Cangas de Onis boasts a spectacular setting in the foothills of the Picos de Europa mountains. A gateway to Picos de Europa National Park, the town overflows with hikers, campers and birdwatchers in the summer. You can also use Cangas de Onis as a base for visiting smaller towns and villages dotted across the Asturias region.
Things to do in Cangas de Onís
Set on the banks of the Sella River, Cangas de Onis will charm you with its cobbled streets and historic architecture. The 13th-century Roman Bridge spans across the river and recalls the city’s ancient past. Guided tours of Capilla de Santa Cruz take you behind the scenes of the tiny chapel.
For many travellers, Cangas de Onis is a base for exploring Picos de Europa National Park. Trails wind through the park and take you past dramatic limestone rock formations and stunning high-altitude lakes. Watch for golden eagles soaring overhead. As well as hiking and camping, Cangas de Onis offers plenty of outdoor activities. Choose from kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding.
The Sanctuary of Covadonga welcomes you with soaring twin spires and a striking Neo-Romanesque façade. The impressive church was built in the 1800s and commands sweeping views over the surrounding mountains. Nearby Santa Cueva cave is built on a rocky cliffside and perched above a cascading waterfall.
In the town centre, local restaurants and bistros will tempt you with menus of mouth-watering Asturian dishes. Save your appetite for rich white bean stew, tender pork shoulder and fish cooked in apple cider. Cheese made from local cow, sheep and goat milk is also a specialty.
Getting around Cangas de Onís
Cangas de Onis is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is a 2.5-hour drive from Bilbao and five hours from Madrid. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.