, the Spanish name for the Bay of Biscay). The most important cities are the provincial capital, Oviedo, the seaport and largest city Gijón, and the industrial town of Avilés. Asturias is bordered on the east by Cantabria, on the south by Castilla y León, on the west by Galicia (Lugo). The main features of the geography of Asturias is its steep coastal line with sharp rocks and mountain landscapes. The Asturias climate, as well as in other part of northwest Spain, strongly differs from southern areas. The summer period usually damp and warm, with a rain small amount. Winters are moderate enough, but with frequent cold snaps. Especially cold weather in mountains where snow lies since November till May.