A pink limestone basilica rises from the mountainside near a sacred cave chapel in northern Spain. Visit two mountain lakes, cycle steep roads, or hike trails in Picos de Europa.
In northern Spain's Asturias region, Covadonga draws visitors to its dramatic pink basilica built into the mountainside. You can climb to the Santa Cueva cave chapel to see the statue of La Santina, explore two mountain lakes at 1,000 meters altitude, or cycle the same steep roads that challenge professional riders in the Vuelta a España race. The surrounding Picos de Europa mountains contain hiking trails leading to viewpoints where you can see the Cantabrian Sea on clear days.
The Sacred Cave and Basilica
The Santa Cueva chapel clings to the mountainside, positioned above a 12-meter waterfall. Inside the cave, you'll find the tomb of King Pelayo and a shrine to Our Lady of Covadonga, known locally as "La Santina." The neo-Romanesque basilica, built with pink limestone from nearby mountains, rises 40 meters high with its twin spires. The museum next to the sanctuary opens from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, displaying medieval religious objects and documents about the region's Christian history.
Lakes of Covadonga
Lakes Enol and Ercina lie at 1,000 meters above sea level. You can walk the 5-kilometer circular trail connecting both lakes from the Buferrera parking area. Stop at the Pedro Pidal Visitor Center near the trailhead to learn about the area's mountain goats, birds of prey, and rock formations through interactive displays. Lake Enol reaches depths of over 20 meters and contains a statue of Our Lady of Covadonga that emerges during the September 8th celebrations.
Getting Around
You can reach Covadonga from Santander airport (120 km) or Asturias-Oviedo airport (90 km). The drive from Cangas de Onís takes 35 minutes via the AS-262 and CO-4 roads. In July-August and during national holidays, you'll need to take the public bus service to the lakes, which runs from 9:00 AM. The mountain roads include steep sections with gradients up to 15%, and winter conditions often bring ice.
Mountain Activities
The 12.6-kilometer road to the Lakes of Covadonga climbs at an average gradient of 7.2%, making it a challenging route for cyclists. The Picos de Europa National Park has marked trails ranging from 30-minute walks to full-day hikes. Walk to the Reina viewpoint, 8 kilometers from the Basilica, for views extending 40 kilometers to the Cantabrian Sea on clear days.
Battle of Covadonga
In 722 AD, King Pelayo's forces defeated the Moorish army at Covadonga. Local accounts tell how Pelayo and his soldiers sought protection in the cave where a statue of the Virgin Mary had been hidden. After the victory, builders constructed the first chapel in the 8th century. The current basilica dates from 1877-1901.
