Riaño: a swing and a bench, objects of desire of the Leonese jewel

A giant swing and a panoramic bench are today two of the biggest attractions to visit

.

Both have become objects of desire for fans of Instagram and Tick Tock and it can even be said that if you have not been photographed with one (or both), it is as if you have not been in this spectacular place.

Of course, to get the proper snapshot, you have to arm yourself with patience and wait in line (in some cases, quite long), especially during weekends and holiday periods.

They are not without reason, because the views from either of these two places perfectly capture the beauty of this town located in one of the most beautiful settings on the Peninsula, between steep mountains to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains.

Not in vain, Riaño always occupies the first positions in the lists of the most beautiful towns in Spain, mainly due to its postcard setting.

Known as

, the charming town of about 500 inhabitants is located on the shores of the reservoir of the same name.

From any point of the town, both in summer and winter, you can get stunning views, whether it is the peaks reflected in the waters, such as that of the emblematic Pico Gilbo, those obtained from the bridge that crosses the swamp towards León, or those of the entire valley located in the heart of the Riaño and Mampodre Mountain Regional Park, which can be enjoyed from any of its viewpoints.

Panoramic view of Riaño, from The most beautiful bench in León.

But it is not only a source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts and experts, it is also a paradise for nature lovers.

The surroundings of Riaño have

, such as the Paseo del Recuerdo or those that go up to various viewpoints (Las Hazas, Valcayo...), very popular with hikers throughout the year.

giant swing

Precisely, in one of those viewpoints, Las Hazas, is the aforementioned swing, the largest in Spain and with incredible 360-degree views of the valley.

It is

;

swinging on it is a recommended experience for children and adults.

Accessing it on foot is easy, but it is not indicated from the town and you have to leave it, cross the N-621 road and first go up to the Riaño campsite (you can also get here by car and park it in the car park) .

From there, you have to walk about 500 meters along an easy dirt road that climbs the mountain until you reach the swing.

Riaño's swing.

At the other end of this viewpoint, on the same mountain, is

viewpoint, which can be reached on foot in five minutes.

There, an old watchtower has seats to enjoy the views and also panels with photographs and texts with information about the area and what the valley was like before it was flooded in the late 1980s to build the reservoir.

panoramic benches

Throughout the town and along the paths that border the reservoir, wooden benches have been installed where it is recommended to sit down to enjoy the surroundings, especially during sunsets.

One of the most photogenic, and considered

, according to the sign that indicates its location, is the one found in a small park with picnic areas on the banks of the swamp next to the beginning of the bridge.

A magical place that no one resists capturing on camera.

The most beautiful bench in León.

It is located below another of the most photographed enclaves of the town: the

, a Romanesque temple that dates back to the 14th century, with Gothic paintings in an excellent state of conservation inside, which was originally located in La Puerta , flooded by the construction of the reservoir along with eight other towns, including Riaño, and was transferred in 1987 to the new Riaño.

from the town of Salio

was also moved .

The swamp in summer is another great attraction of the area.

Here you can practice water sports (jet skiing, paddle surfing, pedalos...) and take a boat ride.

For the latter, you have to go to the Riaño marina and hire one of the cruises, such as the covered

for an hour

, while a screen explains to travelers the history of the swamp and where they are submerged. the remains of old Riaño and the other towns that remained under the waters of the reservoir at the end of 1987.

Where to eat

Local and traditional homemade dishes at

(Resejo, 10; 987 740 814).

Any of its assortment of cachopos is highly recommended, as well as the corned beef with foie gras and grilled meats.

Good views and food at

(Av. de Valcayo, 20; 987 740 821), especially their meats, cecina cachopín and croquettes.

Where to sleep

Hotel Presa

(Av. de Valcayo, 12; tel.: 987 740 637) occupies a stone building facing Plaza Cimadevilla with views of the Cantabrian Mountains and the reservoir.

In addition to its 33 traditional-style rooms, it has a series of two-bedroom apartments in the annex building, ideal for families.

: from 65 euros.

Reservations here.

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