The Parador of Cangas De Onis, Spain

Parador of Cangas De Onis The 5-star Parador at Cangas De Onis presents a wonderful opportunity to combine extraordinary natural surroundings and a unique cultural experience while staying in a historically significant and aesthetically beautiful hotel. The Cangas De Onis Parador is situated on a bend in the stunning Sella river in the foothills near the mighty Picos de Europa - among the most rugged and awesome mountain peaks in Europe. The peacefulness and purity of the countryside here is amazing. The Parador, formerly the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, maintains and contributes to the air of tranquility that you will experience here. This place played a pivotal part in the history of Spain. At this exact spot the centuries long re-conquest of Spain by the Christians over the Moors began. The great historic figure (whose true history is muddled by legend) who started this fight was Pelayo - around 722 A.D.. He became the first king of Asturias and this land was know as "Primorias" until the 9th century - indicating the 'first birth' - the 'primordial beginnings' of what was to become what we know of as Spain. The Parador was founded in the 8th century as a monastery by Alfonso I and his wife - the daughter of Pelayo. During the rehabilitation of the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva, many artifacts from the various stages in the history of this place were unearthed and rediscovered. Two rooms in the Parador have been set aside as museum display rooms for these artifacts. The Parador at Cangas De Onis is the perfect base from which to do several fascinating day trips to . . . - The Basilica at Covadongas standing serene in its own isolated valley is a must-see and makes for a very enjoyable half-day excursion. - The Picos de Europa Park was the very first national park in Spain. The Picos de Europa are mountains of unmatched grandeur and worthy of several days of pleasant exploration. These are among the most rugged mountains in all Europe and still provide home to bear, wild boar, ermine, mountain goat and golden eagles - among many, many other species. There are several "routes" into the mountains - try the Cares Route - and try to stop at the Mirador de Frito and the Mirador de la Reina for incredible panoramic views that stretches from sea to mountain peaks. - The beaches along the coast here are not to be missed - you can usually find one that you'll have all to yourself. Drive to Buelna beach, Toro beach, Toranda beach, Antolin beach - and there are dozens of others awaiting to be discovered. - The Sella river is one of Spain's prettiest and provides great fishing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities. - There are fascinating pre-historic and Paleolithic cave paintings at Tito Bustillo and Buxu, as well as the the rock art at Pe