Origin
Destination
Distance
19.90 km
Duration
4.98 h
Difficulty
Media
Descent
120 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This stage is a spectacular ride through the Riaño Mountain, in the province of León. The profile is undulating, with an initial ascent to Pandetrave Pass. The route runs through a high mountain landscape, with impressive views of the Picos de Europa and surrounding valleys. It's a day of great beauty and solitude, ideal for nature lovers. The destination is Riaño, a newly built town on the shores of the reservoir, famous for its spectacular landscapes that recall Norwegian fjords.
The stage connecting Portilla de la Reina with Riaño is a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes of Eastern León Mountains. The route is breathtakingly beautiful, although with an demanding topography.
The day begins with an ascent to the Puerto de Pandetrave, a gentle slope that offers stunning views of the Valdeón Valley and the Picos de Europa peaks. Once at the summit, the path descends into the Yuso River valley.
The second part of the stage follows the course of this river in more favorable terrain. The landscape is dominated by high mountain pastures, beech forests, and rock formations.
Arrival in Riaño is the most impactful moment of the day. This town has a tragic history, as the old Riaño was flooded by the waters of the dam in the 1980s. A new town was rebuilt on a nearby hill. The most spectacular thing about this landscape is the reflection of the Cantabrian Mountains in its waters, which have been dubbed the "Leonesian Fjords". Walking across its bridges and viewpoints is an unforgettable experience. Riaño is today an important tourist center and a perfect final stage.
The day begins with an ascent to the Puerto de Pandetrave, a gentle slope that offers stunning views of the Valdeón Valley and the Picos de Europa peaks. Once at the summit, the path descends into the Yuso River valley.
The second part of the stage follows the course of this river in more favorable terrain. The landscape is dominated by high mountain pastures, beech forests, and rock formations.
Arrival in Riaño is the most impactful moment of the day. This town has a tragic history, as the old Riaño was flooded by the waters of the dam in the 1980s. A new town was rebuilt on a nearby hill. The most spectacular thing about this landscape is the reflection of the Cantabrian Mountains in its waters, which have been dubbed the "Leonesian Fjords". Walking across its bridges and viewpoints is an unforgettable experience. Riaño is today an important tourist center and a perfect final stage.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Portilla de la Reina o Riaño.
Apartamento Plaza De Los Pueblos
Las Montañas de Carmen
Siente Riaño Apartamento
Albergue De Portilla
Albergue de Maraña. Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre. Alojamiento, desayuno y comida.
Refugio Yordas
La Puerta
Moradas Portilla
Camping de Riaño
Hostal Tanis
Hotel Tierra de la Reina
Hostal Sainz
Merendero Riaño
Apartamentos Pico Llerenespjñ
Hostal Riaño
Aparcamiento de autocaravanas Riaño
Casa la Puerta
Refugio de La Salsa
Hotel Presa
Refugio de las Camperas
Antiguo Parador Nacional de Riaño (sumergido)
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