The Camín de la Reina connects Sotu and Cangas de Onís along an easy hiking trail through meadows and villages, passing small chapels along the way. It also traces the route taken by Isabel II on her visit to Covadonga in 1858. Here, landscape and history meet on the same route.

Hiking trails with different perspectives

Part of the Camín de la Reina runs through the Natura 2000 ZEC Río Sella protected area. Check trail conditions before setting out. The mountain biking route to Mirador de Següencu offers a different perspective: it starts and ends in Cangas de Onís and opens up views of the Picos de Europa, the Cantabrian Mountains and a small strip of sea. The trails differ in both how you travel and where they go: the Camín connects Sotu and Cangas de Onís, while the mountain biking route leads to the viewpoint and starts and ends in Cangas de Onís.

The Cangas de Onís Senderos de la Reconquista Trail Running Center is another option for sporting excursions. It includes three routes of increasing difficulty. Check the conditions of the routes locally.

Chapel and dolmen: traces from different eras

The Capilla de Santa Cruz was built over a dolmen in 737 by King Favila and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Dolmen de Santa Cruz takes you further back in time: it is dated to around the 3rd millennium BC. Its chamber is decorated with geometric engravings and drawings. The chapel and dolmen thus bring together historical dates from different periods and a distinctive artistic design.

The dolmen is open to the public year-round, but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. During Holy Week and in summer, several guided tours are offered daily, with limited capacity. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. The bridge over the Sella also has a specific structural feature: it now has six arches.

Lakes and visitor sites in the national park

Cangas de Onís lies at the foot of the Picos de Europa, in the valley formed by the Sella and Güeña rivers. The Lagos de Covadonga comprise the lakes Enol and La Ercina in the western massif of the Picos de Europa. The sanctuary of Covadonga is set in exceptionally beautiful natural surroundings. There are also several visitor sites for exploring the national park, each with a different function.

The Buferrera information point is located near the Lagos de Covadonga, in the municipality of Cangas de Onís. The Buferrera recreation area is close to the lakes and has tables, toilets, a drinking fountain and an arboretum. Conditions may change, so check local notices before your visit. The Pedro Pidal Visitor Center presents the history and natural features of the national park; check seasonal opening details separately.

The seasonal access rules are important when travelling to the Lagos de Covadonga: during regulated access periods, private vehicles are not allowed, except for vehicles expressly authorized. The rules may change, so check the national park’s latest notices before setting out.

Festivals and local production

The Fiesta del Pastor takes place in Vega de Enol. It includes rural games, regional dances, craft sales and a council of shepherds. The festival is an annual tradition; check the current events program before your visit. The festival in honor of Saint Anthony takes place on June 13 and is considered the most important traditional festival in Cangas de Onís. Here too, it is worth checking the current program.

Local cuisine can also be explored by looking at how it is made: Gamonéu del Valle is produced year-round in the lower-lying areas of Onís and Cangas de Onís. Alongside festival dates, your itinerary can therefore include a regional product and its year-round production period.

Discover more destinations: Arriondas, Cangas De Onis, Soto De Cangas, Peruyes, Covadonga, Cardes, Mestas De Con, Corao, Llenín, Beceña, Igena, Labra, Soto De La Ensertal, Caño, Perlleces, Tornín, Nieda.

For the broader travel overview: Asturias.