Climb 10 of 22Asturias, Spain
Lagos de Covadonga
Two lakes high in the Picos de Europa sit at the top of this road from Covadonga, in Asturias in the north of Spain. The Vuelta a España has finished here many times.
- km long
- 12.1
- metres up
- 838
- steepest part
- 15%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Lagos de Covadonga?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 2 hr 32 min
- I ride now and then: about 1 hr 46 min
- I ride most weeks: about 1 hr 26 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Lagos de Covadonga at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Lagos de Covadonga is 12 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 10 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
The road leaves Covadonga and climbs into the Picos de Europa National Park. It ends by Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, two lakes left by glaciers. The hardest part is La Huesera, about 7 km from the top. Near the end, the road flattens and even drops a little.
The Vuelta a España, the big three week race in Spain, first finished here in 1983, when Marino Lejarreta won. In 2023 the women's race finished a stage here too, and Demi Vollering won it.
Riding it for real
At busy times of year the road is closed to private cars, and visitors take a bus. Bikes are not affected, so you can still ride it. Dates change each year, so check the Asturias tourist board before you go.
Questions about riding Lagos de Covadonga
Two lakes high in the Picos de Europa sit at the top of this road from Covadonga, in Asturias in the north of Spain. The Vuelta a España has finished here many times.
Where does the Lagos de Covadonga climb start?
It starts at Covadonga and climbs to Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, in the Picos de Europa National Park.
Can you drive up to the Lagos de Covadonga?
At busy times the road is closed to private cars and you take a bus instead. Bikes are not affected.
Has the Vuelta finished at Lagos de Covadonga?
Yes, many times. The first finish was in 1983, when Marino Lejarreta won.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
