Free walking tours in Cangas de Onís and what to see

Must-sees

Cangas de Onís was the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias and is now the gateway to the Picos de Europa. Its best-known image is the bridge over the river Sella, medieval in origin although it is called Roman, from which hangs a replica of the Victory Cross. Close by is the chapel of Santa Cruz, built over a dolmen. The centre is lively, with cider houses and cheese shops.

About eleven kilometres away is Covadonga, with the Holy Cave carved into the rock and the pink-stone neo-Romanesque basilica. From there the road climbs to the Lakes of Covadonga, Enol and Ercina, in the heart of the national park. In high season car access is restricted and you have to go up by bus. If you go on a Sunday, the weekly market fills the centre with stalls of local produce.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours are scarce in Cangas de Onís. The norm here is guided visits and excursions leaving from the town. The most common combine Covadonga and the Lakes, with a guide explaining the story of Pelayo, the Battle of Covadonga and the natural setting of the national park.

Very close, in Arriondas, the Sella canoe descent begins, a very popular summer activity. Another classic outing is the Cares Route, which starts in Poncebos and follows a gorge carved into the rock. There are also visits to the caves where Cabrales cheese is matured and guided mountain routes in the Picos de Europa.

How long to spend

The town itself can be seen in about two hours. The sensible plan is to stay two or three days and use it as a base. Spend the first on Cangas, Covadonga and the Lakes, and the second on the Cares Route, which takes most of the day. If you have a third, use it for the Sella or to explore the eastern coast of Asturias, half an hour away by car.

Where to stay

The centre of Cangas de Onís, near the bridge and the main avenue, is the most practical option. Restaurants and services are close at hand, and excursions leave from here. If you prefer peace and quiet, the nearby villages and the road to Covadonga have rural houses and small hotels surrounded by meadows. Arriondas is also a good base if your main plan is the Sella.