The Maroño reservoir is a sheet of artificial water located in the Aiara valley, at the foot of the Sierra Salvada, in a landscape of gentle slopes, meadows and riverside woodland. Its dam retains the waters of the Izoria river and the reservoir, of modest size, forms a wide curve that provides a very marked contrast with the rocky relief of the surroundings. It is a space associated with the supply of the region and, at the same time, with recreational uses compatible with the natural environment. From the visitation area you can get a good reading of the whole: the dam, the surface of the reservoir and the mountain range closing the horizon, a particularly photogenic composition on clear days. The place is known for its scenic interest and the presence of waterfowl and birds of prey, which fits with its classification as a SPA. It is also mentioned in tourist guides and websites of Euskadi and Alava as one of the most recognizable landscapes of the valley. The visit is more pleasant with soft light in the morning or at dusk, when the water better reflects the relief of Sierra Salvada. In spring and autumn the environment is usually greener and the visual contrast is greater; in summer there is more fishing and walking activity, although the heat reduces the attraction of the central hours. If the water level drops, the shore may appear drier and less uniform.
