Covadonga Lake Guide

Whether sparkling in the sunshine or shrouded in mountain mist, the Lakes of Covadonga – or Lagos de Covadonga – are one of Northern Spain’s most emblematic sights. 

A collection of mountain lakes in the western massif of the Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias, they were carved out by the glacial movements that formed these mountains more than 25,000 years ago. 

The Lakes

With a depth of 25 metres, Lago Enol is the deepest of Covadonga’s lakes. At just a couple of metres deep, by contrast, Lago Ercina is a shallower stretch of wetland that hosts a rich colony of water birds, from coots and mallards to grebes, that find refuge for breeding.

A little more tucked away is the Lago Bricial, which only fills up with snowmelt during thawing periods or after heavy rainfall.

Since 1983, the lakes have appeared on television screens as one of the more scenic stages of the Vuelta a España cycling race, which has helped bring them to a national and international audience.

 

 

Covadonga Sanctuary

Surrounded by cloud-swathed peaks and whispering forests, the Santuario de Covadonga is one of the most important – and dramatic – religious sites in Asturias. The sanctuary is built within a cave in honour of the Virgin of Covadonga, known as ‘La Santina’.

History tells us that the famous Battle of Covadonga also took place here, which led to the so-called Reconquest of Spain by the Hispano-Visigoth founder of the Kingdom of Asturias, Don Pelayo; although recent investigation suggest that the battle might be more of legend, part of the making of history through story telling.

Address: Lugar Covadonga, s/n, 33589 Covadonga, Asturias; https://santuariodecovadonga.es/

Opening hours: 09:00 to 19:00 all year round

 

 

Covadonga Museum

After extensive refurbishment, the Covadonga Museum reopened in December 2023. Home to an impressive collection of works, it’s divided into ten sections in which you can learn about the history of the Sanctuary of Covadonga, from the time of Don Pelayo to the present day, displayed through paintings, engravings, photographs, sculptures, and items of precious silverwork.

Address: Lugar Covadonga, 48, 33589 Covadonga, Asturias; https://santuariodecovadonga.es/el-museo/ 

Opening times: 

Holy Week to 12th October – from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00
13th October to Holy Week – from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:30

Closing times:

1st January to 15th February – closed: Tuesdays
November – closed: Mondays

 

Walking in Covadonga

Given its location in the heart of the Picos de Europa, one of Spain’s – and indeed Europe’s – great walking destinations, it’s no surprise that the Lakes of Covadonga are surrounded by fantastic hiking trails. Here’s one of our favourites:

You set out on a stone footpath, signposted and maintained by the National Park, from the end of the upper platform of the Buferrera parking lot. Before you start, the Pedro Pidal Visitor Centre (https://parquenacionalpicoseuropa.es/) is well worth a visit, with its range of free exhibits about the Picos de Europa and a shop with books and publications on the area. 

Leaving the visitor centre behind you climb some stairs located outside the building, where a trail to the left leads to the Mirador del Principe, a viewpoint looking out over the large karst basin of the Vega de Comeya.

Returning along the same path, you come to an arboretum which features the most typical tree species of the National Park, as well as a building that houses a large model of the Picos de Europa, where an audiovisual presentation is shown. 

The trail continues through a small tunnel to the Buferrera mine, where there are some informational panels about the mining activity. The path then leads on to the Vega de La Tiese, near Lake Ercina. After climbing some steps that ascend the stony glacial ridge of La Picota, the Entrelagos viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the two lakes and the surrounding area. The stone-paved path descends to Lake Enol, and from there it returns to the starting point at the Buferrera parking lot. The recommended trail is 3km long and takes around 1 hour to walk.

You can download the walking routes below:

KML Lagos de Covadonga (shorter route 3.3 km)

KML Lagos de Covadonga (longer route: 6.5 km)

 

Getting to the Lakes of Covadonga

To get to the Lakes, you have to take the CO-4 regional road (the ‘carretera comarcal’ CO-4) and climb to a height of 800km in 12km.

It’s a popular destination these days, especially in peak season. To protect the environment of this unique Biosphere Reserve, during Easter, summer, and certain public holidays, access is regulated with private vehicles being banned and entrance by public transport (buses and taxis) only.

For the rest of the year, you can drive up to the Lakes at any time.

Access to the Basilica of Covadonga is free throughout the year, and it can be reached by both public transport and private vehicle without any restrictions.

You can find out more about getting to – and around – the Lakes of Covadonga (in Spanish) here:

https://lagosdecovadonga.org/accesos. 

 

Looking for more outdoor inspiration in the Picos de Europa? Check out our guide to hiking the Anillo Vindio.

OTHER LINKS:

https://www.s-capetravel.eu/destinations/spain/picos-de-europa

https://www.s-capetravel.eu/destinations/spain/basque-galicia-asturias/asturias