The Covadonga Lakes are a group of lakes of glacial origin formed by the Enol and the Ercina, with the Bricial as a temporary lake during the thawing season. They are located in the western massif of the Picos de Europa, within the National Park, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, in the council of Cangas de Onís. The landscape combines mountain pastures, limestone relief and glacial basins, with a very clear reading of the glacial modeling in high mountains. The two lake basins, meadows, rocky slopes and, on clear days, wide views of the park's surroundings are clearly visible from the visitor points. Lake Enol is the best known for its size and main access, while La Ercina offers a more secluded atmosphere and a very photogenic perspective of the whole. The classic itinerary links viewpoints and borders the lakes, so that the visitor obtains a complete view of the mountain landscape. It is one of the most recognizable landscapes of Asturias and is one of the great natural icons of the Picos de Europa National Park. Its presence in guidebooks and tourist material is constant, and the surroundings of the Royal Site of Covadonga reinforce its cultural and scenic interest. The best time is usually spring and early summer, when the meadow is greener and the thaw can feed the Bricial; autumn also offers good light and less affluence. On clear days, visibility improves greatly at dawn and late afternoon.
