Cangas del Narcea has traditionally been isolated, bad communications and the remoteness of the large urban centers of the region have meant for this region a character of recondite island within Asturias. The most positive consequence of this continued isolation is the extraordinary conservation of its natural environment as in a few places in the Bay of Biscay. A scarcely altered nature, with notable examples of autochthonous forest and an enviable wildlife that he has found in these lands one of his last survival strongholds.
How many square kilometers does the council of Cangas del Narcea have?
The municipality has 823 k2 what makes it the largest in Asturias and one of the largest also in Spain. It limits to the north with the council of Tineo, to the south with Degaña and the Leonese region of Laciana, to the southwest with Ibias, to the east with Somiedo and to the northwest with Allande, all councils in which the natural ecosystem is a diamond in the rough. To approach Cangas de Narcea is to run into the nature on all four sides.
The Brown Bear Foundation They have a permanent patrol in Cangas that watches over the development of plantigrades. Several narceanic enclaves have the accreditation of excellence in sustainable tourism. The Narcea River and its tributaries act as the backbone of the territory. The mythical Forest of Muniellosdeclared Biosphere Reserve by Unesco, it is impressive, no less than the beech of Monastery of Hermo o moal's forest, the natural park of the Sources of Narcea, the valley of the Coto River or the ubiquitous brañas, vestige of a culture based on livestock.
Forest of Muniellos
Muniellos is home to the primitive Asturian forest, its densest idiosyncrasy. Visit Muniellos… Read more
moal forest
Moal is an Asturian town and also a forest; a green, humid expanse, loaded with 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 space is also a paradise for fans of hunting and fishing in Asturias. The hunting activity, which has great popularity here, is perfectly regulated. The salmon preserves of Narcea are among the most fruitful of the Principality; the repopulation with fry and the cleaning of river basins is another asset in a municipality where ecology and economy go hand in hand.
Although the humidity of the Cantabrian Sea does not seem to be conducive to wine harvests, the truth is that Cangas seems to enjoy a unique microclimate, giving rise to a vineyard full of autochthonous varieties. A wine that has denomination of origin and whose geographical area of production includes the councils of Cangas del Narcea, Ibias, Grandas de Salime, Illano, Allande and Pesoz, extending the processing area to the Degaña council that currently has a important elaboration cellar. An unmistakable wine: floral and fruity aromas typical of grape varieties; broths clean, bright and transparent. The grape varieties allowed are: mencía, red and white albarín, verdejo red, red cascarín, picapoll blaco, and white albillo. All producers and wineries under the denomination are subject to various controls, through the declaration of the harvest and notification of the date of harvest.
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 fruits receive the artistic heritage kangaroo. The long and extensive local history tells us the abundant burial mounds and forts distributed throughout the territory, as well as the memory of Roman gold mining, still visible in several places.
For many centuries it was the Corias Monastery cultural center of this entire region. Today It is the most important monumental work of the council, declared in 1982 a National Historic-Artistic Monument. known as the Asturian Escorial, is located in the town of Corias, two kilometers from Cangas. In its medieval origins, the regency was the responsibility of the Benedictine order, which soon made it the most important religious, cultural and political focus of western Asturias. The foundation of this Monastery gave way to a time of splendor in the area, from an artistic and cultural point of view, when it was built lots of rural churches in Romanesque and Gothic styles. During the Modern Age the council was a land of nobles, lords and illustrious surnames who achieved great renown in the political and economic life of the country, building throughout its geography Beautiful Palaces and Casonas, which, like the churches, have come down to us. Today it is on the net Inns of Spain.
The town of Cangas del Narcea is the capital of the municipality. It is situated in the narrow valley where the river Luiña or the Naviego yields its waters to the Narcea. It is the head of the southwestern region of the Principality, concentrating in it all administrative, teaching and hospital services. Its area of influence includes not only the municipal territory itself, but also the councils of Ibias, Degaña, Allande and Tineo. Between the historical buildings of the capital it should be noted the Peñalba palace (XNUMXth century) or the one of the Sierra-Pambley (XNUMXth century). The Church of Santa Maria Magdalena It is a good example of Asturian Baroque.
Fairs and festivals in Cangas del Narcea
In the middle of summer, in the second half of July, Cangas commemorates the festivities of the Magdalena and the Virgen del Carmen; the latter is the great protagonist of the famous downloads. In his honor thousands and thousands of fliers are launched, exploding in a sound show that is difficult to describe and is known as The Great Discharge. The emotion is accompanied by the overwhelming roar of the explosion of gunpowder, which manages to shake the earth under our feet.
The Ecotourism Festival takes place in Fuentes del Narcea: Cangas del Narcea, Degaña and Íbias. Music, ethnography, crafts and local products are the protagonists of a program that reflects the authenticity of this region, helping to preserve ways of life and cultural expressions “in danger of extinction”
VI Endangered Ecotourism Festival
There are more than 20 experiences, activities... Read more
In August it also takes place a very "prestoso" festival, with a wide range of cultural activities. There are wine tastings, concerts, workshops and a gastronomic area where you can enjoy local cuisine. A different festival that will not leave you indifferent.
Prestoso Festival 2025
On days 7, 8 and … Read more
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: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
