Cangues d'Onís

Must-sees in Cangas de Onís

Cangas de Onís served as the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias and remains the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park. This selection highlights the town's deep historical roots, from the 3000 BC Dolmen de Santa Cruz to the medieval bridge over the Sella River. The list features the sacred site of Covadonga, encompassing the neo-Romanesque Basilica and the Holy Cave where the Reconquista began. High-altitude viewpoints provide perspectives of the Cantabrian Mountains, while stone bridges and monuments honor the region's royal and architectural heritage.

Cangas de Onís Must-Sees — Map

Pelayo Alonso Huerta / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Puente Romano

A 14th-century medieval bridge built on Roman foundations over the Sella River. It features a large replica of the Victory Cross, the symbol of Asturias, hanging from its central arch.

David Álvarez López / CC BY 2.0

B

Covadonga Sanctuary

A secluded basilica where the re-conquest of Spain began is now an important pilgrimage site. There's also a cave where two kings are buried.

Zarateman / CC0

C

Holy Cave of Covadonga

The Santa Cueva de Covadonga is a Catholic sanctuary located in Asturias, northern Spain.

Arturo Nikolai / CC BY-SA 2.0

D

Santa Cueva de Covadonga

The Santa Cueva de Covadonga is a Catholic sanctuary located in Asturias, northern Spain.

David Álvarez López / CC BY 2.0

E

Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga

Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga is a Catholic church located in Covadonga/Cuadonga, Cangas de Onís/Cangues d'Onís, Asturias,…

Juan Ramon Martinez Castro / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Mirador de La Picota

Elevated viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Cangas de Onís town center, the Sella River valley, and the surrounding limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa.

G

Mirador de la Reina

Located on the ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga, this lookout provides views of the Cantabrian coastline and the northern massifs of the national park.

H

Mirador de los Canónigos

A roadside viewpoint that offers a direct, elevated perspective of the Covadonga Sanctuary and the neo-Romanesque Basilica set against the forested mountainside.

I

Antigua iglesia de Santa María

A historic former church with a distinctive tiered bell tower. It now serves as a cultural space and museum housing local historical exhibits.

J

Estatua del Rey Pelayo

A bronze monument dedicated to the first monarch of the Kingdom of Asturias, commemorating his victory at the Battle of Covadonga in 722 AD.

Doug Manson / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Puente Dobra

Also known as Puente de la Olla, this medieval stone bridge spans the Dobra River. It marks the starting point for trails leading to the Olla de San Vicente.

Sitomon / Public domain

L

Dolmen de Santa Cruz

A prehistoric megalithic burial chamber dating to approximately 3000 BC. The dolmen is preserved inside the crypt of the 15th-century Chapel of Santa Cruz.

Other Lists

Asturias Religious Sites Natural Wonders of Asturias Scenic Peaks and Viewpoints