The Parador of Cangas de Onis was a wonderfully relaxing last stop on our travels in Spain. It stands on the banks of the Sella River just outside the town and in the foothills of the Picos de Europa.
Parador of Cangas de Onis
The hotel is in the former Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva which is one of the oldest in Asturias and closely linked to the first Asturian kings.
The Monastery was first built in the 8th century by Alfonso I, third king of Asturias, and was one of the first Pantheons of the Asturian kings. Sadly nothing remains of the originals buildings. It was rebuilt in the 12th century and the most obvious sign is the church which sadly was closed when we stayed in the Parador.
The Monastery was rebuilt in the 12th century, substantially rebuilt again in the 17th century and closed down in the 1830s under Mendizabal. It was quite small, never having more than 8 or 9 monks. In 1907 it was declared a National Monument.
Inside the Parador of Cangas de Onis
Like all the Paradors, Cangas de Onis was immaculate and filled with treasures. There is comfortable seating in different areas, paintings and wall hangings and even a small library. The building has an internal courtyard but it was rather too cold for us! The food was excellent, the beds comfortable, the water hot …. what more can one want?
Walks along the River Sella
The River Sella flows below the hotel and it is very attractive, with a lovely walk along the banks in the direction of Arriondas. This is the starting point of an annual canoe race1 in August, down the river to Ribadesella, 20 kms away on the coast. It is a major festival and looks a lot of fun!
You can also walk into the town, Cangas de Onis, in the other direction – next time!
Village next to the hotel
There is a small hamlet next to the hotel with an enormous horreos. This was a way of storing food to protect it from mice and they are found all over the north of Spain – this was a particularly grand one and looked as though it had been converted to other uses.
Staying at the Parador of Cangas de Onis was just a delight and we would certainly return. It is an easy drive from here to the Ferry Port in Santander, or vice versa.
- Canoe race down the Sella: https://whereisasturias.com/the-international-descent-of-the-river-sella-asturias/ ↩︎
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