Lagos de Covadonga – Soto de Cangas

The Lakes of Covadonga are two glacial lakes in the Principality of Asturias in Spain, at an altitude of 1,134 meters. These two lakes, also known as the Enol Lakes, are Lake Enol and Lake Ercina. They are located in the Picos de Europa region, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, which was established in 1918.

The Route to the Lakes of Covadonga is a famous climb in cycling, having been used several times in the Tour of Spain since 1983. The climb to the lakes is 12.6 kilometers long, with an average gradient of 7.3% and an elevation gain of 1,056 meters. The section known as La Huesera, 7 kilometers from the summit, is the most difficult, with a 15% gradient over 800 meters.

The Covadonga Lakes climb is considered the equivalent of the Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France in the Tour of Spain. Both climbs appear regularly in their respective Tours.