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Cangas del Narcea

Cangas del Narcea

The indomitable Asturias

Cangas del Narcea

    The wildest part of Asturias lies in the vast municipality of Cangas del Narcea. This often unexplored territory represents almost 8 percent of the Principality's total area and is brimming with attractions across its more than 800 square kilometers: bears, forests, valleys, natural parks, mighty rivers, a rich heritage, and a unique and distinctive gastronomy, including local wines like Cangas wine. The only Asturian vineyards are found in this area.

    Photo Wikimedia Commons.




    Latitude: 43.1811485 Length: -6.5464783
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    Cangas del Narcea has traditionally been isolated. Poor transport links and its distance from the region's major urban centers have given this area the feel of a remote island within Asturias. The most positive consequence of this continued isolation is the extraordinary preservation of its natural environment, a rarity in the Cantabrian region. Its largely undisturbed nature boasts remarkable examples of native forest and an enviable array of wildlife that has found one of its last strongholds in these lands.

    How many square kilometers does the council of Cangas del Narcea have?

    The municipality covers 823 km², making it the largest in Asturias and one of the largest in Spain. It borders the municipality of Tineo to the north, Degaña and the Leonese region of Laciana to the south, Ibias to the southwest, Somiedo to the east, and Allande to the northwest—all municipalities where the natural ecosystem is a hidden gem. Visiting Cangas de Narcea means being surrounded by nature on all sides.

    The Brown Bear Foundation maintains a permanent patrol in Cangas to monitor the well-being of the bears. Several locations in the Narcea region have received accreditation for excellence in sustainable tourism. The Narcea River and its tributaries serve as the backbone of the territory. The legendary Muniellos Forest , declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is breathtaking, as are the beech forest of Monasterio de Hermo , the Moal Forest , the Fuentes del Narcea Natural Park , the Coto River Valley, and the ubiquitous mountain pastures, remnants of a culture based on livestock farming.

    Forest of Muniellos

    Forest of Muniellos

    Muniellos harbors within its boundaries the ancient Asturian forest , its most deeply rooted character. Visit Muniellos… Read more

    moal forest

    moal forest

    Moal is a town in Asturias and also a forest; a green, humid expanse, full of trees… Read more

    How to get to Cangas del Narcea

    In Oviedo, take the A-63 and take exit 28 (Doriga) to continue on the AS-15 to our destination.

    Hunting, fishing, Cangas del Narcea wines ...

    The size and quality of this natural area also make it a paradise for hunting and fishing enthusiasts in Asturias . Hunting, which is very popular here, is strictly regulated. The salmon fishing reserves on the Narcea River are among the most productive in the Principality; restocking with fingerlings and cleaning the river basins are further assets in a municipality where ecology and the economy are inextricably linked.

    Although the humidity of the Cantabrian coast might not seem conducive to winemaking, Cangas appears to enjoy a unique microclimate, resulting in vineyards brimming with native grape varieties . This wine boasts a protected designation of origin, and its production area encompasses the municipalities of Cangas del Narcea, Ibias, Grandas de Salime, Illano, Allande, and Pesoz. The winemaking area also extends to the municipality of Degaña, which now has a significant winery.

    An unmistakable wine: floral and fruity aromas characteristic of the grape varieties; wines with a clean, bright, and transparent appearance. The permitted grape varieties are: Mencía, Albarín (red and white), Verdejo (red), Cascarín (red), Picapoll Blanco, and Albillo (white). All producers and wineries within the designation of origin are subject to various controls, including declaring the harvest and notifying the date of the picking.

    Good DOP Cangas reds

    If you want to enjoy good wines to accompany your meals, we present you:

    What to see around Cangas del Narcea?

    No less important than the natural heritage and its bounty is the artistic heritage of Cangas. The numerous burial mounds and hill forts scattered throughout the territory, as well as the remnants of Roman gold mining operations still visible in several locations, speak to the area's long and rich history.

    For many centuries, the Monastery of Corias was the cultural center of the entire region. Today, it is the most important monumental work in the municipality , declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1982. Known as the Asturian Escorial , it is located in the village of Corias, two kilometers from Cangas. In its medieval origins, it was governed by the Benedictine order, which soon transformed it into the most important religious, cultural, and political center in western Asturias. The founding of this monastery ushered in a period of artistic and cultural splendor in the area, marked by the construction of numerous rural churches in the Romanesque and Gothic styles.

    During the Modern Age, the council was home to nobles, lords, and illustrious families who achieved great renown in the political and economic life of the country, building beautiful palaces and mansions throughout its territory , which, like the churches, have survived to this day. Today, the Monastery of Corias is part of the Paradores de España network.

    The town of Cangas del Narcea is the capital of the municipality . It is located in the narrow valley where the Luiña or Naviego River flows into the Narcea. It is the main town of the southwestern region of the Principality of Asturias, concentrating all administrative, educational, and hospital services there. Its area of ​​influence includes not only the municipality itself, but also the districts of Ibias, Degaña, Allande, and Tineo. Among the historical buildings in the capital , the Peñalba Palace (18th century) and the Sierra-Pambley Palace (16th century) stand out . The Church of Santa María Magdalena is a fine example of Asturian Baroque architecture.

    Fairs and festivals in Cangas del Narcea

    In the heart of summer, during the second half of July, Cangas celebrates the festivals of Mary Magdalene and Our Lady of Mount Carmel; the latter is the central figure of the famous fireworks display. In her honor, thousands upon thousands of rockets are launched, exploding in a sonic spectacle difficult to describe, known as La Gran Descarga (The Great Discharge ). The excitement is accompanied by the awe-inspiring roar of the gunpowder explosion, which makes the ground tremble beneath our feet.

    The Download of Cangas

    The Download of Cangas

    In Cangas de Narcea, the Descarga is a thunderous and momentous event, something more than just gunpowder and smoke, a… Read more

    The Ecotourism Festival takes place in Fuentes del Narcea: Cangas del Narcea, Degaña, and Íbias. Music, ethnography, crafts, and local products are the stars of a program that reflects the authenticity of this region, helping to preserve ways of life and cultural expressions that are “in danger of extinction.”

    August also features a fantastic festival with a wide range of cultural activities. There are wine tastings, concerts, workshops, and a food area where you can enjoy local cuisine. A unique festival that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

    Information:

    From the center of Asturias you can access Cangas del Narcea by the AS-15, which in Cornellana (Salas) part of the N-634.

    From the province of León and more specifically from Villablino you can choose the AS-213 through the Port of Leitariegos or the AS-15 that crosses the Degaña council, saving then the Puerto del Rañadoiro. Other three roads communicate the council with the bordering municipalities: the AS-14 with Allande and the AS-29 and AS-211 with Ibias.


    Text: for asturias.com Copyright Ramon Molleda


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