Candas is the capital of the Carreño municipality, located in the northern part of the Asturian Iberian Peninsula, 13 km from Cabo de Peñas. It has a population of 6,836 inhabitants. With a warm and temperate climate, it enjoys an average annual temperature of 14ºC, with some rainfall throughout the year.
Its unique location, particular orography, and historical past allow us to say that Candas has managed to maintain its unmistakable Cantabrian identity over time. It was one of the main ports for much of its history, becoming the Asturian leader in fish sales. From this leadership, the fish canning industry, particularly sardines, thrived. As a testament to this, there is a permanent exhibition of the canning industry in an old cistern of a factory in the "Les Conserveres" Park.
Among the symbols you can appreciate in Candas is The Lighthouse, located at Cape San Antonio, which marks the entrance to the port. Near the dock, you will find the statue of La Marinera, a tribute to the women who waited for the safe return of their husbands to their homes. You can also see legendary cannons that were used to protect the town from English corsairs.
Candas is a place that can pleasantly entertain its visitors. Its urban center houses several buildings worth visiting, such as the Town Hall, Quinta Clarin in the Rebollada neighborhood, or the Church of Santa Maria de Piedeloro, declared a Historical-Artistic Monument, with Romanesque influence from the 12th century.
Its beaches, such as La Palmera, Sequiro, Solfin, and Rebolleres, are gifts of nature. On the other hand, its religious festivals, particularly in September, are noteworthy, where devotion is shown to the Santo Cristo through a grand celebration.
Candas’ gastronomy offers a special focus on marine products, especially sardines. Every year they celebrate the "Sardine Festival," where the entire town prepares to enjoy a celebration characterized by the tasting of grilled sardines. Additionally, we mention their famous marañuelas, traditional sweets of the town.
One of the most representative figures of this place was the writer Leopoldo Alas Clarin, who used to stay at the Quinta that bears his name, where he spent long periods. He included Candas in many of his literary works.
