Top 20 Natural Monuments around Cangas De Onis

The region around Cangas de Onís, particularly within the Picos de Europa National Park, offers several stunning natural monuments. Don't miss the dramatic Ruta del Cares, known for its impressive rocky gap. The iconic glacial Lake Ercina and Lago Enol, part of the Lakes of Covadonga, offer breathtaking scenery. Another highlight is the Cares Gorge (Garganta Divina), where you can walk between mountains rising over 2,000 meters.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The areas around Lake Ercina and Lago Enol (Lakes of Covadonga) are considered family-friendly, offering beautiful lake scenery and easy walks. The Queen's Viewpoint also provides stunning panoramic views that can be enjoyed by all ages.

The natural monuments around Cangas de Onís are perfect for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, with popular routes like the Ruta del Cares or circular trails around the Lakes of Covadonga. The Sella River is famous for canoeing, offering a unique perspective of the natural landscape. There are also options for gravel biking and running trails in the wider region.

For spectacular vistas, the Queen's Viewpoint offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the Cantabrian coast. The Mofrechu Peak also provides a rewarding panoramic experience. Along the Ruta del Cares, you'll find numerous points offering breathtaking views of the gorge and the Picos de Europa.

Yes, while primarily natural, some sites have historical significance. The Buferrera Mine, located near the Lakes of Covadonga, is an old mining site that has become part of the natural monument experience, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past within a natural setting.

Spring and early autumn are generally considered the best times to visit. In spring, the landscapes are lush, and the lakes are particularly beautiful, with fewer crowds. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and stunning fall colors. Summer is also popular, but can be crowded, especially around the Lakes of Covadonga. Winter can be challenging due to snow and colder temperatures, particularly in higher elevations of the Picos de Europa.

Yes, the region offers refreshing natural swimming spots. La Olla de San Vicente, located on the River Dobra (a tributary of the Sella), is a stunning natural pool with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The Sella River itself also offers various points for a refreshing dip.

The Lakes of Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga) are generally accessible, though vehicle access is restricted during peak seasons, requiring visitors to use public transport from Cangas de Onís or Covadonga. Once there, a popular circular route around the lakes is about 5 kilometers, taking a couple of hours to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photos and enjoying the views.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking natural beauty and the sense of tranquility. Many highlight the spectacular views from places like the Queen's Viewpoint and the dramatic landscapes of the Cares Gorge. The pristine waters of the lakes and rivers, and the opportunity for invigorating hikes, are also frequently mentioned as major draws.

While many natural monuments are well-known, places like La Olla de San Vicente on the River Dobra are often considered a hidden gem. It offers a tranquil natural swimming experience away from the more crowded tourist spots. Exploring the less-traveled paths within the Picos de Europa National Park can also lead to discovering secluded viewpoints and serene natural formations.

The Picos de Europa National Park is renowned for its unique geological formations. You'll encounter dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges carved by rivers like the Cares, and glacial lakes such as Lake Ercina and Lago Enol. The landscape is a result of millions of years of glaciation and karstification, creating a rugged and captivating environment with features like natural rock formations, caves, and river valleys.

Yes, public transport options are available, especially for popular sites like the Lakes of Covadonga. During peak seasons, private vehicle access to the lakes is restricted, and visitors are required to use a bus service that departs from Cangas de Onís or Covadonga. For other areas within the Picos de Europa National Park, public transport might be more limited, so checking local schedules is advisable.