Asturias: explore Spain’s green north from Cangas de Onís

Hotel Virgen de Covadonga 3*: tradition and nature in the heart of Cangas de Onís

Located in the picturesque town of Cangas de Onís, where the Picos de Europa mountains meet rich history and green landscapes, Hotel Virgen de Covadonga 3* offers the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Asturias. Just a short walk from the iconic Roman Bridge and the Sella River, the hotel connects you to the soul of northern Spain.

This charming property blends traditional character with comfort in a peaceful setting. Its cosy rooms are ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking or sightseeing. Centrally located, it allows you to easily explore the region, whether you're travelling as a couple or on your own adventure.

Start your mornings with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the Covadonga Lakes or trekking the Picos de Europa. After a day out, enjoy local flavours at nearby restaurants, from authentic Asturian cider to comforting homemade meals.

Book your stay at Hotel Virgen de Covadonga 3* and experience the green heart of Spain in a town full of charm and tradition.

Cangas de Onís is a charming mountain town in eastern Asturias, known as one of the gateways to the Picos de Europa National Park. Once the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias and closely linked to the legendary Battle of Covadonga, it combines deep history with lush green landscapes, traditional markets and hearty mountain cuisine. It is an ideal base for families and couples who want to mix gentle adventure, culture and good food in northern Spain.

Make sure you visit:

• Roman Bridge over the Sella River
  The iconic “Puente Romano”, actually of medieval origin, is the postcard image of Cangas de Onís. Stroll across, admire the Victory Cross hanging from its central arch and enjoy the views of the Sella River and the surrounding hills.

• Historic centre and Sunday market
  Wander the small historic core with its stone houses, traditional shops and lively bars. If you are here on Sunday, the weekly market is the place to see stalls piled high with local cheeses, cured meats, honey and beans, all straight from the Asturian countryside.

• Statue of King Pelayo and local churches
  In the town centre you will find the statue of King Pelayo, the hero associated with the beginnings of the Reconquista, as well as small churches such as Santa Cruz, which add to the town’s historic character.

• Sanctuary of Covadonga
  Just a short drive up into the mountains, the Sanctuary of Covadonga is made up of the Holy Cave and the neo-Romanesque Basilica of Santa María la Real, dramatically set against steep rocky slopes and dense forest – one of the most symbolic spiritual sites in Asturias.

• Picos de Europa viewpoints
  Use Cangas de Onís as your springboard into the Picos de Europa, stopping at classic viewpoints like Mirador de la Reina or Mirador del Príncipe to take in sweeping panoramas of meadows, peaks and grazing cattle.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Ribadesella – Santa Marina Beach
  About half an hour away by car, Ribadesella offers a long, golden sandy beach framed by elegant villas and a seafront promenade – perfect for relaxed walks, swimming when the sea is calm, and family beach days.

• Llanes coastline
  The picturesque town of Llanes has several coves and beaches with turquoise water and dramatic cliffs, such as Toró or El Sablón. It makes a great day out when you want to swap mountains for sea air.

• Wild coves of eastern Asturias
  Within an easy drive you can find smaller, more rugged coves backed by green fields and cliffs. These spots are ideal for travellers who enjoy a more natural, less built-up coastal feeling.

• Surf and coastal walks
  The Cantabrian coast near Cangas de Onís has surf schools, coastal paths and viewpoints, giving active visitors a nice contrast to the mountain hikes of the Picos de Europa.

Family-friendly activities:

• Lakes of Covadonga (Enol and Ercina)
  Drive or join a guided excursion up to these famous glacial lakes in the Picos de Europa. Easy walking paths, grazing cows and spectacular views make it a fantastic family outing, even with children who are not used to long hikes.

• Canoeing on the Sella River
  The Sella is one of Spain’s classic rivers for gentle adventure. Several companies around Cangas de Onís offer canoe descents suitable for beginners and families, turning the day into a fun mix of paddling, picnics and river swimming in summer.

• Soft hiking and forest walks
  Trails in nearby areas such as the Vegabaño Forest or lower Picos valleys allow you to experience the national park without technical difficulty, combining shaded woodland paths, viewpoints and picnic areas.

• Cider houses and cheese tastings
  While adults enjoy Asturian cider and cheeses, many traditional cider houses are informal, lively places where children are welcome, making it a relaxed cultural experience for the whole family.

• Local festivals and events
  Throughout the year, Cangas de Onís hosts markets, gastronomy fairs and sporting events linked to the Picos de Europa, adding extra atmosphere if your visit coincides with one of these dates.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Fabada asturiana
  A hearty bean stew made with “fabes”, chorizo and cured pork – rich, comforting and perfect after a day in the mountains. It is one of the most emblematic dishes of the region.

• Cachopo
  A generous dish of breaded veal fillets filled with ham and cheese, usually served with potatoes and peppers. It is ideal for sharing and very popular in traditional restaurants.

• Asturian cheeses
  From strong blue Cabrales to milder local cheeses sold at the Sunday market, this is cheese-lover territory. Many are still produced in mountain caves or small dairies around the Picos de Europa.

• Asturian cider (sidra)
  The typical drink of the region, poured from a height to aerate it. Enjoy it in a lively “sidrería” in Cangas de Onís, often accompanied by simple dishes like chorizo in cider or tortilla.

• Local sweets and honey
  Look out for traditional pastries and jars of honey from the nearby valleys, ideal as edible souvenirs or snacks between hikes.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Sanctuary and Holy Cave of Covadonga
  Combine a visit to the lakes with time at the Sanctuary itself. Explore the basilica, the cave dedicated to “La Santina” and the viewpoints around the complex, all surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forest.

• Picos de Europa National Park routes
  Use Cangas de Onís as your starting point for guided routes or self-guided excursions deeper into the park, whether you prefer gentle valley walks or more demanding mountain hikes.

• Ribadesella and dinosaur coast
  A coastal day trip to Ribadesella can be combined with visits to nearby dinosaur footprint sites and viewpoints along the so-called “Costa de los Dinosaurios”, adding a fun educational angle for families.

• Llanes and its string of beaches
  Spend a day exploring the old town of Llanes, its harbour and nearby beaches, then return to the quieter mountain atmosphere of Cangas de Onís in the evening.

• Mirador del Fitu and coastal–mountain panoramas
  A classic viewpoint in eastern Asturias, Mirador del Fitu offers sweeping views that take in both the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Sea on clear days – a memorable stop on any scenic drive.