What to see and do Ribadesella, where to sleep and eat...

Ribadesella: what to see in one day on the map

See on the map Ribadesella: what to see in one day

Latitude: 43.4617805 Length: -5.0588822
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The town of Ribadesella is the capital of a municipality surrounded by mountains, beaches, and cliffs. Indeed, many of the municipality's attractions (a designated Tourist Excellence municipality since 1997 ) are concentrated within its town center. Besides enjoying the local heritage and culture, it's easy to reach the beach, the cliffs, various viewpoints, and protected natural areas without venturing too far from the town limits.

All the tourist information of Ribadesella: accommodation, restaurants and active tourism (descent of the Sella, jet skis, etc.) in ribadesella.com

It limits to the north with the Bay of Biscay, to the south with the councils of Cangas de Onís and Parres, to the east with the council of Llanes and to the west with the council of Caravia.

How to get to Ribadesella

The most direct way from Oviedo to Ribadesella is to go via A-64 + A-8 (approximately 79 km and 55–60 min, depending on traffic).

1/ Fast route (highway)
Leave Oviedo and take the A-66 towards Gijón (look for signs towards Lugones/Parque Principado). Connect with the A-64 towards Villaviciosa/Santander.
Take the exit towards Ribadesella: on the A-8 there is a first exit as Ribadesella Oeste (Pando-Bones) and the second exit Ribadesella–Llovio (exits 326 and 319, according to the signage).

2/ More “landscape” alternative
You can also take the N-634 from Oviedo (slower, but scenic). The route passes through towns like Nava, Infiesto, Villamayor, and Arriondas.

From Santander to Ribadesella by car , the normal route is to take the A-8 (Autovía del Cantábrico) towards Oviedo/Gijón: it is approximately 115–120 km and 1h 15 min depending on traffic.

Direct route (A-8): Leave Santander and take the A-8 towards Oviedo/Gijón. Continue on the A-8 to exit 319: Ribadesella – Llovio (the one recommended by Ribadesella's own tourism board "from Santander"). From there, follow signs to Ribadesella/Centro.

Distances

84 km from Oviedo / 70 km from Gijón / 93 km from Avilés / 25 km from Llanes / 98 km from Mieres / 95 km from Navia

History

The most outstanding feature is the rock art heritage from the Upper Paleolithic period, found in the Tito Bustillo Cave and along the Ardines Massif, which year after year provides new findings of a relevant primitive culture settled on the banks of the Sella River.

During the Middle Ages, there was considerable splendor thanks to the shipyards , which were supplied with wood that was floated down the Sella River, and to maritime trade, especially of salt, which was essential for salting fish.

The Sella estuary was an important whaling site . During the 18th century, Ribadesella attempted to establish itself as the leading Asturian port and a link to Castile. However, perhaps due to the influence of Jovellanos, investments were directed towards the port of Gijón and the Pajares road.

In 1865, after the town's expansion was completed, a wooden bridge was built over the Sella River, which was replaced by an iron one in 1892. This iron bridge was destroyed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, and the current concrete bridge was inaugurated in 1940. During the 1960s and 70s, the development of Santa María beach was completed, giving the town its current layout.

Routes and beaches

The Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua

We usually call an artificially created underground passage a tunnel. When the tunnel is… Read more

Route of the Mills of Ribadesella

Some argue that watermills were one of the most important pre-industrial inventions … Read more

The Cliffs of Hell

Asturias has hidden gems waiting to be discovered, legendary lost paradises. Much of the… Read more

Santa Marina beach

There are few beaches on the Cantabrian coast that offer such a spectacular panorama and are surrounded by… Read more

Festivities

· San Juan, June 24.
· Virgen de la Guía, first Sunday in July.
· International descent of the Sella. Festival of International Tourist Interest, first Saturday in August.