Ría de Ribadesella

The Ria de Ribadesella is the final stretch of the Sella River, where its waters open into an estuary before reaching the Cantabrian Sea opposite Santa Marina Beach. The Sella flows 66 kilometres from its source at the Fuente del Infierno, near Oseja de Sajambre in Leon province, to this mouth on the eastern Asturian coast, at the foot of the Picos de Europa. The estuary proper begins at Santianes and passes through Llovio before reaching the town of Ribadesella, where fresh and salt water mix with the rhythm of the tides. At high tide the estuary widens and reflects the green tones of the surrounding hills; at low tide, sandbanks appear where grey herons search for food.

The International Descent of the Sella, held since 1930 on the first Saturday of August after the 2nd, is the sporting event that defines the area's identity. The race covers 20 km from the Arriondas bridge to the Ribadesella bridge, drawing over a thousand boats and paddlers from more than 20 countries each edition. It holds the status of Festival of International Tourist Interest. Beyond the official competition, recreational canoeing and kayaking on the Sella are available throughout the summer season (June–September), with numerous active-tourism operators offering the service including transport from Ribadesella to the starting point at Arriondas.

Ribadesella's cultural wealth centres on the Tito Bustillo Cave, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Discovered in 1968, the cave preserves Magdalenian-period rock paintings — horses, bison and reindeer — ranking it among the most significant Palaeolithic art sites in the Franco-Cantabrian region, alongside Lascaux and Altamira. The visitor route covers 700 m of galleries with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. The cave is open from April to October and advance booking is required. Next to the cave, the Cave Art Centre offers reproductions of the original panels and interactive family workshops.

Santa Marina Beach, one of the most extensive in Asturias, closes the estuary on its left bank with a broad sandy stretch backed by dunes and a seafront promenade lined with 19th-century indianos mansions. Surfing is common on swell days, and local schools offer courses for all levels. Ribadesella's cuisine revolves around seafood — goose barnacles, spider crab, sea bass and fabes con almejas (bean and clam stew) — and natural cider, poured in the traditional manner in the old-town cider houses. The Paseo de la Grua promenade beside the estuary offers terraces with estuary views at reasonable prices. Nature enthusiasts can extend the visit with a trip to the Picos de Europa, accessible via the Covadonga Lakes less than 40 km away. The Cares Gorge trail, one of Spain's most popular hiking routes, starts from Poncebos, 25 km from Ribadesella. Atlantic salmon run the Sella between May and July, and salmon sport fishing is a deeply rooted tradition in the area, requiring a regional licence and beat permit.