Descenso del Sella Kayak Route
Every August the Sella River hosts one of Spain's most beloved popular races — the Descenso Internacional del Sella — but you can paddle this gorgeous 18-kilometre stretch from Arriondas to Ribadesella any day of the summer and feel like you own it. Forested gorges, limestone bluffs and kingfisher flashes accompany you all the way to the sea.
The River Journey
The route begins in Arriondas, a 20-minute drive inland, and winds through the Parque Natural del Sella, passing beneath ancient stone bridges and through gentle class-I and class-II rapids that are exciting without being technical — perfect for beginners and families. The final kilometres open into the wide, calm estuary with Ribadesella's old town and the lighthouse headland framing the finish.
Several outfitters in Arriondas offer kayak and canoe rental with a return shuttle bus, making logistics effortless. The paddle takes three to five hours depending on your pace and how many times you stop to swim.
Beyond the Paddle
The riverbanks are thick with alder and willow, and otters have been spotted in the quieter upper sections in early morning. Bring a dry bag for a picnic — there are gravel beaches perfect for a mid-river lunch stop.
If you prefer two wheels, the Senda del Oso cycling path connects to the valley and a greenway runs alongside sections of the river, offering a gentler alternative for those who would rather stay dry.
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