Covadonga Lakes Picos de Europa

During most of the year, private car access to the Covadonga Lakes is restricted. The best way to visit is by taking the ALSA shuttle bus from Cangas de Onís. You can park your car in Cangas de Onís (parking costs around €2 per day) and catch the bus. +1

Private vehicles are generally not allowed to drive directly to the lakes for most of the year due to conservation efforts and to manage visitor numbers. You must use the official ALSA bus service or local taxis.

The main ALSA bus departure point is from Cangas de Onís. There are parking facilities available in Cangas de Onís, which is a convenient place to leave your car before boarding the bus.

The ALSA bus typically costs around €9 for adults and €3.50 for children. Local taxi services are also available but are more expensive.

Buses usually start running early in the morning, often from 8:00 AM, and run frequently throughout the day. It's advisable to check the latest schedule on the ALSA website or at the Cangas de Onís bus station.

Yes, you need to purchase tickets for the ALSA shuttle bus to access the lakes. It's highly recommended to buy these tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, to avoid long queues.

Booking bus tickets at least a day in advance is strongly advised, particularly if you plan to visit on a weekend or during holidays, as they can sell out.

While there isn't a separate entrance fee for the Picos de Europa National Park itself, the cost of the ALSA bus service is your primary expense for accessing the lakes area.

The lakes themselves are natural formations and are accessible during daylight hours. The main access is via the ALSA bus, which operates on a schedule.

Parking in Cangas de Onís is generally affordable, with options around €2 for a full day, making it a cost-effective starting point for your visit to the lakes.

You can enjoy scenic walks between the two main lakes, Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, take photos of the stunning mountain scenery, visit the small museum, and observe the local wildlife like cows and potentially eagles.

A typical visit to the lakes, including the bus ride and time spent exploring, can take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Many visitors also combine this with a visit to the Covadonga Basilica.

Yes, there is a beautiful and relatively easy walking trail that connects Lake Enol and Lake Ercina. It's about a 3-kilometer walk and offers fantastic views. +1

Bringing a stroller can be challenging due to the terrain and walking paths. It's often recommended to leave it at the bus station or near the parking area if possible.

You'll frequently see cows grazing freely around the lakes, which are a characteristic part of the landscape. Some visitors have also reported seeing eagles.

There are limited food options directly at the lakes, and they can be quite expensive. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.

In Cangas de Onís, you'll find a good selection of restaurants and sidrerías offering traditional Asturian cuisine like fabada and cachopo. +1

Asturian cuisine is known for hearty dishes such as fabada (a bean stew), cachopo (large breaded veal cutlets), and local cheeses like Cabrales.

While convenient, dining options directly at the lakes are often pricier. Exploring Cangas de Onís for a more authentic and varied culinary experience is recommended.

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a popular and practical option, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while dining.

The viewpoints overlooking Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, the Mirador de Entrelagos, and the reflections of the mountains in the water are prime photography locations.

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunny days offer vibrant colors.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive landscapes.

There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.

Popular shots include reflections of the mountains in the lakes, panoramic mountain vistas, grazing cows, and the iconic Covadonga Basilica.