The spectacle of the seagulls that nest in the walls of this coast is unique. Dozens of these birds surprise the hiker with their discordant and harsh squawks. This is all the hell we are going to find here: the harmony of nature and the rumor of the sea broken by these squawks, a sign of anxiety or alarm due to the arrival of intruders in the vicinity of their colony. The maritime panoramas, of great beauty, they are discovered everywhere. It is not advisable to be reckless, nor climb a rock, or take false steps to enjoy a good view.
Where are the Cliffs of Hell located?
It is a coastal strip, in the eastern part of the municipality of Ribadesella, that extends almost to the limits with the neighboring municipality of Llanes. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of Asturias: a landscape of steep precipices.
Where does the Cliffs of Hell route begin?
We are in Ribadesella. To start our tour we will take the AS-263 road, and we travel 1,8 kilometers, between the Oreyana soccer field and the detour to Collera. We continue along an asphalt track, crossing the train track we will see a post with two signs that indicate Playa de Arra and Cliffs of Hell.
We must reach the recreational area of Hell (GPS: 43º 27'35 ”North and 5º1'47” West) always continuing on the asphalt track without deviating at any time. From the recreational area there is no other option than to go on foot, walk and enjoy a route parallel to the sea on the cliffs. The path continues winding, with possibilities of shortcuts but always intuitive and easy to follow, crossing a eucalyptus forest and later a pine forest. We go through the Cliffs of Hell and Tomasón until you reach the beautiful Islet of Paluverde. In reality it is a cliff or pillar of rock, an ancient cliff detached from the continent due to the erosion of the waves.
To reach this point we have traveled about two kilometers from the recreational area. From here we can turn south to join the Camino de Santiago, which we will travel west to return to the area from which we have started. Another option is to continue east along the cliffs until you reach, another two kilometers further on, to Castru Arenes and the cliffs and beach of Guadamía.
Beach of Guadamía
In Guadamía we will find one of the most beautiful recreational areas of Asturias. Organize a meal…
How tall are the Cliffs of Hell?
In the nearby Pedral de Arra -a beach difficult to access today after a collapse of its staircase-, we find ourselves in a geological point of global relevance, his study is key to understanding the origin of Asturias and the Cantabrian mountain range. Arra is the main protagonist of a research project that aims to reveal the karst formations of the Asturian Jurassic. Geologists assure that this point explains the evolution of the Ribadesella fault, a fracture of almost ten kilometers in length that arose 33 million years ago and that crosses the entire council. There began the history of the peculiar mountainous landscape of Asturias.
It is very easy to observe this fracture in the cliff where we are, which suddenly transforms from low formations to the west -with grasslands to the very edge of the sea- to the steep and high coast that continues east, where the Cliffs of Hell can already be seen in the foreground.
Rent jet skis in Ribadesella
Another way to get to know this beautiful landscape is from the sea. Get on a jet ski and sail on the waves of the Bay of Biscay it can be a unique experience. Everything has a different perspective. Take advantage and try with your friends or family! A route that does not disappoint.
Jet skis in Asturias
Getting on a jet ski is one of the greatest attractions that Asturias offers in the summer. A …
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com