In the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, nestled among beautiful mountain landscapes lie the Lakes of Covadonga. Lush vegetation, stunning glacial lakes, quaint villages, picturesque mountain ranges, sweeping views, and magical beech forests are just a few reasons why you should visit this gorgeous and unique place. It can be easily accessed by road but probably it’s more exciting if you choose an exciting trail. Every nature lover should visit this tiny paradise of Asturias at least once in their lifetime. Keep reading to get to know why!
#1 Lakes of Covadonga: How to get there?
The town of Cangas de Onís is the best place from where you can reach the Lakes of Covadonga. It takes approximately 35 minutes by car (20 kilometers) to get there. You can leave your car in one of the four-car parks of Cangas de Onís and then take a bus (running from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) or a taxi. Note, that access to the lakes in private vehicles is restricted during high season.
Furthermore, hiking is also a great option since there are several trails you can choose from. Hiking undoubtedly offers the most spectacular views so if you want to make the most out of your trip, don’t be lazy to put on your hiking shoes. The easiest trail is a 2-hour, family-friendly hike (6-kilometer loop) providing access to the lovely Palomberu beech forest and to the stunning Buferrera Mines. It is free of charge and the well-maintained paths wander through an area of old mines and rock pinnacles. It’s well worth a visit. Moreover, this trail also includes two fantastic viewpoints one of which provides magnificent panoramic views of the Lakes of Covadonga.
We recommend planning your trip in advance, wearing suitable footwear, and checking the weather conditions. Additionally, be careful while driving, there might be lovely animals on the road!
#2 Lakes of Covadonga: The magnificent glacial lakes
Follow the fully signposted Lakes of Covadonga route (begins in the Buferrera car park) to get to the two glacial lakes this place is famous for. The first lake is called Enol, located 1070 meters above sea level and it has a glacial origin. The water of this lake comes from an ancient glacier, the highest peak of which is called Peña Santa. Then you ascend to 1108 meters of altitude and reach the second lake, Ercina.
Both of the lakes are ideal for enjoying a picnic embedded in the raw beauty of nature, in perfect peace and quiet. Contemplate the reflection of the majestic mountains on the surface of the water as they try to reach the sky. You cannot imagine how lovely it is watching cattle roaming around peacefully, eating the fresh grass happily in the sunshine while you hear some cowbells tinkling. The views, the sounds, and the open air is an experience like no other. It is pure magic.
If you visit the lakes sometime around the high season, it is advisable to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have the place all for yourself. In return, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise!
However, the Lakes of Covadonga are not the only spectacles here. Read on to discover more!
#3 The Covadonga Basilica and the Sanctuary
Covadonga is also about art, history and heritage. Twelve kilometers from the lakes are the Santa Cueva and the Basilica of Covadonga. Continue your trip with a visit to the Holy Cave which houses the Virgin of Covadonga (known locally as La Santina) who is the patron saint of the region and the most worshipped image in Asturias.
103 steep steps (penitents go up the stairs on their knees!), also known as the Stairway of Promise, take you up to the sacred cave. This is a very important place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias. Next to the Santa Cueva is the Monastery of San Pedro. Under the cave, there is a beautiful waterfall and a lagoon where people throw coins to make their wishes. Don’t miss the Fountain of Seven Spouts (Fuente de los Siete Caños) either which holds an interesting traditional belief. According to it, any young girl who drinks its waters without stopping for taking a breath will be married within a year. Try your luck!
The beautiful Basilica of Covadonga is well-visible and it is something you absolutely cannot miss. Built between 1877 and 1901, its structure is reminiscent of the Norman Romanesque cathedrals. It houses many works of art and a 3-meter tall bell. It’s well worth a visit.
With the Basilica, the Sanctuary and the little Monastery, this is a place of peace, beauty, and spirituality embedded in a wonderful landscape of majestic mountains, sloping valleys, and lush meadows. That’s why you have to visit this place once in your lifetime!
Before you go, here are some useful official sites:
The town of Cangas de Onís (only in Spanish)
Lakes of Covadonga route (only in Spanish)
The Sanctuary of Covadonga (only in Spanish)
Do you want to have an unforgettable hike in Europe? Click here for some of the most beautiful trails!
