← Gijon cruise guide
scenic · Gijon

Covadonga Lakes & Picos de Europa: Private Asturian Highlands Drive

Escape into the UNESCO-listed Picos de Europa — the cratered glacial Lakes of Covadonga, the revered basilica, and Spain's most dramatic mountain scenery — on a private chauffeured excursion from Gijón.

What to expect

The drive west from Gijón climbs steadily into the Picos de Europa national park, one of Europe's oldest protected wilderness areas. At the sanctuary of Covadonga, your guide brings to life the legendary 8th-century battle that sparked the Christian Reconquista, set against a waterfall-draped gorge and a candy-pink basilica. Higher still, the glacial Lagos de Enol and Ercina sit in an almost supernatural highland stillness at 1,100 metres, reflecting limestone peaks. The return journey can weave through the medieval bridge town of Cangas de Onís for a quick stop.

Book it
From Gijón: Covadonga Lakes, Cangas de Onís and Lastres
$55 per person
Book it →

Good to know

The mountain road to the lakes closes to private vehicles in high season (July–Aug) before ~08:30 and after ~20:00 — depart the port early to reach them before crowds. Allow a full day (8–9 hrs). Confirm all-aboard time with the operator upfront.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Gijon — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Marina
7 nights · calls at Gijon
from $2,699
View sailing →
Azamara · Azamara Quest
11 nights · calls at Gijon
from $4,470
View sailing →
Windstar · Star Explorer
8 nights · calls at Gijon
from $4,827
View sailing →
Oceania · Oceania Insignia
14 nights · calls at Gijon
from $4,999
View sailing →
See all cruises to Gijon →

More to do in Gijon

← Back to the full Gijon guide

⚓ Your bucket-list concierge

Doing the whole cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we'll send the bucket list for every port — the operator to call, real prices, and an honest verdict on each ship tour.

We send the plan to your account’s own address — never to one typed into a box. Free, and Google works.