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.
Accesses in Lagos de Covadonga
Access to the park is controlled and, in periods of greater demand, it may be prohibited to private vehicles. This is what happened during our visit, having left the car in Covadonga and accessing the park by bus.
Outside the high season restrictions are minimal and specific, however it is always advisable to check the conditions on the date of your trip.
The park is not very big and can only be seen on foot, taking a circuit of about 5 km. Camping is prohibited, so entering and leaving must occur on the same day.
