Lake Enol
Lake High-altitude glacial lake in Picos de Europa
One of the Covadonga lakes high in Asturias’ Picos de Europa. Enol draws hikers and photographers for alpine trails, glacial cirques and close access to mountain roads through the park.
Lake Enol is a natural glacial lake in the Picos de Europa of Asturias, Spain, and one of the main bodies in the Lagos de Covadonga. It is a well known scenic spot within the Picos de Europa National Park.
The lakeshore offers panoramic mountain views and short walking trails; the site is popular for photography, day hikes, and scenic drives. The lake is the larger of the two principal Covadonga lakes and is reached by a paved mountain road with parking and viewpoints.
Formed by glacial action during the last ice age, the lake has been part of local pastoral and pilgrimage landscapes for centuries and remains within the national park protected area. Its modern use is primarily recreational and scenic rather than industrial or agricultural.
Situated in western Asturias, Lake Enol lies in the eastern foothills of the Picos de Europa near Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís, within the mountainous central area of the region.
- Access: Road access from Cangas de Onís is often restricted in summer; shuttle buses operate from nearby towns during peak season.
- Relation to Ercina: One of the principal lakes of the Lagos de Covadonga group and the larger of the pair with Ercina.
How to Get to Lake Enol #
Access is via the road from Cangas de Onís to the Covadonga sanctuary; during summer months car access may be regulated and shuttle buses run from lower parking areas. Cangas de Onís is about 12-20 km from the lakes depending on route; the nearest larger city is Oviedo (about 75-90 km west). Check the park’s official site for seasonal road restrictions.
Tips for Visiting Lake Enol #
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the tourist coach rush that fills the Covadonga loop by mid-morning.
- Park at the lower Covadonga sanctuary (Basilica/parking) and either walk or use the shuttle during summer months to preserve limited road capacity.
- Walk the ridge between Enol and Ercina for differing perspectives: Enol faces the larger valley while Ercina's shores are characteristically peatier.
Best Time to Visit Lake Enol #
Late spring through early autumn provides the best balance of access, weather and fewer crowds; summer is peak season.
Weather & Climate near Lake Enol #
Lake Enol'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).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
