Why stay here?
A former monastery beside the River Sella, combining monastic atmosphere with one of the most practical bases for the Picos de Europa and Covadonga.
Why it stands out
It combines a historic monastery with one of northern Spain’s strongest landscape regions, so both the building and the geography justify the stay.
How long to stay
Two nights is the minimum I would favor; three is better if hiking, Covadonga or the coast are important parts of the itinerary.
Best route role
Use Cangas de Onís as the eastern Asturias anchor before moving west to Gijón or continuing east toward Cantabria.
San Pedro de Villanueva and the monastic landscape of Asturias
The Parador occupies the former monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, a complex with medieval origins and later additions that developed over centuries. Archaeological remains found during restoration reinforce the site’s long history.
The monastery setting gives the property a calm, enclosed character, but its usefulness goes beyond the building: it is exceptionally well placed for eastern Asturias and the Picos de Europa approaches.
River Sella, Covadonga and the Picos de Europa
The property sits beside the River Sella near Cangas de Onís, with the Lakes of Covadonga, Picos de Europa routes, Ribadesella and the eastern Asturian coast all within the broader travel orbit.
More about the stay
Tradition has it that it was built by Rey Alfonso I, ‘The Catholic’, on February 21st 746, with excavations carried out before conversion work started on the building for the Parador supporting the idea. The present monastery was founded on the site and run by the Order of San Benito until the 1835 sale of Church lands. Two rooms displaying archaeological remains found during refurbishment work, especially ceramics, bear witness to its distant past.
The Monastery was declared a National Monument in 1907 with a new wing added using matching building materials to match the original. Set on the green banks of the River Sella, this jewel is reflected in the waters below.
The magnificent Picos de Europa setting frames the backdrop. The modern and comfortable facilities at the Hotel make it the ideal spot to discover the wondrous Asturian landscape, enjoy local colour at celebrations and the ancestral folklore, as well as savour the best most genuine dishes from the rich local cuisine.
Is Cangas de Onis right for your trip?
Travelers combining historic buildings with mountain and nature-focused days.
Visitors using eastern Asturias as a base for Covadonga and the Picos de Europa.
Northern-Spain road-trippers linking Asturias with Cantabria or the central coast.
Place this Parador in Asturias
Asturias combines lush valleys, Atlantic scenery and some of northern Spain’s most atmospheric historic settings. It works especially well as part of a wider northern route through Cantabria and Galicia.
Explore all Paradores in Asturias →Start here. Then fan out.
Use the local map for geographic context, then compare the nearby Paradores below before deciding where the route should go next.
What to see nearby
- Cangas de Onís.
Roman Bridge
Santa Cruz Chapel.
Cortés Palace.
Casa Dago (Welcome Centre for visitors from the Picos de Europa National Park). - Tito Bustillo Cave (Ribadesella)
Rock art from the Palaeolithic period.
Exhibition on prehistoric man’s way of life.. - Buxu Cave (Cardes, 6 km.)
Solutrean period, upper Palaeolithic.Viewings limited to small daily groups. Check days it is closed to the public and opening times. No reservations. - Lakes of Covadonga.
Visit to Enol and La Ercina lakes.
Pedro Pidal Visitors Centre and Buferrera mines. - Romanesque and gothic examples.
San Pedro de Villanueva.
San Bartolomé Chapel in Las Rozas.
Santa María de Cangas de Arriba.
San Pedro de Con.
Santiago de Villaverde.
San Martín de Grazanes.
Santa Eulalia de Abamia, etc. - County beaches.
Ribadesella.
Llanes.
Ribadedeva.
Colunga. - Hiking:
Cares Route.
El Arcediano Route.
Vega de Ario.
Ordiales vantage point.
Peloño forest. - Visit to the Royal Estate of Covadonga
Check opening times and religious services in reception.
Visit to the Basílica.
The Santa Cueva cave.
The Museo del Tesoro musuem. - Archivo de Indianos (Archive of the Indies), in Colombres (Ribadedeva).
- Cycle tourism (mountain bikes). River Zardón, Vegas del Güeña, etc. route.
- Fitu vantage point: Marvellous views from the Sierra del Sueve over the Picos de Europa and the coast. Located between the towns of Arriendas and Colunga.
- Asturias Jurassic Museum: In Colunga. Check times and when closed for holidays.
- East Asturias Anthropology Museum in Porrua (Llanes).
- La Grandera Local Fauna Zoo: In Soto de Cangas, about 6.5 km. from the Parador
Activities and ways to spend your time
- Biking
- Canoeing
- Equestrian Trails
- Horse Routes
- Mountaineering
- Rambling
- Rive Fishing
- Trekking
Regional flavor
Asturian stew, fabada and the different types of exquisite cheeses - Cabrales, Gamoneo and Beyos being highlights - are just some of the most typical dishes in the area, accompanied, of course, by natural poured cider.
Before you build the stay into your route
Use the map for context
The Atlas map shows where this property sits relative to other Paradores. Actual road distance and driving time can differ substantially from straight-line distance.
Check the dates you need
Use the verified Booking.com handoff to check live availability for your dates before fixing the surrounding route.
Allow time for the destination
Use the regional guide, nearby places and Journey links as planning context rather than treating the Parador only as a place to sleep between long driving days.
Planning a stay at Parador de Cangas de Onis
Is the Parador de Cangas de Onís a monastery?
Yes. It occupies the former monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, a historic complex beside the River Sella.
Is Cangas de Onís a good base for the Picos de Europa?
Yes. The property is well placed for Covadonga, the lakes and several eastern-Asturias routes into the Picos de Europa.
How many nights should I stay at Cangas de Onís?
Two nights is a sensible minimum, while three gives more flexibility for mountain weather, hiking and coastal excursions.
Can I book Parador de Cangas de Onis through Paradores Atlas?
Paradores Atlas does not take the reservation itself. The Check availability link opens the verified Booking.com property/availability page in a new tab, where booking and payment are completed.
