About 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

Top Sights & Landmarks in Cangas de Onís:

  • Cares Route: Known as the Divine Gorge, this is one of Spain’s most popular hiking trails. Originally built…
  • Sanctuary of Covadonga: A place of great religious and historical significance where Don Pelayo defeated the Arabs, marking the…
  • Lakes of Covadonga: One of the natural jewels of Asturias, featuring two glacial lakes (Enol and Ercina) located in…

Available cost-of-living values

Verified rent values are not available for this city.