Picos de Europa Spain

Travelled:138km
Visited: Las Arenas de Cabrales, Mirador de la Riena (in Picos de Europa), Cavadonga, Cangas de Onis
Stay: Gijón - camperstop, free parking, no services GPS N43°54708 W5°63648

We had a walk through the village of Arenas, enjoying the views of the mountains around us. A few shops were open at 9am (most don't open until 10) and we were very excited to find the hand shaped door knocker that we have seen on many French, but also Spanish doors. It has been very difficult to find. 

This a typical 'horreo' granary seen scattered through the villages of this area.

You can buy the local dish Fabada as a meal kit.

In the village there was a very well made stadium for this local game that looks like a mixture of ten pin bowling and skittles!

So feeling very happy, we set off to Mirador de la Reina. A lookout in the Picos de Europa National Park. The drive past Covadonga was magnificent but nerve racking as the road got narrower and it was very busy with cyclist, motorbikes, cars, taxi vans and tour buses. Mark's effort was rewarded with amazing views from the lookout. 

We breathed a sigh of relief when we got back to Cavodonga and got out to have a visit of this village that has an important significance to Spain due to Pelayo winning a battle to stop the advance of the Moorish army in 772. Pilgrims come to visit the shrine in the cave where Pelayo lived, as it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared on the battlefield. The chapel also contains Pelayo's tomb.

In 1901 the very impressive pink granite basilica was completed on the site the battle took place.

Ready for lunch we made our way to Cangas de Onis. After parking in the aire at the huge carpark, we made our way into town and promptly found a restaurant. Again, the town is full of them! Too many to choose from. We were very content with our choices from the Menu of the Day at €10 each which included 3 courses, bread, wine and water! We tried some local specialties including Fabada made from beans, sausages, bacon and ham in a delicious sauce.

Feeling very full we helped our digestion by walking through town and took some photos of the lovely bridge built in the 14th century. The water looked very inviting.

From here we drove to the aire in Gijon. We were pleasantly surprised by its situation - close to the sea, a beautiful park and a promenade (and bike track) that extends right around the bay. Tomorrows' adventure!

Rock fishing at its extreme...at least he will be safe from a rogue wave!