At our feet stretches Santa Marina beach. It's more than just a beach; it's a place where heritage, history, tourism, community, and ecology converge. Until the 19th century, it remained wild, close to an extensive wetland—El Malecón—which provides an ideal habitat for numerous migratory bird species. From our privileged viewpoint, we can see both areas. The sandy beach is flanked by Mount Somos and Mount Corberu , and we're located on the third promontory that encircles the entire area: Mount Ardines.
The first urban development of the beach was due to the opening of the metal bridge over the estuary in 1898. This led to the construction of the modernist villas, mansions, and chalets that we see today from our vantage point. It's a view that retains all its charm and gives Santa Marina beach the quality of a postcard, unique on the entire Cantabrian coast . In the 1960s and 70s, the entire beach area was fully developed, leaving the town as we know it today.
The town of Ribadesella was an important whaling enclave and in the 18th century it tried to consolidate itself as the best Asturian port linking with Castile, but, perhaps due to the influence of Jovellanos, investments went towards the port of Gijón.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
