Mirador de la Reina – Should You Stop? + How to Visit

Where is el Mirador de la Reina?

El Mirador de la Reina is located in the north part of Spain, in the region of Asturias, a region famous for its mountain ranges and beautiful beaches.

The viewpoint is right next to the Covadonga Lakes, the original center of the Picos de Europa National Park, that now extends over 3 regions. It’s actually directly on the road to the lakes from Covadonga, in the north western part of the park.

Enjoying the EPIC View at the Mirador de la Reina, Covadonga

We booked a trip to the north of Spain with my friend Laurent, to hike in the Picos de Europa National Park. As often the case with me, we booked the trip at the last minute (booked everything Thursday and took our flight on Friday). We had done very minimal research about the place, but had the itinerary figured out, which is the most important part.

Except from that, we didn’t really know what to see or what to expect around the Covadonga Lakes.

I didn’t even know that the road to the lakes is closed during the day, and that if you want to drive there you must go there before 8:30 am. Fortunately we met a girl at the hostel who was also going there the next day, and unlike us, she had done her research; she told us and we thus planned for an early start.

To reach the lakes, we drove on a small mountain road, full of hairpin turns, that climbed up from Covadonga. On the side of the road, we could see an epic view of the valley, covered in clouds.

We wanted to stop the car to enjoy the view for a while, but couldn’t really stop on that narrow road with all the cars behind us. So we just kept going.

Fortunately, after several minutes, we got to a parking lot; we turned to the left and parked the car, ready to walk down the road to go back to where we had the beautiful view.

However as soon as we got out of the car, we realized we were at a viewpoint; it was the Mirador de La Reina.

From the mirador, we could see over the whole valley, all the way to the mountains in the back.

It was still early in the morning, around 8:30 am, and we were lucky to witness a beautiful cloud inversion: a sea of clouds was covering the valley, making it look absolutely stunning.

It was such a magical sight that we stayed there for 30 minutes, taking photos and just standing there in front of the fence taking in the view. It was fun seeing cars stop in the parking, and watching the expression on people’s face as they got out of the car: most were completely blown away.

I hope the photos above gave you a better understanding of what to expect at the Mirador de La Reina, Asturias, and that they helped you make up your mind about whether you should stop there on your way to the lakes or not.

Keep in mind that conditions can vary when you visit, so you might actually see something a little bit different (more clouds, less clouds, fog, clear view on the valley below, …); in any case, I’m sure it will be gorgeous, and I highly recommend stopping there on your way to the lakes to enjoy this epic view.

Oh and by the way, locals told me they have seen wolves at this spot, so definitely be on the lookout for wild animals!

How to Get to the Mirador de la Reina

Even though the viewpoint is directly on the road to the lakes, from Covadonga, it’s actually a bit tricky to get to it.

Why?

Because in summer the road is closed to personal vehicles, and buses don’t stop there on their way to the lakes.

So, how do you get to it?

Get to the Mirador by Car

From June to October & a few days at the end of the year, the road to the lakes closes; however, you can still access it before 8:30am and after 9pm.

If you plan to drive straight to the Mirador de la Reina Covadonga, you’ll find below the estimated time it takes from the nearby cities:

• From Covadonga: 16mn
• From Cangas de Onis: 27mn
• From the Lakes: 8mn

As you read above the road is closed to personal vehicles during summer & at the end of the year.

Here’s when the road is closed:

⛔️ Road to Covadonga Closing Days

On these dates, the road closed during the day; if you want to be able to visit the Mirador de la Reina, you’ll have to go early to the lakes, before 8:30am.

You have until 8:30am to cross the checkpoint in Covadonga; once you’ve crossed it, you’re good for the full day. You can drive to the mirador, take your time there, then drive to the lake, no rush.

Any other day of the year, you are free to access the road at any time, and you can thus drive to the mirador whenever you want.

Get to the Mirador by Bus

Unfortunately, the buses do not stop at the Mirador on their way to the Lakes.

You can’t get to the Mirador by bus.

Get to the Mirador by Taxi

If you don’t have a car, or if you don’t want to go too early, the usual solution is to take the bus to go to the Covadonga Lakes. However, since the buses don’t stop at the Mirador, an alternative solution is to take a taxi.

If you book a taxi, you’ll be able to visit the Mirador before going to the lakes. Make sure to tell your cab driver you want to stop at the Mirador: “quiero ir al mirador de la reina antes de los lagos” which translates to: “I want to go to the mirador de la reina before the lakes”.

Here are the estimated prices for a taxi to the lakes (and mirador):

• Adult: 10€ for a roundtrip ticket
• Child: 5€ for a roundtrip ticket

You can grab a cab in 2 places, as you can see on the map below:

• Cangas de Onis
• Soto de Cangas

Map from Parque Nacional Picos Europa

If you want to book a cab in advance, you can try calling one of these 2 companies:

• Taxitur: +34 689 14 38 81
• Taxi Huera: +34 619 62 88 17 or +34 659 48 88 23

Where to Stay Near the Mirador de la Reina, Asturias

Accommodation near the Covadonga Lakes is usually all booked-out, especially during summer. If you’re planning to visit in summer, make sure to book in advance.

Here are several options for where to stay:

• I slept in La Riera, which is a small village right above Covadonga, in the Covadonga Hostel.

The owner Andres is very friendly, and gave us tips for our travels in Asturias. The place is clean, and it’s the lowest prices you can find in the area which is great for solo backpacking.

Check for Best Price

• The best place to stay is the Casa Rural Priena (sadly it was full when I booked my trip)

It’s the highest rated hotel in the area, and it’s in Covadonga right next to the lakes. The prices are so low it’s hard to beat, and breakfast is included too! It gets booked out pretty quick, so make sure to secure your spot fast.

Check for Best Price

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Asturias and Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Asturias Guides:

Hike from Poncebos to Bulnes + Bulnes funicular

Hike from Bulnes to Sotres, the highest village in Picos de Europa

The Most EPIC Hike in Asturias – Ruta del Cares

Or see all the best hikes in Asturias

Spain Guides:

Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia

Best Daytrips from Madrid

Your FREE Walking Tour to Discover Toledo

I hope you enjoy your trip to Asturias and to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.