Lagos de Covadonga

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Lagos de Covadonga

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The Lagos de Covadonga are two small glacial lakes high in northern Spain's mountains, visited for their scenery, walks and links to the nearby Covadonga sanctuary.

Lagos de Covadonga CastrillónLa FelgueraPiedrasblancasL'EntreguOviedo CityXixón CityLagos de Covadonga

Lagos de Covadonga essentials

Address: Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, Spain

The Lagos de Covadonga are Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, two glacial lakes set in the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa. They form the historic core of Picos de Europa National Park, one of Spain’s earliest national parks (created 1918).

The lakes lie above the Covadonga sanctuary area and are reached by a winding mountain road that climbs through pastures, scree slopes and calcareous cliffs. Lake Enol is the larger of the two and both are shallow, scenic basins surrounded by alpine meadows.

The site has cultural importance: religious processions are held here and local festivals take place on set dates each year, while the road to the lakes is a famous cycling climb used in the Vuelta a España. Visiting feels like a mix of spiritual pilgrimage, mountain scenery and active-outdoor atmosphere.

  • Lake Enol viewpoint: An open shore and small stone islets give Lake Enol wide reflections of the surrounding limestone peaks and make a calm spot for photos and short walks.
  • Lake Ercina shoreline: A smaller, shallower lake with grassy margins that are pleasant for brief strolls and low-level birdwatching.
  • Covadonga sanctuary: The nearby holy sites and cave shrine remain an important pilgrimage destination and are commonly visited together with the lakes.
  • Alpine meadows and viewpoints: Short paths above the lakes lead to panoramic views across the high valleys and the rugged Picos de Europa ridges.
  • Cycling ascent: The steep, twisting road to the lakes is a noted climb for riders and spectators during cycling events.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lagos de Covadonga#

The lakes are attractive year-round but conditions and access vary; late spring to early autumn gives the most reliable walking weather while shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds.

Spring (pleasant, variable)
April - June · 2°C - 19°C (36°F - 66°F)
Snow melts and meadows green up, creating good scenery and wildflowers; early spring can still be wet and some higher paths may be muddy.
Summer (busiest, most accessible)
July - August · 11°C - 22°C (52°F - 72°F)
Warmest and most accessible period for hiking and driving, but expect the most visitors and local access controls on busy days.
Autumn and early winter (quiet, dramatic)
September - November · 3°C - 18°C (37°F - 64°F)
Fewer visitors and striking autumn colors or low cloud formations make for dramatic scenery, though weather turns wetter and colder as the season progresses.

Weather & Climate near Lagos de Covadonga#

Climate

Lagos de Covadonga's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (982 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -1° - 5° -2° 99 mm overcast 79% 4.8 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
February Poor 0° - 7° -1° 84 mm overcast 77% 5.0 m/s 0.3 low 10.3h
March Acceptable 1° - 9° 2° 68 mm overcast 76% 4.7 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.8h
April Acceptable 2° - 11° 4° 99 mm overcast 78% 4.7 m/s 1.1 high 13.3h
May Acceptable 5° - 14° 8° 102 mm overcast 78% 4.1 m/s 1.5 high 14.5h
June Good 9° - 19° 14° 62 mm overcast 78% 3.6 m/s 1.7 very high 15.2h
July Very Good 11° - 22° 16° 59 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.5 m/s 1.7 very high 14.9h
August Very Good 11° - 21° 16° 51 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.4 m/s 1.5 high 13.8h
September Good 10° - 19° 14° 61 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.5 m/s 1.1 high 12.4h
October Acceptable 6° - 13° 8° 90 mm overcast 73% 4.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.9h
November Acceptable 3° - 9° 3° 100 mm overcast 78% 4.6 m/s 0.3 low 9.5h
December Poor 1° - 6° -1° 107 mm overcast 78% 4.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Lagos de Covadonga#

The lakes are reached from the Covadonga/Cangas de Onís area; Lake Enol is roughly 10 km from Covadonga and about 25 km from Cangas de Onís by road. A curving mountain road links the sites with Arriondas and other nearby towns.

The nearest regional airport is Asturias Airport (serving Oviedo and surrounding areas); larger railheads are in Oviedo and other provincial cities, from which you continue by car, taxi or regional bus to Covadonga/Arriondas and follow the mountain road to the lakes. In peak season vehicle access on the final stretch is often managed locally, so plan to use public shuttle buses or check access arrangements.

Tips for Visiting Lagos de Covadonga#

  • Weather is changeable and often wet even in summer - bring layers and waterproofs for cold winds and rain.
  • Altitude and open exposure mean sun and wind can be stronger than in lowland Asturias; wear sturdy footwear for rocky paths.
  • Expect crowds on summer weekends and on days with cycling events; arrive early for quieter views and parking.
  • Check local information before you drive the final approach: access or parking may be restricted and shuttle services may run.
  • Combine a visit to the lakes with a short trip down to the Covadonga sanctuary and nearby village for services and refreshments.