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Cangas de Onís

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City
—°8
Cangas de Onís (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Cangas de Onís

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The famous 'Roman Bridge' is actually medieval. A photo is a must. In high season, private car access to the Covadonga Lakes is restricted; take the bus from the central station.
  • The Sunday market is the best place to discover local products like cheeses, cured meats, and honey. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
  • Parking in the centre is difficult in summer. Use the car parks on the outskirts of town and explore on foot.
  • Rent a canoe and paddle on the Sella River, famous for the annual 'Descenso del Sella' international canoe race.

🍽 Food

🍽
Asturian Cider (Sidra)

Visit a 'sidrería' to see the cider being poured from a great height ('escanciado') to aerate it. Drink just a small sip, leaving the rest in the glass.

🍽
Fabada Asturiana

This hearty bean stew with chorizo and black pudding is the most typical dish of Asturias. Well-suited after a mountain hike. Look for restaurants offering a 'Menú del Día'.

🍽
Cabrales Cheese

A strong blue cheese from the Picos de Europa mountains. Buy it at the Sunday market or from a specialised food shop ('ultramarinos').

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Sunday Market

The best place for authentic souvenirs. Find everything from local cheeses and cured meats to Asturian crafts made of wood and leather.

🛍
Local Food Shops

Along the main street, look for shops selling vacuum-packed 'Fabes' (the beans for Fabada) and other local delicacies you can take home.

🧘
Walk by the Sella River

Escape the busy main streets with a quiet walk along the riverbank. There are several paths leading out from the town centre.

🧘
Chapel of Santa Cruz

This small chapel, built on top of a prehistoric dolmen, is a site of historical importance and features a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist hustle.

Cangas de Onís is a spirited town in eastern Asturias and holds a special place in Spanish history as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. Its most iconic landmark is the 'Roman Bridge' (actually medieval), from which a replica of the Victoria Cross hangs over the Sella River. This town serves as the primary gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park, making it a hub for hikers and nature lovers. The streets are lined with shops selling local products like Gamonéu cheese and traditional cider (sidra), which is poured from a height to aerate it. Every Sunday, a bustling market brings local farmers to town, offering everything from artisan crafts to fresh produce. The statue of King Pelayo stands proudly in the center, commemorating his legendary victory. For adventure seekers, canoeing down the Sella River is a popular activity, especially during the summer months. The town is well-connected by road to both the coast and the high mountains, making it a versatile base for exploring northern Spain. Best visited between late spring and early autumn for the most favorable mountain weather.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C10911121417192019161210
Rain mm117989175625333394897133114

Geography

Population
6,623
Coordinates
43.35140, -5.12916

Facts

  • Roman Bridge
  • Victory Cross
  • Sella River
  • Statue of King Pelayo
  • Sunday Market
  • Gamonéu cheese
  • Gateway to Picos de Europa
  • Cider pouring tradition

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cangas de Onís (8)

Monasterio de San Pedro de Villanueva⛪ religious

A historic Benedictine monastery at the foot of the Picos de Europa.

Dolmen de Santa Cruz🏺 historical

Dolmen de Santa Cruz in Cangas de Onís is a prehistoric stone tomb and heritage site.

Teatro Colón🎭 culture

Small theater in the historic center of Cangas de Onís, hosting local performances and cultural events.

Mirador del Puente Romano🌿 nature

Mirador del Puente Romano is a scenic viewpoint offering views of the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís.

Escultura moto de piedra🏺 historical

Sculpture of a motorcycle carved from a single piece of stone, located in Cangas de Onís.

Antigua iglesia de Santa María🏛 museum

Former Romanesque church of Santa María, now a museum displaying religious art and archaeological finds from the region.

Mirador de Següencu

A spectacular viewpoint in Cangas de Onís, offering visitors dramatic panoramic vistas of the surrounding Spanish mountains and valleys.

Capilla de Santa Cruz "El altar de la victoria"⛪ religious

A significant religious and cultural property in Cangas de Onís, this historic chapel reflects the deep architectural heritage of the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Cangas de Onís?
The 'Roman Bridge' (Puente Romano) with the hanging Victory Cross.
Was Cangas de Onís a capital in the past?
Yes, it was the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias after the victory of Covadonga.
Is there a weekly market there?
Yes, every Sunday morning there is a large market with local products and cheeses.
Which cheese should one try in the region?
The strong blue cheese 'Cabrales' or 'Gamoneu' are local specialties.
Is the city a good starting point for the Picos de Europa?
Yes, it is considered the gateway to the national park and is well-suited for trips to Covadonga.
Cangas de Onís: where is it located?
Cangas de Onís is located in Spain.
Cangas de Onís: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monasterio de San Pedro de Villanueva, Dolmen de Santa Cruz, Teatro Colón.
Cangas de Onís: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Cangas de Onís: why is it worth visiting?
Cangas de Onís is a spirited town in eastern Asturias and holds a special place in Spanish history as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias.
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