Webcam Lakes of Covadonga
The best views of Asturias in 
webcamsdeasturias.com
We felt like true monarchs for a while, wondering how we'd gotten so high, above the mists and low clouds, taking in the crazy route we'd climbed. And so, sitting on one of Asturias's panoramic thrones , we dreamed of being cyclists and winning one of the queen stages of the Vuelta a España.
Access to Lakes of Covadonga 2026
If you want to go up to the Lakes of Covadonga, keep in mind that access is regulated. A fleet of… Read more
Where are the Lakes of Covadonga located?
We need to travel to the municipality of Cangas de Onís, within the Picos de Europa National Park . The mountain road that leads to the lakes begins in Covadonga. From the top, on a clear day, we can see the sea , and in between, and all around, in a seemingly endless circle of peaks, we see mountains upon mountains, of all shapes and sizes, and with one dominant color: green. The Mirador de la Reina viewpoint signals the end of this stage: the lakes . But there's still a way to go, and this stretch features the steepest precipices.
How many are the Lakes of Covadonga?
There are actually three glacial lakes , although most people think there are only two: Lake Enol and Lake Ercina . Lake Bricial is a smaller lake that can only be seen seasonally, which is perhaps why it is less well-known.
The Enol Lake
And that's more or less what we found at the summit. We glimpsed an endless mountain pasture with a huge lake nestled in the landscape. The water makes the place even more idyllic. It's the first lake, Enol . It's down there; you just have to follow the road. The lake is located at an altitude of 1070 meters and is of glacial origin , as are the Ercina Lake and basin. The waters of Enol reach a depth of twenty-three meters in the southern part. For several months, snow accumulates around it. Cold water is its essence. It comes from the ancient ice that covered the area long before. It was directly responsible for carving out this deep basin between the Mosquital peak (1.268 m), the Enol peak (1.274 m), and the Sahornín hill (1.183 m). A glacier that once calved from the mythical peak of Peña Santa at the beginning of the Quaternary period —although according to legend, the lake was formed by a woman's tear. Interestingly, Lake Enol is home to a significant population of crayfish. You don't have to look far to see them; the stillness of the water offers little hiding place. The ever-present mountains are now mirrored in their own reflection, and on a clear day, everything is doubly blue and green. Occasionally, scattering across the landscape, a glimmer of sunlight seems to emerge from the crags.
The Ercina Lake
We continued on to Lake Ercina , a little further up, two kilometers away. We climbed to an altitude of 1108 meters . The lake, smaller than the first, is less stagnant, and the mountains are more directly visible. The water gives way to the peaks of the Cornión massif. Aquatic vegetation grows along its banks, feeding a whole community of birds , including species such as coots, mallards, and teals. Its depth does not exceed two meters.
In the vicinity of the Lakes of Covadonga you can see skies with abundant birds, especially corvids and raptors. It is also difficult to see eagles and Egyptian vultures.
Routes from the Lakes of Covadonga
From the lakes, numerous routes through the Picos de Europa mountains begin , leading to ash and beech forests, meadows, and mountain pastures. For the more adventurous, there are routes that lead to one of the nearby mountain refuges, from where you can start excursions into the high mountains. Among the trails of note are the one that leads to Vega Redonda and the Ordiales viewpoint from Lake Enol , and the one to Vega de Ario from Mount Ercina . You can also climb accessible peaks in the heart of the Picos de Europa's central massif, such as the famous Jultayu, from which you can make out the Cares Route trail far below.
The Cares route
Following the course of the Cares River in its upper reaches means venturing into a limestone gorge of … Read more
Great return to the Picos de Europa
A comprehensive tour with accommodation included through the Picos de Europa. Five days to explore the spectacular landscapes of this national park in depth… Read more
Finally, I should mention that Los Lagos holds the secret and the quiet life of the shepherds, but also their joyful expressions. In summer, on July 25th , they are the setting for the Shepherd's Festival , a festive emblem of this Arcadian community we hoped to find. We will doubly enjoy these lands and their culture that day. If the sun shines, all the better.
The Pastor's Party
Shepherding is an age-old profession, as ancient as the pastures and the shepherds themselves—accustomed to watching over… Read more
Sleep in the Picos de Europa
The area boasts a wide variety of hotels, apartments, cottages, hostels, and more—a perfect place to stay and enjoy this unique setting . Our link provides special offers and direct contact with property owners, eliminating intermediaries and commissions.
Information:
Before going up it is good to look at the weather conditions in the area. We are in a mountain area with a certain altitude and we can be surprised by the fog, the rain, even a storm.
If we are ready to do some route in the vicinity, it is advisable to bring a raincoat, warm clothes and comfortable shoes, preferably mountain boots; food and water.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
