Covadonga brings together the sanctuary and the natural setting of the Lagos de Covadonga. Lakes Enol and Ercina are of glacial origin; the Lagos form a natural monument in the heart of the national park. During rain and snowmelt, a third lake, El Bricial, forms temporarily. The lakes mentioned here and this seasonal body of water therefore also differ in how they were formed.
Lakes, trails and places to visit
The Lagos area has viewpoints and easy, well-marked trails. If you are planning a route, check trail conditions and signage before setting out. The former Buferrera mines can also be visited; check access arrangements before your visit. In Buferrera, a visitor centre has an exhibition about the national park’s characteristic flora and fauna. As opening arrangements may vary by season, it is worth checking visiting options in advance.
Sanctuary and history
The Virgin of Covadonga, known as La Santina, is venerated in the Santa Cueva, a Marian place of worship. The tomb of Don Pelayo is also located there. His remains were transferred to the cave in the 13th century, along with those of his wife Gaudiosa and his sister. The present-day chapel in the Santa Cueva is designed in the Neo-Romanesque style and was built in the early 1940s by Luis Menéndez Pidal, after the end of the Spanish Civil War.
The Collegiate Church of San Fernando is the oldest building in the sanctuary. Its cloister houses Romanesque tombs from the 11th century, associated with early burials at the collegiate church. The Basilica of Covadonga follows a Neo-Romanesque design by Federico Aparici y Soriano, based on an earlier project by Roberto Frassinelli; construction began in 1877. Covadonga is also associated with the beginning of the Kingdom of Asturias in the 8th century.
The Museo de Covadonga occupies two floors of the former Hostal Favila. The building was constructed between 1920 and 1931 to designs by Miguel Ángel García-Lomas and Urbano Manchobas. The museum displays 133 items from the collection of the Real Sitio, along with 17 portraits from José de Madrazo’s chronological series of the kings of Spain. The portraits have been on loan there from the Museo Nacional del Prado since 1884. If you plan to visit, check the current opening hours.
Hiking routes and cultural events
Stage 7 of the GR105 Ruta de las Peregrinaciones runs from Cangas de Onís to Covadonga. It is 14.6 kilometres long, has a low difficulty rating and takes about four and a half hours one way. The route enters Picos de Europa National Park and then descends through the forest to the basilica esplanade. Conditions and classifications may change; check the latest route information before setting out.
The GR-202 Ruta de La Reconquista includes a section between Covadonga and Poncebos. It follows the historic route taken by Muslim troops after their defeat at Covadonga. For the GR105, specific distance and time details help you assess the effort involved; here, the GR-202 is described by its historical context and the section between the two places. For this route too, check conditions and management arrangements before departure.
The Fiesta del Pastor takes place every year on 25 July at La Vega de Enol in the Lagos de Covadonga area. The event, which is of tourist interest, combines a shepherds’ council, rural sports, crafts, bagpipe music and local Cabrales or Gamonéu cheese; individual events may vary. Check the current programme if you would like to plan your visit around the event.
A shuttle bus connects Cangas de Onís with the Real Sitio de Covadonga, stopping at designated car parks. Service and frequency vary by season; check the details before travelling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Arriondas, Llenín, Cardes, Beceña, Labra, Peruyes, Tornín, Igena.
To the broader travel guide: Cangas De Onis.
