Ercina

Ercina is a small village and civil parish in northern Spain. It is located in the autonomous community of Asturias, in the mountains of the Picos de Europa. The parish encompasses the village of Ercina and several surrounding hamlets, set in a valley shaped by pastures, forests and limestone peaks. The elevation is high, and the landscape is typical of the Asturian mountainous countryside.

The area around Ercina is notable for its proximity to the glacial lakes known as the Lagos de Ercina and, nearby, the Lago de Enol. These lakes lie within the Picos de Europa mountain range and are within the broader context of the regional national park. They attract hikers, nature lovers and photographers, especially during the summer season, when access roads and viewpoints are busiest.

Economy and demographics in Ercina reflect its rural character. Traditionally, the parish depended on dairy farming and livestock, with agriculture shaping the local way of life. In recent decades, tourism related to hiking, wildlife watching and scenery has become an important complement to farming. The population remains small and stable at a rural level, with seasonal variations tied to visitors and temporary residents.

Culture and architecture in Ercina preserve traditional Asturian rural characteristics. Stone houses with slate roofs dominate the built environment, and local religious and agricultural festivities reflect the region’s heritage. The village is connected by regional roads and experiences a mountain climate, with cooler summers and potentially snowy winters.