This historic town in Asturias is known for its Roman bridge with a Victoria Cross and serves as a gateway to Picos de Europa National Park and Lakes of Covadonga.
Cangas de Onís sits where the Sella and Güeña rivers meet at the edge of Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain's Asturias region. In the town center, you'll find a 13th-century bridge with the iconic Victory Cross, streets lined with gray stone buildings, and a weekly market where farmers sell local cheeses and honey. The surrounding mountains rise above 2,000 meters, creating a dramatic backdrop for hiking trails and religious pilgrimages.
The Roman Bridge and Victory Cross
The 13th-century bridge spans the Sella River with five arches, its central arch rising higher than the others. From its center hangs a replica of the Victory Cross, an ancient symbol with Greek letters alpha and omega that has become the emblem of Asturias. You can walk across the bridge to photograph both the structure and the river views, with the mountains visible in the background.
Food and Markets
Every Sunday, farmers and artisans gather in the town center to sell their products. You'll find more than 30 varieties of Asturian cheese, including blue Cabrales aged in mountain caves. Local beekeepers sell different types of honey, while cider makers bring bottles of the region's traditional drink. The market also includes stalls with madreñes (wooden clogs) and other local crafts. During weekdays, you can buy vacuum-packed cheeses from small shops around town.
Exploring Covadonga
Located 11 kilometers from town, Covadonga's pink limestone basilica rises above a sacred cave chapel built into the rock face. Inside the cave, you'll find La Santina, a statue of the Virgin Mary, with daily masses held in this natural shrine above a waterfall. Two glacial lakes - Enol and Ercina - lie further up the mountain road. From July to September, you must take the shuttle bus from Cangas de Onís to reach the lakes due to parking restrictions.
Getting Around Picos de Europa
From Cangas de Onís, you can access the western section of Picos de Europa National Park, known as El Cornión. The park has well-marked trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Regular buses run between the town, Covadonga, and the lakes. Renting a car lets you explore smaller villages and valleys at your own pace.
Historical Buildings
The town center contains buildings from different periods, including a late 19th-century town hall and a Renaissance-style Cortés palace. The Hermitage of Santa Cruz stands on an unusual site - beneath it lies a Celtic dolmen from 3000 BC. While the current building was reconstructed after the Spanish Civil War, its foundation incorporates the ancient megalithic tomb.
