11 unforgettable dips in Asturias

The time has come to take a dip, or to enjoy watching others do so, or to suddenly think, “Hmm… what a fantastic place to have a good splash, to swim for a while, to go sailing, to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the surroundings whilst floating on the water, or simply to daydream to the sound of a waterfall, a river, the waves of the sea, the hubbub of bathers, the shouts of children experiencing their first taste of fresh or salt water… These are situations more typical of the summer season, ways of enjoying the summer by cooling off in the heart of nature, in settings straight out of a fairy tale. That’s why here in Asturias we’re suggesting eleven places and eleven scenarios for eleven dips – or whatever takes your fancy – which, if possible, will be unforgettable, so that when autumn arrives you’ll say: ‘What a dip that was back then in Asturias!’.

Let’s begin our tour of these 11 unforgettable dips in Asturias. Are you ready?

Can you imagine swimming under a Roman bridge? Well, that’s possible in Cangues D’Onís/Cangas de Onís, in a river with crystal-clear waters and limestone sediments that glisten like gold in the sun… A salmon river if ever there was one, with a sporting tradition famous throughout the world for canoeing, and with a history so closely linked to the Asturian Monarchy and the Kingdom of Asturias that, whilst you’re in the middle of a swim, if you look up at the sky, you’ll see the very same Cruz de la Victoria suspended in the air as if it were an ethereal illusion.

You’ll swim like a salmon, surrounded by echoes of history and right at the foot of the legendary Picos de Europa…A dip you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

If you continue your journey, the Olla de San Vicente route along the River Dobra is a beautiful and easy walk. It’s very close to Cangues D’Onís/Cangas de Onís, heading towards the Pontón Pass, and you’ll be captivated by it. The climb up to the Olla is not at all difficult, and the gentle walk alongside the River Dobra, with its rapids and waterfalls, is a real delight. When you finish the short walk, the sight that greets you is indescribable: a large pool of turquoise, crystal-clear, cool water, set in a landscape straight out of an Asturian mythological tale, awaits you. Whether you take a dip or not, you’ll never forget it. But if I were you, I’d try diving into the sacred waters of the Dobra, even if only for a few seconds…

Although very close to Cangues D'Onís/Cangas de Onís, the Olla de San Vicente belongs to the municipality of Amieva.

If you’re not into a run-of-the-mill dip and would rather get your adrenaline pumping, then an Asturian gorge is just the thing for you. Plunge into those deep gorges, full of waterfalls and siphons, lichens, towering rocks, slides and incredible pools. Rest assured that a canyoning trip in Asturias will leave you wet, soaked, amazed and eager to do it all over again. It’s another way to connect with nature, to enjoy and explore the landscape, and to experience new thrills – though, of course, always with a splash.

Let yourself be captivated by the enchantment of the ravines! And perhaps a xana will come out to meet you, just as she does in these parts along the River Vallegón in Amieva, or the River Frío in Boal.

In Asturias, you don’t need to be on the coast to enjoy the beach. The endless charm of its river valleys will lead you to discover a multitude of spots where you can spend a pleasant moment, whether in the shade or in the sun, with the murmur of the river’s flow providing the most natural of background music.

One such place of boundless peace and tranquillity is situated in Aballe, one of the most charming villages on the banks of the River Sella, where there is a river beach of incredible beauty right next to the village church.

A real treat, right on your doorstep!

Imagine you’re taking in a panoramic view of the western Asturian coast, with its imposing cliffs, its mountain pastures overlooking the sea, its breeze that smells of pure bliss, and that you’re also treating yourself to a refreshing dip in the sea, enjoying open-air thalassotherapy with a Designation of Origin, in the Tapia pool – a guarantee of quality you can be absolutely sure of.

And after a swim, dry off in the open air, sheltered from the wind and with the sun watching over you. It’s a truly invigorating experience that you simply mustn’t miss!

If you decide to head inland from the coast to western Asturias, a truly lovely spot for a swim and some relaxation – and to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind – is the swimming pool at the Folgueirou leisure area in Illano. There, in the silence, surrounded by nature, the only thing you’ll wish for is more time to stop the clock.

The charm of the Tierras del Navia-Pocía region will captivate you forever!

Have you ever paddled whilst standing on a board? Well, it would be worth giving it a go. In recent years, SUP – or Stand-Up Paddleboarding – has taken Asturias by storm. What is it? Well, it’s a sport that’s derived in some way from surfing, allowing you to paddle on calm waters, venture out to sea once you’ve gained a bit of experience, and even catch waves. It’s a real treat – a different way of travelling and discovering the countryside…

There’s even another option – one that we’ve pioneered here in Asturias – known as ‘speleo-paddle’… What does it involve? Well, it involves exploring coastal grottos and caves with your paddle at the ready, which will transport you to another dimension of time and space… A perfect place for this kind of exploration is the east coast of Asturias, particularly around Llanes.

And between walks, a quick dip – at any time of day – will invigorate both body and mind, readying you to continue the endless journey that is the Asturian coast.

The waterfalls were surely the prehistoric showers. Set amidst the lush Asturian countryside and offering a pleasant break along the way, the waterfalls appear before us, breathing new life into us, as pure as the water they pour forth. In Asturias, water flows in abundance, as do the waterfalls, so another way to cool off is to make the most of a waterfall… such as the Seimeira in Santa Eulalia de Oscos.

You can find another of these heavenly showers at the Cioyo waterfall in Castropol...

Without a doubt, the most natural showers!

As the River Trubia flows through the town of the same name, just as it is about to join the River Nalón, it reveals scenes of extraordinary beauty where we can picture children and young people taking a dip in the river.

Trubia, with its historic factory, its park, its bridges, its authentic atmosphere and its riverside setting, forms a whole that invites you to enjoy the riverside life that is so abundant in Asturias.

The Villaviciosa estuary offers endless opportunities for swimming. You can swim at a beach, in a channel, on an island in the middle of this impressive waterway, or in a harbour such as El Puntal. The spectacular natural landscapes, the biodiversity and the surrounding villages all come together to form a unique setting.

As if that weren’t enough, it boasts a rich history, and is closely linked to famous events such as the first landing of the future Emperor Charles V, when he was still the young Prince of Ghent, aged just 17, and set foot on Spanish soil for the first time in Asturias, over 500 years ago.

So, in the Villaviciosa estuary, you can treat yourself to a real imperial swim!

The Niembru estuary, in Llanes, offers very different scenes depending on the tides. At high tide, it becomes a sort of saltwater lake where you can swim amongst the boats, surrounded by the murmur of the green landscape. At low tide, you’ll discover a vast sandy expanse; walking along the harbour channel, you’ll reach the sea, which laves gently at the shore.

Whether at dawn or at dusk, the sight of the Niembru estuary, with its church and cemetery reflected on the water, has an air of immense romance...

Another memorable dip awaits you in the Niembro estuary!