Lakes of Covadonga
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Lakes of Covadonga - by Daniel Nebreda from Pixabay



Description
The Lakes of Covadonga are two glacial lakes at the centre of the Picos de Europa National Park. Lake Enol covers about 10ha whereas Lake Ercina is about 8ha and very shallow (only 2m in depth) - They are set 600m apart at an elevation of about 1,100m. The spot is popular with hikers and generally outdoor enthusiasts in the summer and since the 1980s it often features as the Queen stage of the La Vuelta cycling race (the other candidate being Alto de l'Angliru)
Access & Transport
The lakes are in the western Asturias part of the Picos de Europa NP, 90km / 1h30mins drive from Oviedo and only slightly more from Gijón. There is a car park and visitors centre on site BUT in the summer/high season, private car access is restricted and there is a bus system (park and ride) at a cost of €9/3.5 (+2€ for parking, at the time of this review). The parkings are just before the sanctuary.
Instructions & Recommendations
If you plan on hiking, make sure to bring enough water with you. This activity can easily be combined with the Sanctuary of Covadonga, which drivers will pass 20mins before reaching the lakes.
Environmental & Social
Green activity. Tourism brings some revenues to the villages in the valley
Conclusion
Fans of mountain landscapes visiting Asturias should definitely make the drive there but, in high season, you may be better off exploring another area of Picos de Europa; there are other stunning landscapes, less crowd, and better hiking opportunities.
Key positive
Gorgeous and photogenic scenery
Can be enjoyed without hiking
Key negative
Busy and logistically time consuming between July and Sept.
Suitability
Family-friendly and partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (road gets close to the lakes)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo