Two lakes and a cave stop in four hours. That’s the kind of day you’ll remember from Asturias, because you’re not just driving between viewpoints—you’re understanding what you’re looking at as you go. You’ll get guided interpretation at the lakes and the main viewpoints, then finish at Covadonga Sanctuary with time to explore on your own.

I really like how the day starts with pickup in Cangas de Onís and stays low-stress—no waiting, no line drama. I also like the small group size (up to 8), because it makes the guide’s explanations feel personal, not rushed, especially when you’re moving between miradors and lake shore areas.

One consideration: the Sanctuary portion (Basilica and Santa Cueva) is not guided, so if you love a fully narrated experience, you’ll want to use the time to read signs or soak it in at your own pace.

Key highlights you’ll feel on this tour

• Small group, guided lakes: You spend focused time with a certified guide at Lake Ercina and Lake Enol.
• Mirador del Príncipe first: Big early views over the Vega de Comeya and Concejo de Onís set the tone.
• Buferrera iron mines stop: You pass old mine structures and get context for what you’re seeing in the rock.
• Lake Ercina reflections: You approach the shore to catch the peaks of the Cornión Massif mirrored in the water.
• Mirador de Entrelagos viewpoint loop: A gentle climb to see both lakes from above before heading down.
• Covadonga at your tempo: Basilica and Holy Cave (Santa Cueva) are yours to explore without a strict script.

Starting in Cangas de Onís: small-group pickup and an easy pace

This tour is built for people who want the Covadonga experience without the logistics headaches. You meet at the Bus Station in Cangas de Onís, and then you’re taken by private vehicle—so you’re free to focus on the day instead of parking, routing, and timing.

The group limit is up to 8 participants, which matters more than it sounds. With fewer people, you’re better able to hear explanations in the van and at viewpoints, and you’re not constantly playing catch-up.

The overall timing also helps you plan your day. In about four hours, you’ll cover both lakes with guided time, then stop at the Sanctuary of Covadonga with your own time in the Basilica and Santa Cueva, and return to Cangas de Onís with enough room for food afterward.

Picos de Europa views from Mirador del Príncipe

After pickup, you head into Picos de Europa National Park, and the first real reward is the Mirador del Príncipe. This is where you get a wide view over the Vega de Comeya and the Concejo de Onís, and it helps you understand where the lakes sit in the larger area.

I like doing this kind of viewpoint early because it “organizes” your day. Before you ever reach water, you start getting a sense of scale: mountains, valleys, and how the terrain channels everything toward Covadonga.

The guide’s interpretation here isn’t just poetry about scenery. You’ll get spoken context that connects the viewpoints to what you’ll see later—so when you’re standing higher again at later miradors, you’re not just taking photos, you’re reading the area.

Buferrera iron mines: a different kind of stop, with context

One of the more unusual parts of this day is the stop around the Buferrera old iron mines. You’ll cross the area with mine structures like limestone towers and mine entrances, and the tour explains what you’re seeing so it’s not just a quick “look at that” moment.

This is the kind of roadside detail that can make a tour feel richer. Instead of only focusing on the famous landmarks, you get a sense of how people used these places historically, and why the rock formations around you look the way they do.

If you like photography with variety, this segment is useful. You can switch your eye from grand viewpoints to the textures and structures of the mines, then back again to wide views as you head toward the lakes.

Lake Ercina: shore time and guided reflections

Lake Ercina is where the day shifts from panoramic views to something slower and more intimate. You’ll spend around 30 minutes here, with guided interpretation, and you’ll approach the shoreline to see the Cornión Massif peaks reflected in the water.

I like Lake Ercina best as a “focus” stop. The guiding helps you slow down and notice details that you might otherwise miss when you’re rushing for the next photo spot, like how the water line changes your view of the peaks.

You also get a gentle build toward the next stage. You don’t just arrive at a lake and leave quickly—you’re given a way to connect what you see on the surface to what you’re going to see from above a bit later.

Mirador de Entrelagos to Lake Enol: one flowing viewpoint-to-lake rhythm

From Lake Ercina, the route continues toward Mirador de Entrelagos, where you’ll get views of both lakes. The walk here is described as gentle climb, and that’s important because it keeps the day feeling like a natural progression rather than a workout.

This part is all about the big-picture moment. Standing at the mirador, you can take in how Lake Ercina and Lake Enol relate to each other and to the surrounding mountains, and you start to understand why this area has such a strong visual identity.

Then you head down toward Lake Enol, with guided time of around 1 hour. For me, that longer stop length makes sense: Lake Enol is the place you can linger with less pressure, watch the light, and absorb the surroundings while the guide keeps connecting it back to the terrain and the wider area.

If you’re traveling with kids or older relatives, the structure helps. You have guided segments that break the day into manageable pieces—viewpoint, lake, viewpoint, lake—so energy doesn’t get drained by constant driving or long unplanned stretches.

The Sanctuary of Covadonga: Basilica and Santa Cueva at your own pace

After leaving the lakes area, you stop at the Sanctuary of Covadonga, including time at both the Basilica and Santa Cueva. This is the one portion that is explicitly not guided, so you visit at your own rhythm for about 30 minutes.

That independent time can be a good thing. You’ll have space to pause, look around, and absorb the atmosphere without being rushed through by commentary, and you can spend more time where your eyes keep returning.

