Overview of Living in Cangas de Onís
Cangas de Onís is a historic mountain town in eastern Asturias, situated along the Sella River at the foot of the Picos de Europa National Park. Established by King Pelayo as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias following the Battle of Covadonga in 722, the town is world-famous for its 14th-century medieval “Roman Bridge” (Puente Romano) spanning the Sella with a suspended replica of the historic Victory Cross (Cruz de la Victoria).
Gateway to Picos de Europa & Covadonga
- Puente Romano & Town Center: Pedestrian riverfront promenades, Sunday farmers’ market on Plaza del Mercado, and artisan shops selling Gamoneu and Cabrales artisan blue cheeses.
- Real Sitio de Covadonga: Located 10 kilometers south, comprising the Santa Cueva shrine housing the Virgin of Covadonga and King Pelayo’s tomb, and the pink limestone Neo-Romanesque Basílica de Covadonga.
- Lakes of Covadonga (Enol & Ercina): Glacial mountain lakes situated at 1,134 metres altitude surrounded by limestone peaks and alpine pastures.
Mountain Outdoor Sports & Sella River
Cangas de Onís is Spain’s primary base for active tourism: canoeing the Sella River (Descenso del Sella down to Ribadesella), hiking the Cares Gorge (Garganta del Cares), and high-mountain trekking in Picos de Europa.
Essential Cangas de Onís Guides
- Oviedo Living Guide — Asturian capital transit and healthcare.
- Parador de Cangas de Onís Guide — Staying in the 8th-century Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva.
- Cost of Living in Spain — Mountain and rural living budgets in northern Spain.
What Cangas de Onís is Famous For
Roman Bridge with Victory Cross, Gateway to Picos de Europa & Covadonga Sanctuary/Lakes
Top Neighborhoods for Expats in Cangas de Onís
Centro Histórico, Puente Romano, Soto de Cangas, Covadonga
Cost of Living Breakdown in Cangas de Onís (2026)
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center): €500/month
- 2-Bedroom Apartment (City Center): €650/month
- Average Winter Temperature: 9°C
- Average Summer Temperature: 24°C
Attractions & Sights in Cangas de Onís
Cares Route
Known as the Divine Gorge, this is one of Spain's most popular hiking trails. Originally built for workers…
Lakes of Covadonga
One of the natural jewels of Asturias, featuring two glacial lakes (Enol and Ercina) located in the Picos…
Sanctuary of Covadonga
A place of great religious and historical significance where Don Pelayo defeated the Arabs, marking the beginning of…
Local Experiences & Gastronomy in Cangas de Onís
Bear Watching Trek
A guided wildlife experience in the mountains of Somiedo Natural Park to observe the endangered Cantabrian brown bear…
Cider House Ritual
Experience the distinctive Asturian cider pouring ritual and culture in Cangas de OnísTypeTraditional BeverageDuration2.5 hoursPrice Range€35-50 per personWebsite…