Parador de Cangas de Onís

The pantheon of the first kings, beside the Sella

The Parador occupies the former Benedictine monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, on the banks of the Sella and two kilometres from Cangas de Onís. According to Paradores, the monastery was built in the mid-8th century on the orders of Alfonso I, third king of Asturias, in memory of his predecessor Favila, son of Pelayo, and came to hold one of the first royal pantheons of the Asturian crown. It has been a National Monument since 1907 and forms an ensemble with the Romanesque church, which still stands alongside.

Inside, you can feel the building: stone and wood rooms, a cloister lounge that was a library and a garden that runs down to the river.

Four types of room

Turismo Asturias lists it with 64 rooms and 138 beds, in the four-star category. Paradores offers standard double, superior double, accessible room and junior suite. You book on three board options: room only, bed and breakfast, and half board. Turismo Asturias gives €100 to €270 a night as a guide; the real price appears in the website calendar for your dates. High season runs from March to October.

Monastic cooking and cheeses

The restaurant serves Asturian cooking, with nods to the monasteries' cuisine: pulses, regional cheeses and Cantabrian fish with cider. There is also a Cheese Bar with a selection of Asturian cheeses and dishes to share, useful if you arrive late or do not want a long dinner.

Spa, bike and electric car

The Parador has a spa, with conditions and prices to be checked separately, and an electric-car charging point. Paradores notes it is equipped for cycle tourism. Turismo Asturias lists parking, garden, fireplace, children's play area, air conditioning, room service and laundry.

With a dog or cat

Pets are accepted for a supplement: one animal per room, dogs up to 25 kg and cats. Medium to large dogs need the hotel's approval, and potentially dangerous breeds are not accepted. The animal cannot be left alone in the room or enter the common areas. You must say so when you book and bring the vaccination record and insurance. They provide a food and water bowl if you ask, but not a bed or blanket.

Getting there and what is nearby

From the A-8 take the N-634 towards Arriondas or towards Cangas de Onís; at Arriondas take the N-625, with signs to Villanueva de Cangas. From here, the Covadonga sanctuary and the climb to the Lakes are by car, and the Roman bridge in Cangas is two kilometres away. In Arriondas you can eat at a Michelin-starred table at El Corral del Indianu and the Sella descent starts.