Descenso del Sella
The Descenso del Sella is a canoe descent down the Sella river near Cangas de Onís in Asturias. The route flows through mostly gentle water with a few small rapids, covering about 9 miles (15 kilometers) and typically lasting between two and four hours depending on group pace and stops.
The paddling tradition on the Sella began in the 20th century and gradually became a major activity in the region. It evolved into an organized event that now plays an important role in Asturias' sports and tourism scene.
The name comes from the Sella river that flows through the Cangas de Onís area. The activity has become a central part of local life, with people from the region and beyond gathering to paddle through waters that have shaped the area's identity for generations.
Wear swimwear and water-friendly footwear as all equipment like life jackets, paddles, and canoes are provided by operators. Changing rooms and showers are available after your paddle, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during summer months and in early August.
An annual racing event takes place on the first weekend of August and draws athletes and spectators from across the region. The festival combines the competitive paddle with live music, food, and riverside activities that extend beyond just the race itself.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Asturias in Spain: old churches, wild beaches, and mountains. The coast has secret bays and cliffs where rocks meet the ocean. Around Llanes and Cudillero, beaches hide beneath green hills. Inland, parks and caves show signs of very old human activity. These places give Asturias its character,...
Santa Cueva de Covadonga
7.6 km
Cangas de Onís Roman Bridge
57 m
Santa Cruz de Cangas de Onís
272 m
Church of Santa Eulalia
5.9 km
Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva
2.4 km
Dolmen de Santa Cruz
272 m
Cueva del Buxu
2.7 km
Monumento a Don Pelayo, Cangas de Onís
406 m
Playa Fluvial del Dobra
6.2 km
Capilla de Santo Medero
5 km
Field of church of Santa Eulalia de Abamia
5.9 km
Capilla de Santa Eugenia de Sobrecueva
5.4 km
Iglesia de San Martín de Escoto
6.9 km
Puente sobre el Río Dobra
4.9 km
House on Avenida Covadonga 43 in Cangas de Onís
487 m
Ex-monasterio benedictino de San Pedro en Villanueva
2.4 kmTorre de la Jura o del Heredero
3.9 kmEstación de Desove de Salmones
2.9 kmTeatro Colón
300 mMoto
307 mEduardo Llanos Álvarez de las Asturias
5.3 kmCommemorative plaque, memorial
12 mScenic viewpoint
984 mMirador de Vis
6.3 kmMirador de Següencu
3.7 kmEstatua del Rey Pelayo
405 mEscultura moto de piedra
166 mWaterfall
6.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes