The Riaño reservoir, nicknamed the "Leonese Fjords", is one of the most spectacular stretches of water in Spain: turquoise water framed by limestone cliffs and Picos de Europa peaks rising above 2,000 m.
Every outing is a guided route. An instructor leads the way and sets the course and the limits, so no previous experience and no licence are needed. Handling is explained on land before you set off, and a certified life jacket and wetsuit are provided. From the first minute you explore the reservoir's hidden coves, islets and the views of the drowned villages that resurface in dry spells.
The shortest session is 30 minutes, enough to cover the central stretch and the best views; the one-hour option reaches the quieter far arms. You can drive from age 16 with parental consent, and ride as a passenger from age 6. The season runs from 1 June to 30 September.