You’ll also find the famous image of the Virgin of Covadonga, known in Asturias as La Santina. Even if you don’t read every sign, this is the kind of focal point that makes the visit feel immediate and local rather than just another stop.

One practical note: since this segment isn’t guided, you’ll get the most from it if you go in ready to slow down. If you want a fully explained religious or cultural walkthrough, consider spending those 30 minutes reading the onsite information and asking yourself what questions you still have.

No waiting in line and a smart use of your time

A big part of the value here is how the day avoids wasted time. The tour describes no waiting and no lines, plus it includes a skip-the-ticket-line approach. For places like this, shaving off the line stress can make the experience feel calmer and more enjoyable.

This tour also works because it groups the most important moments together. You’re getting the two iconic lakes and the Sanctuary in one compact run, with transport from Cangas de Onís and a certified guide keeping the story moving.

The small-group format helps with that flow too. When the group is limited to 8 participants, you’re less likely to feel like the day is a checklist where you’re constantly separating from the group.

And because you return to Cangas de Onís after the Sanctuary stop, you can actually enjoy the rest of your day instead of spending it in transit. The tour is set up so you can go for local cuisine and Asturian cider afterward.

Price and value: why $41 can feel reasonable for this day

At around $41 per person for a roughly 4-hour outing, the price is mainly about two things: time saved and expert interpretation. You’re paying for someone else to handle the route from Cangas de Onís, plus a certified guide to explain what you’re seeing at key moments.

You’re also paying for structure. The lakes and viewpoints aren’t random stops—you get guided time at Lake Ercina (about 30 minutes) and Lake Enol (about 1 hour), plus viewpoint stops that help you understand the terrain before and after each lake.

Then there’s the practical safety layer. The tour includes accident insurance, liability insurance, and a first aid kit, which adds peace of mind when you’re out in a protected mountain area for a few hours.

If you’re the type who hates driving in unfamiliar places or you simply want your day to run on a clean schedule, this price often feels like a bargain. You’re buying convenience plus local context in one package.

Who this tour suits best in Asturias

This is a strong pick if you want the Covadonga highlights but don’t want to manage everything yourself. The tour is described as suitable for all ages, and the route is broken into shorter guided blocks with a van between stops.

It’s also a great option if you care about learning, not just photographing. The guide’s interpretation is part of the main experience, especially around the old Buferrera iron mines and the viewpoint stops that help connect the lakes to the wider Picos area.

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the small-group size is a bonus. There’s less noise and fewer voices to compete with, so explanations feel easier to follow.

What to bring and how to prepare for the day

Keep it simple. You’ll want comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, since you’ll be moving between viewpoints and lakes during guided time.

Plan for a day that mixes sitting with standing and short walks. The itinerary includes mirador stops and lake shore access, so footwear matters more than fancy clothing.

If your plan is to continue the same day in Cangas de Onís, dress with dinner and cider in mind too. You’ll be back in time to enjoy local food, so you can keep your packing light.

The guide experience: explanations that keep it interesting

The best thing about this tour is how you’re guided through the day. A certified guide is there to interpret the scenery and the area’s details, turning a scenic drive into an actual “I understand what I’m seeing” walk-and-view experience.

The guide approach is described as attentive and helpful throughout the trip, and the pace is designed to keep you engaged. One moment you’re looking over big valleys from the Mirador del Príncipe, and the next you’re hearing context about mine structures, then you’re at water with guidance again.

It also helps that the tour offers Spanish and English live guiding. If you’re fluent in one language and want to relax, you can trust the explanations to match the day’s pace rather than feeling like a rushed translation.

Should you book the Lakes of Covadonga and Sanctuary tour?

Book it if you want the full Covadonga highlights with guided lakes, meaningful viewpoint stops, and a smooth round-trip from Cangas de Onís. The small-group limit, the skip-line approach, and the guided time at both lakes make it a practical way to get the most from a short visit.

Consider another option if you prefer every minute to be guided. Since the Sanctuary visit (Basilica and Santa Cueva) is not guided, you’ll need to bring your own curiosity and use the onsite info to get the most out of that portion.

If you’re choosing between driving yourself or taking a structured day, this tour usually wins for sanity. You get guidance where it counts, and you still have enough personal time at Covadonga to make it feel like your own visit.

FAQ

How long is the guided Lakes of Covadonga and Sanctuary of Covadonga tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where does the tour start in Cangas de Onís?

The starting location is the Estación de Autobuses de Cangas de Onís.

Do you skip the ticket line for Covadonga?

Yes, the tour includes skipping the ticket line.

Is transport included from Cangas de Onís?

Yes. Transport from Cangas de Onís is included.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 8 participants (small group).

Are the lakes and viewpoints guided?

Yes. The Lakes of Covadonga portion includes guided interpretation, including Lake Ercina and Lake Enol, plus guided viewing stops.

Is the Sanctuary of Covadonga portion guided?

No. The tour includes a visit to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, but the Basilica and Santa Cueva are visited at your own pace and are not guided.

What’s included in the price?

Included are transport from Cangas de Onís, a certified guide, accident insurance, liability insurance, and a first aid kit.

What is not included?

Ride to the meeting point and food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring and what languages are available?

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. The tour is offered with live guiding in Spanish and English.

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