The Asturian rivers run in their upper course embedded in deep valleys and gorges, which has led to the construction of reservoirs for the supply and generation of hydroelectric energy.
The rivers Nalón, Narcea and Caudal flow through the central zone of Asturias.
The Nalón River
The river Nalón is a river of 138 km, it is born in the Source the Nalona, in the port of Tarna, (Caso) and it ends between San Esteban de Pravia and San Juan de la Arena forming the Pravia estuary. Its length also considering the Pravia estuary is 153 km.
Its main tributaries are the Narcea, Caudal, Trubia, Cubia, Sama and El Aranguín rivers, on the left, and the Nora, Orlé and the Dele on the right.
Folkloric descent of the Nalón
It is one of the most lively events of the Asturian summer, a water parade with a humorous tone: a large number of contraptions and floats descend the river in a festive atmosphere where locals and foreigners meet.
Folkloric descent of the Nalón 2024
The Folklore Descent is celebrated… Read more
The Narcea River
The Narcea River is the second most important river in Asturias, both in length and flow and is a tributary on the left of the Nalón River.
It is born in Fuentes del Narcea and flows into the Nalón River at the height of Forcinas (Pravia), being part of its upper course in the Natural Park of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias.
Its main tributaries are: on the right the Naviego, Onón, Genestaza and Pigüeña and on the left the Coto, Arganza, Gera, Rodical and Nonaya.
The Caudal River
The Caudal River is a river that runs through the central area of Asturias and is a tributary of the Nalón River, to which it spills its waters at the height of Soto de Ribera.
Born in Sovilla, Mieres (Asturias) to 256 meters of altitude, at the confluence of the Lena and Aller rivers.
In the eastern part of Asturias we can highlight two rivers, the Sella and the Deva.
The Sella River
The Sella River (in Asturian Seya) is a short coastal river in the north of Spain that flows into the Cantabrian Sea and runs through the provinces of León and Asturias.
Born in the Picos de Europa in the Fuente del Infierno, in the place called Jonseya, belonging to the town and municipality of Oseja de Sajambre (province of León) and flows into the Cantabrian Sea forming the Ribadesella estuary. It has a length of 66 kilometers and an average annual flow of 18,07 m³ / s. Its basin has an area of 1.284 km².
Its main tributaries are the Ponga and Piloña rivers, on the left, and the Dobra and El Güeña on the right.
Auction of the Campanu of the Sella River
This annual event is held on the banks of the river as it passes through Cangas de Onís every spring. In 2024, a new record was set with the acquisition of Campanu for 19.300 euros, with the Madrid restaurant El Rincón Asturiano acquiring the most coveted salmon of the season.
Auction Campanu del Sella 2024
The XI Campanu auction… Read more
The river Deva
The river Deva is a river that runs through Cantabria and the Principality of Asturias and flows into the Cantabrian Sea in the Tina Mayor estuary. It is a natural border between Cantabria and Asturias. Its source is in Fuente Dé (Cantabria), of multiple streams coming from the thaw. The Cares River is its largest tributary and this runs through the Asturian part, joining the Deva in the town of Panes. Both one and the other are famous for their salmon.
In the western area of Asturias we can highlight three rivers, the Navia, the Esva and the Eo.
The Navia River
The Navia river is one of the most important of the Cantabrian slope. It is born in Pedrafita do Cebreiro (Lugo) and flows into the Navia estuary. It has 159 km in length and the most important tributary is the Ibias. Its route is basically rectilinear.
One of the most beautiful areas of the western coast of Asturias is the mouth of the river Eo, forming an immense estuary with towns such as Vegadeo, Castropol and Figueras on its banks. All of them are worth a visit.
The Eo estuary
From a satellite view, the Eo estuary is more than just a simple border between communities, it is a… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
