After spending a few days getting to know some of the most surprising corners of the planet (the Dallol volcano, the most original Buddhist temple in the world, the frozen Niagara Falls …), today we return to our beloved country. And is that as we have commented on more than one occasion, we do not need to leave Spain to enjoy spectacular places.
Today, for example, we want to move to Asturias, where we can find some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We refer to the Lakes of Covadonga , located in the Picos de Europa National Park. Would you like to join us?
A sight to behold
Located at more than 1,000 meters high, the Lakes of Covadonga are a real sight to behold at any time of the year. And we are talking about clean and pure waters surrounded by an impressive natural environment. This spectacular Asturian environment is formed by the lagoons of glacial origin Enol and La Ercina. Of course, we must not forget El Bricial, a lake that only has water in the time of the thaw of the mountains.
Enol and the Virgin
The first of the lakes that we can find when we reach the top is Enol, located at about 1,000 meters of altitude. It is the largest of the three and its beauty is undeniable. Of course, what makes this lake the most special of the three is that in its depths is the Virgin of Covadonga . We refer to an image of the so-called “Santina” made with the remains of melted submarine rifles, which was located in a small cave eight meters deep in 1972. Since then, every September 8, the day of Our Lady of Covandonga, Patornal Festival of the Principle of Asturias, the Virgin is hoisted by divers raising her on a pedestal and is carried in procession to an altar where a mass is celebrated with bagpipes and drums.
La Ercina and el Bricial
At about 1,100 meters of altitude we find La Ercina, where it is common to see herds of cow grazing in the surrounding meadows. And with plants located beneath its waters and light, the van waters changing hue, showing many colors: dark green, light green, with yellow dyes, red … As for the temporary lagoon Bricial, is powered by Meana waterfall. Apparently it could be a permanent lake if the sinks at the bottom were plugged.
How to get to the lakes
To get to the Lakes of Covadonga you will have to go to Cangas de Onís and, from here, to Arenas de Cabrales. Only a couple of kilometers later you will find the detour to Covandonga, which leads to the Basilica of Covadonga. From there you can go up to the lakes by car. Of course, in summer and Easter, due to the influx of visitors, this road is closed for private cars, which will only be able to access the place early in the morning and late in the afternoon. To go up to the lakes, buses have been set up that pass through many of the towns located on this road.
The road itself is a real wonder, being able to contemplate some amazing landscapes. In fact, halfway there is the Mirador de la Reina, which offers incredible views of the Picos de Europa, the Cantabrian coast and the plains of Güeña. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of the Lakes of Covadonga and its surroundings. Are you going to miss it?
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