Activities in the East of Asturias
SPORTS
Descent of the Sella River
The canyoning of the Sella River, is a unique activity that mixes adventure, sport and nature. Ideal for adults and children.
For a several hours you can enjoy the incredible experience of canoeing down the Sella River between Arriondas and the proximities of Ribadesella. It is necessary to take into account that the minimum age is 5 years old, the minimum height must be at least 1.15 meters and all participants must be able to swim.
Surf
Asturias is an ideal place for surfing all year round. The north winds form perfect waves and currents to practice this sport. Among the best beaches for this activity are the beaches of Santa Marina and Vega in Ribadesella.
Road and mountain biking
Asturias is a great place for both mountain biking and road cycling, its geography makes it one of the best places in Spain for cycling with the best views you can find on trails and roads.
Horseback Riding
Ideal for riding through the region's natural forests. It is suitable for all levels and can be done in the Alisal area here in Ribadesella.
Hiking and Nature
Covadonga Lakes
Located within the national park of the Picos de Europa, it is a charming place to visit. The lakes are of glacial origin located at 1,000 meters above sea level. It is an ideal plan for families since they can make a route that circulates the lakes with little difficulty.
Picos de Europa Mountains
Located in the central part of the Cantabrian mountain range, it made up of limestone material. It stands out for its height, which exceeds 2,500 meters above sea level at several points. There are different types of hiking trails that include the Cares route, the route to the Picu Urriellu or Naranjo de Bulnes and the lakes of Covadonga.
Coastal Trail
The Asturian coast is enchanting and the coastal path covers about 350 km of beaches, cliffs and forests. We recommend the Llanes-Celorio route, which is of low difficulty. It starts at the Paseo de San Pedro in Llanes and ends in the town of Celorio, passing by the beaches of Poo and San Martin.
Villages
Ribadesella
Where we find El Encanto, located at the end of the Sella River and on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, it is a beautiful fishing village. You can enjoy its many restaurants serving Asturian food, a stroll through the old town, walk up to the Ermita de la Virgen de Guía, stroll along the port or spend the day on the beach of Santa Marina or the beach of Vega.
Llanes
A town that is a delight to visit. You can walk through its many streets full of stores and restaurants, visit its gothic style church located in the old town, walk along the port, see the cliffs in Paseo de San Pedro, visit the Cubos de la Memoria painted by Agustín Ibarrola or climb up to the chapel of the Guía de Llanes. The council of Llanes also has numerous beaches such as the beach of Poo ideal for families, the beach of Antilles located in Cue, the beach of Torimbia whose viewpoint is beautiful to watch the sunset, the beach of Gulpiyuri which is the smallest in the world, among others.
Covadonga
In this town we find the Holy Cave that guards the image of the Virgin of Covadonga, the patron saint of Asturias, nicknamed "La Santina". Also, you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga of neo-Romanesque style, the monument to Don Pelayo the first king of Asturias and initiator of the Reconquest, the Campanona based on the Divine Comedy of Dante, the Lions of Covadonga made in honor of Pope Clement XIII and the Fountain of the Seven Cannons found under the Holy Cave.
Cangas de Onis
It was the capital of Asturias until 774. It is known for the Roman Bridge built in the Middle Ages joining the two banks of the river Sella and where the cross of Victory hangs, which is found in the Asturian flag. You can also visit the park of the Casa Riera that borders the rivers Sella and Güeña and where you can see the Casa Riera of Indiano architecture, the Ermita de la Santa Cruz built in the year 737, which houses the oak cross better known as the Cross of Victory, the Church of the Assumption built in 1963 and the Statue of Don Pelayo found in front.
When it rains
Tito Bustillo Cave
The Tito Bustillo cave, discovered in 1968, is located here in Ribadesella. Twelve sets of ancient rock art are preserved throughout the cave and it is considered one of the best examples of Paleolithic rock art in Asturias and one of the most complete sites in the entire Cantabrian Coast due to the wide range of these manifestations, which include paintings and engravings of signs, animals and anthropomorphic representations.
Asturian Cuisine
First, we have the cachopo which consists of two beef fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, which is then breaded and fried. Secondly, we have the fabada asturiana which is a stew made with "fabes", a variety of white beans, to which other ingredients such as chorizo, pork and Asturian black sausage are added. The drink of choice is the Asturian cider, which is made from the natural fermentation of the apple juice. Other typical dishes are Pitu de Caleya, Pastel de Cabracho, chorizo in cider, corn tortos and escalopines al cabrales (scallops with cabrales cheese). Asturias also has a variety of cheeses including Afuega'l pitu, Beyos, Cabrales, Gamonéu, La Peral and Pría. Typical desserts include arroz con leche (rice pudding), Moscovitas cookies, Carbayones and Frixuelos.
