Excursion to Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onís from Gijón

Exploring the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onís from Gijón: A Detailed Review

Taking a day trip to the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onís from Gijón offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, history, and local flavor. This guided excursion, priced at just under $50, promises around 11 hours of sightseeing, cultural insights, and scenic vistas. With a solid 4.5-star rating based on eight reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this trip both enjoyable and value-packed.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the itinerary’s focus on iconic viewpoints like the Interlagos Viewpoint and the San Roque Viewpoint, which provide spectacular panoramas of both the lakes and the coast. However, a common consideration is the weather — some reviewers have faced cloud cover or road closures that limited certain views, though the tour operators seem quick to adapt. This tour is perfect for those who love combining nature, history, and local gastronomy in one day, especially if you’re eager to see the highlights of Asturias without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The tour offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, including lakes, coastal vistas, and mountain panoramas.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Highlights include Covadonga Lakes, the Basilica, Cangas de Onís, and Lastres, with ample time at each stop.
• Authentic Experiences: From tasting local dishes in Cangas to visiting historic sites like the Covadonga Basilica, you’ll get a taste of Asturian culture.
• Comfortable Transport: The group is transported in modern, air-conditioned buses, making the long day more pleasant.
• Good Value: The inclusion of the Lagoas de Covadonga ascent and key entrance fees makes this a sound deal for the price.
• Weather Variability: Some reviews mention weather-related issues, which can affect the quality of the views, so flexible expectations help.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Experience

Starting Early for the Covadonga Lakes

The adventure begins bright and early at 8:30 am from Gijón, with a guide and a comfortable bus. The first major stop is the Lagos de Covadonga, part of Spain’s first national park, which was renamed Picos de Europa National Park and Biosphere Reserve in 1995. This is the highlight for many, and the ticket for the ascent to the lakes is included, so you won’t have to worry about extra costs.

The lakes — Enol and Ercina — are stunning mountain gems, and the bus route takes you close enough to soak in the views. However, as one reviewer noted, “the road to Covadonga Lake was closed due to weather,” which can sometimes happen. Despite this, the guide’s quick re-routing to other attractions means you still get a full day of sightseeing. You’ll love the way the guide explains the park’s significance and shares stories that bring the landscape to life.

Visiting Covadonga Basilica and the Holy Cueva

Next, you’ll explore the Basilica of Covadonga, an impressive structure perched in the mountains. The basilica’s grandeur is complemented by stories of its construction, including the famous bell, La Campanona, which weighs 5,000 kilos. The guide also shares tales about Pelayo, the Christian king proclaimed at the nearby obelisk — a neat piece of local legend.

Adjacent to the basilica, you’ll visit the Cueva de la Virgen de Covadonga, known as La Cuevona, where a carved figure of La Santina resides. This site adds a spiritual dimension to the trip and offers a sense of the sacred in the landscape.

Cangas de Onís: A Charming Mountain Town

After the mountain sanctuaries, the tour takes you to Cangas de Onís for about two hours. This charming town is famous for its iconic Roman bridge, featuring the cross of Victoria hanging from its arch — a perfect photo spot. The tall church tower and quaint streets invite exploration, and you’ll have time to enjoy local Asturian dishes like cachopín with patatines or savor a traditional culín (a shot of cider).

Many reviews highlight how lively and authentic this stop feels. One visitor mentioned, “getting lost in its streets or trying the famous gastronomy” as a highlight, emphasizing the region’s culinary appeal.

Coastal Views and the Town of Lastres

A brief but spectacular stop at Lastres crowns the day, offering panoramic views of beaches such as La Espasa, La Isla, and La Griega. From the San Roque viewpoint, you’ll see Lastres from above — a picture-perfect moment that many travelers describe as “indescribable.” The combination of rugged coastline, colorful houses, and the Atlantic backdrop makes this a memorable photo opportunity.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour is operated by Buendía, with a maximum group size of 51 travelers, ensuring a balance between social vibe and personal space. The bus is noted as very modern and comfortable, which makes the long day more relaxed. The timing is planned so that you get the most out of each stop, with 3 hours at Covadonga Lakes, an hour at the basilica, two hours in Cangas, and a quick 30-minute visit to Lastres.

The departure point is centrally located in Gijón, making it easy to access, and the tour ends back at the starting point — no need for extra transportation after a full day.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility, given the terrain and walking involved.
• The price includes the ascent ticket to the Covadonga Lakes but excludes lunch and drinks, so plan accordingly.
• Reviews mention the group being quite international, and guides accommodating non-Spanish speakers, which is a plus if you’re traveling with family or in a mixed-language group.

Authenticity and Value

What sets this tour apart is its blend of natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, and local flavor. For just under $50, you receive a comprehensive look at some of Asturias’ most treasured sites, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary. The inclusion of key entrance tickets and the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and legends makes this a good value, especially compared to arranging these visits independently.

The reviews point out that weather can impact the experience, but the tour operator’s flexibility and quick re-routing keep the day fulfilling. Several travelers appreciated the professionalism of the guides and drivers, with one remarking that the guide’s explanations about the park’s significance made the experience richer.

Food and Scenic Views: Highlights for Many

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, stopping in Cangas de Onís gives you the perfect opportunity to sample local Asturian cuisine—a highlight for many who want an authentic taste of the region. The scenic drives through coastal towns and mountain passes also make the journey visually rewarding, even if some views are obscured by weather.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for those who want a full-day exploration of Asturias’ highlights without the hassle of organizing transportation or entry tickets. It suits travelers eager to see iconic lakes, mountains, and historic sites in one day, especially if they enjoy nature, history, and local culture.

It’s also perfect for visitors who don’t mind a long day on a bus, but want the convenience of a guided experience that maximizes their time. However, if you require accessibility accommodations or have limited mobility, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This excursion to the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onís offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historical insights, and cultural experiences. The inclusion of scenic viewpoints, a visit to a sacred basilica, and free time in charming towns makes for a well-rounded day. While weather can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans—something to keep in mind if you’re traveling during less predictable months—the tour’s flexibility and the professionalism of the guides mean you’ll still walk away with memorable moments.

The value for money is clear: you get a comprehensive look at some of Asturias’ most iconic sites for a modest price, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting a structured yet authentic taste of the region. With friendly guides, comfortable transportation, and a mix of scenic vistas and cultural landmarks, this tour is a good pick for those seeking a manageable, enriching day out.

FAQs

Is breakfast included?
No, the tour starts early at 8:30 am, so it’s wise to have breakfast before departure or bring snacks for the bus.

How long is the bus ride?
The entire day is approximately 11 hours, including travel time, with most of it spent visiting the sites.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, the ticket ascent to the Covadonga Lakes is included, but other sites like the basilica and viewpoints are free.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility because of terrain and walking involved.

Can I customize the meal?
Since lunch isn’t included, you can choose to bring your own or try local eateries in Cangas de Onís.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The guide will adapt the itinerary if weather conditions prevent access to certain sites, often offering alternative stops or viewpoints.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, most travelers book about 22 days ahead, indicating good availability for early planning.

This day trip provides a practical, scenic, and culturally enriching experience, perfect for travelers wanting to see the best of Asturias with minimal fuss. Whether you’re captivated by mountain lakes, historic basilicas, or charming coastal towns, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s natural and cultural riches.