It is the most popular adventure tourism activity in Asturias. Every year, thousands of people are encouraged to try the experience of paddling down one of the most iconic rivers in the region and enjoy the exercise and the incredible Asturian landscape.
Although it is a recreational-sports activity suitable for all types of profiles, the journey down the Sella River can raise a series of doubts if it’s your first time and you’re not very familiar with the activity. To avoid any kind of doubt or problem, at Cangas Aventura we have prepared this article with the most useful tips for the Sella River Descent to achieve the best possible experience. Discover them all below!
Book the Activity!
Especially during the summer season, the activity is one of the most in-demand in Asturias. Therefore, although it is possible to buy your ticket at the box office, it is most advisable to book the adventure in advance. This way, you ensure that you have an available spot and can live this exciting experience. Additionally, by booking online you can enjoy exclusive prices.
How to Get to Arriondas
The town of Arriondas is the starting point of the Sella River Descent. So that you can arrive without problems and enjoy this experience to the fullest, here we offer some recommendations and tips on how to get to this charming Asturian town.
- By car: Arriondas is well connected by road. From Oviedo, you can take the A-64 and then the N-634. The journey takes approximately an hour and a quarter. If you’re coming from Santander, the most direct route is via the A-8 and then taking the N-634. This route will take you around two hours.
- By public transport: from Oviedo and other major cities in Asturias, there are regular train and bus services that take you to Arriondas or to Cangas de Onís, a nearby town with more connections. The FEVE train company offers a route that runs along the Asturian coast and stops in Arriondas. There are also bus services operating from Oviedo, Gijón, and other nearby towns, which can be a comfortable and economical option. If you’re coming from further away, flying might be the ideal option for you. Book your flights to Cangas de Onís today.
Additional Recommendations:
- Parking: if you arrive by car, at Cangas Aventura we have free parking for our customers while they carry out the activity.
- Plan your time: during the high season, traffic can be more intense and public transport services may be more crowded. Plan your trip with enough time in advance to avoid delays and ensure you arrive on time for the start of the activity.
- Car rental: if you prefer the flexibility of moving around on your own but don’t have your own car, consider renting one. There are several car rental companies in the main cities of Asturias and at Asturias Airport.
- Accommodation: if you plan to stay in the area, there is a wide variety of accommodation options in Arriondas and its surroundings, such as Cangas de Onís, from hotels and rural houses to campsites. Booking in advance is especially important during high season.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
We are talking about an active water tourism activity, so it’s important to choose appropriate clothing for the occasion.
Throughout the year, it is most advisable to wear comfortable clothing, as it is a physical activity that requires movement and some effort. In case you do the activity in spring or autumn, you can do it with a wetsuit.
In summer, the temperature is very pleasant, so a wetsuit is not necessary. However, it is recommended to wear clothes and footwear suitable for swimming, as you are likely to get wet. Additionally, this ensures you can enjoy a calm and refreshing swim in the waters of the Sella River. Besides comfortable and swimwear, it’s advisable to bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, change of clothes, sunglasses…
IMPORTANT! Keep in mind that, during the route, there are several river beaches and beach bars where you can stop to rest, eat or drink. When getting off the canoes in these sections, it’s important to remember that there are hard and slippery stones, so hard-soled footwear suitable for water (flip-flops, water shoes, etc.) will be much more comfortable and practical than sneakers or going barefoot.
About food and drink…
The activity can take several hours, depending on the route you choose, the pace at which you descend, and the stops you make. Thus, it’s highly recommended to bring food and drink. In the canoe, you will have a waterproof container that will allow you to store and carry it with you without getting it wet.
Additionally, along the route, you will find several beach bars where you can access different types of food and drink (including sidra). These beach bars are a perfect place to rest and recharge. But be careful! Keep in mind that some of them do not accept card payments, so if you want to visit them, don’t forget to bring some cash.
Paddle at Your Own Pace
The total route is 16 kilometers long. And the activity is carried out autonomously, that is, without accompaniment from the instructors, which will allow you to choose your own timing. You can choose whether to go all the way to the end, or if you prefer to stop at one of our pickup points and do a shorter route.
The environment that houses the Sella River is a true natural paradise. Surrounded by nature, abundant flora and crystal-clear waters allow you to see the fauna that inhabits the area: trout, herons, ducks, frogs, weasels… In addition, the river has several river beaches, perfect for stopping to rest, eat, have a drink, or take a swim.
All of this creates the perfect combination of exercise, movement, and enjoyment. There’s no rush to reach any of the pickup points you choose (as long as you reach them before the maximum pickup time), so paddle at your own pace, stop as many times as you want, explore the surroundings and enjoy the magic of the Sella River.
Safety on the Sella
The route is not very difficult and the descent is completely safe. The river waters are calm, except for some rapid areas which, far from being dangerous, are incredibly fun.
It’s possible to collide sometimes with other canoes and fall into the water. It’s not a problem! Besides being a safe area, you will be given a life jacket before starting the descent, so if you fall, nothing will happen to you.
It’s important to keep in mind that, in certain areas with low water flow, it’s sometimes necessary to get out and push the canoe. For these cases, you only need to consider the section on appropriate footwear to avoid hurting yourself, and… that’s it! You can now enjoy the adventure with complete safety.
Best Time of Year for the Activity
It all depends on your preferences and needs. The advantage of descending in the low season is that the number of canoes is much lower, so you can enjoy the route more peacefully. The downside is the weather, as during this time of year the temperatures are lower, both in the water and outside.
If you choose to go during the high season, you should keep in mind that this is one of the most popular activities in the Principality, so there are usually many people (and many canoes). However, the upside is that the weather is much more pleasant during this time, which will allow you to enjoy the surroundings and swimming more.
Additionally, if you plan to descend the Sella during the first weekend of August, you’ll be able to experience firsthand the famous competition that takes place on the Sella River and enjoy an authentic Asturian folixa.
With these tips for the Sella Descent, you have all the information you need to plan your adventure and make the most of this activity. Don’t hesitate to visit us if you want to experience this great adventure!