Lake Ercina Lake
Small glacial lake near Lake Enol in Picos
Paired with Enol among the Lagos de Covadonga in Asturias, Ercina offers mountain hiking, alpine meadows and a quieter lakeside for walkers exploring Picos de Europa.
Lake Ercina at a Glance#
Address: Lago Ercina, Lagos de Covadonga, Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa, Asturias, Spain
Website: https://www.parquenacionalloscovadonga.es/
Hours: Road access subject to seasonal restrictions (usually open daily; shuttle services peak in summer)
Admission: Free (park entry fees may apply for Picos de Europa parks)
About Lake Ercina#
Lake Ercina is a natural glacial lake in the Picos de Europa of Asturias, Spain, forming the smaller companion to Lake Enol within the Lagos de Covadonga. It is one of the two principal tourist lakes in this part of Picos de Europa National Park.
Shallow shorelines, nearby footpaths and viewpoints make it a popular place for short walks, birdwatching, and landscape photography. The two lakes are often visited together on the same visit and are linked by short trails and a mountain road.
Like Lake Enol, Ercina was carved by glaciers during the last ice age and has long been used by local shepherds and pilgrims. Today it is managed as part of the national park and is primarily a recreational and conservation area.
The lake sits in the eastern sector of Picos de Europa near Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís in Asturias, at high elevation within the rugged limestone massif.
- Relation to Enol: Sits immediately adjacent to Lake Enol and is the smaller, shallower member of the two main Covadonga lakes.
How to Get to Lake Ercina#
Same approach as for Enol - via Cangas de Onís and the Covadonga sanctuary. During summer, expect managed parking and shuttles from lower lots; in shoulder seasons roads are quieter but services may be reduced.
Tips for Visiting Lake Ercina#
- Compare light on early-morning Ercina and midday Enol - each lake gives different photographic moods.
- The short trail between Ercina and Enol is easy but exposed: bring a waterproof layer in changeable weather.
- Look for peat hummocks along Ercina's margins - they host small alpine plants most visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Lake Ercina#
Same access considerations as Enol; summer offers best conditions but also biggest crowds.
Weather & Climate near Lake Ercina#
Lake Ercina'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 (984 mm/year).
| 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° - 6° | -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° | 98 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° | 63 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° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 8° | 90 mm | overcast | 73% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 101 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 |
