Lakes of Covadonga

Lagos de Covadonga

Two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, set high in the Picos de Europa with breathtaking mountain views. A popular spot for hiking, photography, and encountering free-roaming cattle and horses.

Things to do

• Walk the Enol–Ercina lakeshore trail — An easy roughly 3km path connects the two glacial lakes, offering constant views of the surrounding Picos de Europa peaks.
• Take in the view from Mirador de la Reina — This roadside viewpoint on the way up offers a sweeping panorama over the valley and distant mountain ranges.
• Explore the old Buferrera mines — Rusting remains of a 19th-century zinc and iron mine sit near Lake Ercina, adding an industrial-history contrast to the alpine scenery.
• Photograph free-roaming cattle and horses — Semi-wild cows and hardy Asturcón ponies graze openly around the lakes, often wandering right up to the shoreline paths.
• Hike up to Mirador de Ordiales — A demanding but rewarding trail from Lake Ercina climbs to a dramatic clifftop viewpoint overlooking Cangas de Onís far below.
• Visit the Santa Cueva and Basílica de Covadonga — On the way up or down, stop at this cave shrine and grand basilica marking the legendary birthplace of the Reconquista.
• Picnic at Lake Enol — The gentler, more accessible of the two lakes has grassy banks perfect for resting with mountain views in every direction.

Food to try

• Queso de Cabrales — A pungent blue cheese aged in mountain caves nearby, often served with cider or honey.
• Fabada asturiana — A hearty bean stew with chorizo, morcilla, and pork, ideal after a day of hiking in the cool mountain air.
• Sidra natural — Asturian cider poured from a height into a wide glass, a ritual you'll see at any local restaurant or chigre.
• Cachopo — Two breaded beef or veal fillets stuffed with cheese and ham, a filling regional specialty found in nearby Cangas de Onís.
• Queso Gamonedo — A smoked blue cheese from the Picos de Europa, slightly different from Cabrales and worth comparing.

Local customs & good to know

• Use the shuttle bus in high season — From Easter through summer and on holiday weekends, private cars are banned from the road up and visitors must take a bus from Cangas de Onís or Covadonga.
• Don't approach the free-roaming livestock — Cattle and horses graze unsupervised around the lakes and can be unpredictable, so keep a respectful distance.
• Arrive early for parking and clear views — Mountain fog and cloud often roll in by midday, so morning visits give the best chance of clear photos.
• Dress in layers — Weather at this altitude changes quickly, and it can be sunny at the lakes but chilly and windy at the viewpoints.

Nearby

• Covadonga — 8 km
• Cangas de Onís — 15 km
• Picos de Europa (León side) (Castile and León) — 15 km
• Picos de Europa (Cantabria) — 15 km