A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Ribadesella: A Natural and Cultural Treasure in Asturias, Spain

Introduction

Ribadesella, a charming municipality located on the eastern coast of Asturias, Spain, is a tourist destination that perfectly combines natural beauty with rich history and culture. With its impressive landscape of mountains, beaches, and caves, along with its archaeological and architectural heritage, Ribadesella offers a variety of unique experiences for visitors.

Santa Marina Beach

Santa Marina Beach is one of the main attractions of Ribadesella. This golden sandy beach, bordered by a promenade full of beautiful Indian villas, is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying views of the Cantabrian Sea. In addition, it is a popular place for surfing and other water sports.

The Caves of Tito Bustillo

The Caves of Tito Bustillo are a site of great archaeological importance. Discovered in 1968, these caves house a series of prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 10,000 years. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the history and culture of the region's early inhabitants at the Tito Bustillo Rock Art Center.

The Old Town

The old town of Ribadesella, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses, is a charming place to stroll. Here you can find a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants serving traditional Asturian cider and other local dishes. Highlights include the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and the Torre de la Atalaya, an old watchtower with panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Hiking Routes

Ribadesella is also an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. There are several routes that traverse the stunning landscapes of the area, from the cliffs of the coast to the mountains of the Picos de Europa. One of the most popular routes is the Cares Route, which offers spectacular views of the gorges and rivers.

The Fiesta de Las Piraguas

The Fiesta de Las Piraguas, celebrated in August, is one of the most important events in Ribadesella. This canoeing competition, which attracts participants from all over the world, is a great opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the sporting tradition of the region.

Gastronomic Products of Ribadesella

• Asturian Fabada

  The Asturian fabada is one of the most representative dishes of Ribadesella and all of Asturias. It is a stew of white beans, chorizo, black pudding, shoulder of pork and bacon. It is a hearty and very tasty dish, ideal for cold days.

• Asturian Cider

  Cider is the drink par excellence of Asturias and Ribadesella is no exception. It is made from the fermentation of apple juice and is served in cider houses, where it is poured in a very particular way to acquire its characteristic flavor.

• Cabrales Cheese

  Although Cabrales cheese is produced in the council of Cabrales, it is also very consumed and appreciated in Ribadesella. It is a blue cheese, strong and spicy, made with raw milk from cows, sheep and goats.

• Cantabrian Seafood

  Ribadesella, being located on the coast, offers a great variety of fresh seafood from the Cantabrian Sea. The spider crabs, barnacles, clams and prawns stand out, which can be tasted in the numerous restaurants in the town.

Sporting Activities in Ribadesella, Asturias

Sella River Canoe Descent

The Sella River canoe descent is one of the most popular activities in Ribadesella. This activity allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Sella River while practicing sports.

Hiking

Ribadesella offers numerous hiking routes that allow you to discover the natural beauty of Asturias. Some of the most popular routes include the Route of the Mills and the Route of the Cuevona.

Surfing

Thanks to its location on the Cantabrian coast, Ribadesella is an ideal place for surfing. There are several surf schools that offer classes for all levels.

Speleology

The rich geology of the area makes Ribadesella a perfect place for speleology. The Tito Bustillo caves are especially popular among fans of this sport.

Fishing

The Sella River is famous for its salmon fishing, being one of the most important rivers in Spain for this activity. It is also possible to fish other species such as trout and shad.

Places near Ribadesella

If you are in Ribadesella and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Llanes, a coastal gem in Asturias, Spain, captivates visitors with its stunning seascapes, medieval architecture and exquisite cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood, Asturian fabada and traditional cheeses from the region.

Cangas de Onís, gateway to the Picos de Europa, offers a rich Asturian cuisine with its famous Cabrales cheese and cider. Don't miss its historic Roman bridge and the Basilica of Santa María la Real.

Lastres, in Asturias, is a picturesque fishing village that offers stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea. It stands out for its exquisite cuisine, especially the seafood and fresh fish, and its famous Asturian cider. A charming destination for lovers of good food.