Nestled in the Picos de Europa National Park, Enol Lake is 1,070 meters high and has a capacity of 80,000m² and a depth of about 24m, which allows the thermal stratification of water throughout the summer until autumn, forming 3 layers of water. Its colour is emerald green has an overwhelming beauty. There is a carving of the Virgin of Covadonga submerged in the lake, that every September 8th is taken out in procession.
Lake Enol is part of the natural complex belonging to the Picos de Europa National Park, in Asturias. Located in the western massif of the Picos at 1,070 meters of altitude, it has an area of 80,000m² and a depth of approximately 24 meters. Much of the water that contains comes from the numerous streams and springs around it.
A legend says that the Virgin of Covadonga dropped a tear from her cheeks and from it the impressive Enol lake was born. In honor of the Santina and her beautiful creation, a curious celebration takes place. Since the 70s, there is a submerged carving of the Virgin and every September 8th (Asturias Day) is taken out in procession so that divers, believers and hikers can enjoy it.
Another peculiar celebration is that of "Shepherd's Day" on July 25. In it, groups of pipers and authorities go to the lake. There is a Catholic rite and after that competitions of shepherds (games, dances, races ...). After finishing, in the prairies of the lake, lamb to the stake watered with cider is served, a very popular dish in Asturias.
Its emerald green colour is characteristic, which changes depending on the season, becoming darker in summer than in winter. This phenomenon occurs due to the stratification of its waters in which it generates 3 different layers: upper, intermediate and lower. All of them have a different temperature, going from warmer to colder and from less to denser due to the incidence of sun rays. Therefore, at the end of autumn, when the thermal stratification disappears, the layers of water that produce this colour change at a lighter and better temperatura, that are mixed.
The flora that surrounds Lake Enol is overwhelming, full of multiple green shades even though there is no typical swampy vegetation. In its waters and surroundings, you can find wealthy fauna, like great fish diversity with rainbow trout, tench and piscardo. The crayfish is increasingly scarce although they may still appear.
To access the Park and, therefore, also the Lake you can take a bus from Covadonga. Near Lake Enol is Lake Ercina, which can be seen on hiking trails (1 long and 1 short) or take a minibus to reach more easily and enjoy the spectacular natural environment of this National Park.
