Lakes of Covadonga, Picos de Europa

Two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, high in the western Picos de Europa, surrounded by mountain pastures where cows graze. Easy circular walks link the lakes and the old mines, with views of the peaks. On the way up you pass the shrine of Covadonga, a chapel built into a cliff cave beside a waterfall, where the Christian reconquest of Spain is said to have begun in 722.

Private cars are banned on the road to the lakes during the summer and at Easter and on holiday weekends. Instead, park at one of the car parks near Cangas de Onís and take the shuttle bus. Cangas de Onís itself has a famous Roman-style bridge over the Sella river.