Lagos de Covadonga
Covadonga, Spain
Two glacial lakes in the Picos de Europa. Private cars are restricted in peak season, so take the bus.
The two glacial lakes, Enol (1,070 m) and Ercina (1,108 m), lie in the western massif of the Picos de Europa; a third lake, the Bricial, only holds water during the snowmelt. The lakes were the original core of the Picos de Europa National Park, created in 1918. Near Ercina, the Buferrera mines produced iron, manganese and mercury until 1979. A statue of the Virgin Mary rests in Lake Enol and is raised from the water every year on 8 September; on 25 July there is dancing by the lake for the Shepherds' Festival.
The steep climb of about 12.6 km from the Covadonga sanctuary has been a regular stage finish of the Vuelta a España since 1983. In peak season the road is closed to private cars; in 2026, for example, during Holy Week, from 1 June to 15 October and on certain weekends and holidays (as of October 2026). Buses then run up, including from Cangas de Onís. Check the current closure dates beforehand. At the top there are car parks, a visitor centre, a mountain refuge and restaurants.
- Nearest town
- Covadonga, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.2708, -4.9855
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Picos de EuropaCampsite8 km from Lagos de CovadongaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Naranjo de BulnesCampsite15 km from Lagos de CovadongaTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Área de Autocaravanas de Sellaño (Ponga)Motorhome stopover18 km from Lagos de Covadonga · 12 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- El CaresCampsite18 km from Lagos de CovadongaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Área autocaravanas de RibadesellaMotorhome stopover22 km from Lagos de Covadonga · 5 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Área de LlanesMotorhome stopover24 km from Lagos de Covadonga · 19 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lagos de Covadonga?
Lagos de Covadonga is in Covadonga, Spain, at GPS 43.2708, -4.9855. It is about 14 km from Arenas de Cabrales.
Can you camp near Lagos de Covadonga?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Picos de Europa, about 8 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lagos de Covadonga?
Lagos de Covadonga is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Green Spain: Basque Country to Asturias and Picos de Europa: the Cares gorge, Liébana and Fuente Dé.
What is there to see near Lagos de Covadonga?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cares Gorge trail (Poncebos) (13 km), Fuente Dé cable car (20 km), Playa de Gulpiyuri (21 km) and Mirador del Fito (25 km).
When is the best time to visit Lagos de Covadonga?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)