Lake Enol

Lake Enol is one of two glacial lakes known as the Lakes of Covadonga, set in the Picos de Europa mountains within the municipality of Cangas de Onís, Asturias.

Where is Lake Enol located?

The lake sits at an elevation of roughly 1,134 meters in the Picos de Europa range, not far from the Covadonga Sanctuary. Together with the neighboring Lake Ercina, it forms the pair of lakes commonly called the Lakes of Covadonga, or simply Los Lagos. Administratively, the area falls under Cangas de Onís, one of the main gateway towns to the western side of the Picos de Europa.

Why do these lakes matter historically?

Lake Enol and Lake Ercina formed the original core of the Picos de Europa National Park, established in 1918 as Spain's first national park. That makes this stretch of mountains one of the oldest protected landscapes in the country. The name "Lakes of Covadonga" ties directly to the nearby sanctuary, a pilgrimage site that has anchored the region for centuries.

How was the lake formed?

Lake Enol is a glacial lake, its basin shaped by glaciers that once covered the higher parts of the Picos de Europa. Lakes of this kind, carved out as the ice retreated, are a defining feature of this section of the massif and among the most recognizable landmarks in the Asturian mountains.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Most visitors pair a stop at Lake Enol with a visit to Lake Ercina, located a short distance away within the same mountain area. The surrounding landscape is classic Picos de Europa: steep limestone peaks, mountain pastures, and views typical of the park's western section. Many people start or end their visit at the Covadonga Sanctuary, situated lower down along the road leading up to the lakes.

Who is this destination for?

Lake Enol appeals to travelers looking for an accessible mountain landscape without a long, technical hike — the lake itself and its immediate surroundings are reachable with relatively little effort compared to more remote parts of the Picos de Europa. It also serves as a popular starting point for longer trails heading deeper into the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Lake Enol? Lake Enol lies in the Picos de Europa mountains, within the municipality of Cangas de Onís in Asturias, at an elevation of about 1,134 meters.

How does Lake Enol differ from Lake Ercina? Both are glacial lakes sitting close together, jointly known as the Lakes of Covadonga. Enol is the better known of the two and is more often cited as the original heart of the national park.

What is the historical significance of this site? Lake Enol and Lake Ercina were the original core of the Picos de Europa National Park, founded in 1918 as Spain's first national park.

What's nearby worth visiting? The Covadonga Sanctuary and Lake Ercina are both close by, and most visitors combine them into a single trip to this part of the Picos de Europa.