Overview
The Lakes of Covadonga are one of Spain’s most iconic natural landmarks, set high in the Picos de Europa mountains. With glacial lakes, sweeping alpine meadows, and dramatic limestone peaks, the area offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in northern Spain. It’s a place of silence, nature, and altitude — perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a memorable mountain experience.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Lakes of Covadonga is from May to October, when the access road is open regularly and weather conditions are more stable. Summer offers clear skies and green meadows, while early autumn brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter and early spring can be snowy, foggy, and unpredictable, often limiting access.
Getting Around
Access to the lakes is regulated during peak season. From late spring to early autumn, private cars are restricted during the day, and visitors must use shuttle buses departing from Cangas de Onís and designated parking areas. Outside regulated hours, you can drive up directly. Once at the top, the area is best explored on foot — trails connect Lake Enol, Lake Ercina, and surrounding viewpoints.
Safety and Local Etiquette
The Lakes of Covadonga are safe, but mountain conditions can change quickly. Fog, wind, and sudden temperature drops are common. Wear proper footwear, carry water, and respect marked trails. This is a protected natural area — avoid disturbing wildlife, keep noise low, and never leave litter behind. Locals and park staff appreciate responsible tourism.
Food and Water
There are small cafés and restaurants near the lakes and in nearby villages such as Covadonga and Cangas de Onís. Expect Asturian specialties like fabada, cachopo, cheeses, and sidra. Tap water is safe to drink. Many visitors bring snacks or picnic supplies to enjoy at viewpoints.
Day Trips and Excursions
The Lakes of Covadonga are perfectly located for exploring the Picos de Europa and surrounding villages. Popular excursions include:
- Covadonga Sanctuary — basilica, holy cave, and historic pilgrimage site.
- Cangas de Onís — Roman bridge, cider houses, and mountain atmosphere.
- Ruta del Cares — one of Spain’s most famous hiking trails.
- Arenas de Cabrales — gateway to high mountain routes and cheese cellars.
- Picos de Europa viewpoints — dramatic landscapes and wildlife observation.
For longer trips, you can reach Llanes, Ribadesella, or Oviedo.
The essence of the Lakes of Covadonga
The Lakes of Covadonga are the soul of Asturias’ mountains — glacial waters reflecting peaks, silence broken only by cowbells, and landscapes that feel untouched and timeless. It’s a place where nature dominates, where every viewpoint reveals a new horizon, and where the rhythm of the mountains invites calm. The essence of Covadonga lies in its purity: altitude, light, and the raw beauty of the Picos de Europa.
Highlights in Lagos de Covadonga:
Lake Enol is the largest of the two lakes and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. Lake Ercina is smaller than Lake Enol but equally beautiful. Mirador de la Reina is a stunning viewpoint located on a hill above Lake Enol. It offers panoramic views of both lakes and the surrounding mountains. In the controlled access to the lakes, the sanctuary is a mandatory visit.
- Lagos de Covadonga are located within the Picos de Europa National Park, one of Spain’s most spectacular protected natural areas.
- The lake system is formed primarily by Lago Enol and Lago Ercina, both of glacial origin. A third lake, Lago Bricial, normally appears only during periods of snowmelt.
- The nearest reference town is Cangas de Onís, the main gateway to the lakes.
- Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality.
- The lakes are among the most visited natural attractions in Asturias and one of the symbols of northern Spain.
- The nearby Sanctuary of Covadonga is one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites and a key location in Spanish history.
- The circular Lakes Route (PR-PNPE 2) is one of the region’s most popular hikes, offering easy access to the main viewpoints and lakes.
- The area contains important geological features, mountain pastures, glacial landscapes, and traditional shepherding communities.
- Wild horses, cows, and other livestock are commonly seen grazing around the lakes.
- During peak periods, private vehicle access is restricted, and visitors use shuttle buses or authorized transport services.
- The nearby Pedro Pidal Visitor Centre provides information about the park, geology, wildlife, and hiking routes.
- The destination is ideal for hiking, landscape photography, wildlife observation, and mountain tourism.
- The destination is safe and visitor-friendly; normal precautions are generally sufficient.
- Credit and debit cards are accepted in most visitor facilities, although carrying some cash is advisable.
- The official currency is the Euro (€).
- Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended even during summer.
- Respect national park regulations, wildlife, mountain trails, lakes, and traditional grazing areas when visiting.
Lagos de Covadonga enjoy a temperate mountain climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the high elevations of the Picos de Europa National Park. Located at over 1,000 metres above sea level, temperatures are significantly cooler than on the Asturian coast. [turismoasturias.es]
- Spring (March to May) – mild temperatures, blooming mountain meadows, waterfalls at their fullest, and excellent conditions for hiking and photography.
- Summer (June to August) – pleasant and generally mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 12°C and 25°C, making it one of northern Spain’s most popular mountain destinations.
- Autumn (September to November) – cool temperatures, colourful landscapes, and excellent visibility for mountain views.
- Winter (December to February) – cold conditions, generally ranging between 0°C and 10°C, with snow and ice frequently affecting the higher areas of the Picos de Europa.
Spring and early autumn are widely considered the best seasons to visit the lakes.
Today:
🌐 Regional connection
This destination is part of the Asturias y Cantabria Cluster, a curated region showcasing rugged mountains, Atlantic coastlines, traditional villages, and some of Spain’s most beautiful natural scenery.
Enol
The Lagos de Covadonga, also known as the Covadonga Lakes, are two glacial lakes located in the Picos de Europa National Park in the Asturias region of northern Spain.
Enol Lake is fed by the melting snow and glaciers of the Picos de Europa mountain range, and its waters are crystal clear and turquoise in color. The lake is relatively small, with a surface area of approximately 0.26 square kilometers, and is surrounded by lush forests and rocky outcroppings.
Ercina
Ercina Lake is fed by the same glacial waters as Enol Lake, and is also crystal clear and turquoise in color. The lake is larger than Enol Lake, with a surface area of approximately 3.7 square kilometers, and is surrounded by the same landscape.
Mirador
The Viewpoint of the Covadonga Lakes, is a scenic lookout point located in the top of a hill between the two lakes. From the viewpoint, visitors can enjoy the best panoramic views of the two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Buferrera Mine
A short distance from the lakes is the old mine of Buferrera. At the end of the 19th century, the Buferrera Mine was at the peak of magnesium, mercury and iron exploration. It remained in operation until 1979, and today it is a tourist complement to the visit to the lakes.
Landscape
More than the magnificent view of the lakes and the surrounding landscape, the journey is breathtaking, with surprising views after each curve, and the environment changing as you climb. Traffic restrictions turn out to be a boon for motorists, exempt from concentrating on the difficult route.
Bus to the lakes – 1 great decision
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