Riaño Reservoir

Riaño Reservoir is a man-made lake in León Province that stretches along the Esla River, surrounded by the Picos de Europa and forested slopes. The water reaches a maximum depth of roughly 100 meters (330 feet) and forms a long basin winding through narrow valleys, creating coves and rocky shoreline sections.

Construction began in 1965 and led to the relocation of nine villages, with residents moving to new settlements along the shore before the valley was flooded in 1987. The government planned the project for irrigation and power generation but faced resistance from local communities who left their homes.

The old church of Riaño was reconstructed at a higher location before the flooding, and its towers are visible from several viewpoints along the shore. Today locals and travelers visit these waterside communities that have kept their stone architecture and narrow lanes.

A car is helpful for reaching different access points around the basin, though some shoreline sections can be reached on foot. Summer temperatures are mild, while in winter roads may occasionally close when snow blocks the higher passes.

When water levels drop, the foundations of some of the submerged villages emerge from the water, drawing photographers and history enthusiasts. The dam itself is roughly 337 meters (1105 feet) long and one of the largest concrete structures in this region of Spain.