The best canoeing routes in Asturias for getting back to nature

Venturing into the Asturian countryside is always a treat for the senses, but doing so whilst exploring one of its pristine rivers makes the experience truly thrilling. We suggest six canoe trips where you can enjoy the thrill of the rapids, the tranquillity of the backwaters and simply soak up the surroundings.

These are usually activities suitable for the whole family and, contrary to what you might think, they aren’t strenuous, as the current always helps you reach your destination. You’ll also be able to enjoy the wildlife, featuring cormorants, herons, ducks and trout…and if you’re lucky, the elusive otter might even pop up to say hello. In short, canoeing down the rivers of Asturias is a highly recommended active experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form. The perfect combination of sport and adventure.

Asturias offers a wide range of sporting and adventure activities in the great outdoors. One of the most appealing is canoeing down rivers. Here are several options to choose from so you can make the most of your experience.

The River Nalón rises at the La Nalona spring in the port of Tarna (municipality of Caso) and flows for more than 150 kilometres through Asturian territory before emptying into the sea between San Esteban de Pravia and San Juan de la Arena, forming the Pravia estuary.

Coal mining has left a profound mark on the Nalón river basin, with its landscape inextricably linked to a considerable legacy in the form of industrial heritage. The various coal-washing plants once caused the river’s waters to run black, but the decline of the mining industry and significant investment in clean-up and restoration have restored its extraordinary crystal-clear waters.

To enjoy them, two guided descents of the Nalón are on offer, right in the heart of Asturias:

• From Las Caldas to Trubia, a route of around 6 kilometres with small rapids. Las Caldas is very close to Oviedo, just 8 kilometres away, and can be reached by public transport
• Further downstream lies the other option on offer, between San Román de Candamo and Pravia, covering a distance of around 9 kilometres. San Román is 30 kilometres from Oviedo and Avilés.

Whichever canoe trip you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the riverside woodland, the wildlife and small rapids – and, what’s more, you won’t have to worry about crowds.

The River Cares rises in Posada de Valdeón in León and flows into Asturias through the spectacular Cares Gorge, which separates the Central (Urrieles) and Western (Cornión) massifs of the Picos de Europa. The famous Cares route allows visitors to enjoy this marvel on foot; it is also known as the ‘Divine Gorge’, which has been eroded by the river in its upper reaches.

The Cares is a mountain river with clean, crystal-clear, greenish waters, forming a remarkable ecosystem teeming with life as it flows through the Picos de Europa National Park until it joins the River Deva, into which it flows very close to Panes, the capital of the Peñamellera Baja municipality.

Normally, the canoe trip down the Cares takes place on its final stretch, some 10 kilometres long, between Niserias and Panes. At first, the river flows through a narrow gorge flanked by vegetation-covered walls, and gradually the landscape opens up along a route that is not to be missed, amidst lush vegetation and stunning scenery. It is easy to see trout and salmon clearly through its crystal-clear waters, as well as birds such as cormorants, herons and ducks, and, if you’re lucky, the beautiful otter.

The Cares is not a very busy river, so you can enjoy the activity in harmony with nature. There are stretches of calm water, but bear in mind that the rapids are more turbulent than those on the Sella, so some prior canoeing experience is recommended. For this reason, depending on your level of experience, it may be advisable to undertake the descent accompanied by a guide, especially if it has rained in the days leading up to your trip.
 

At the far end of Asturias lies the River Eo, which forms a natural border with Galicia in its final stretch and flows into the Cantabrian Sea, forming the Ribadeo estuary.

There are several canoeing routes to choose from to enjoy the Eo in the municipality of San Tirso de Abres, where the activity can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities. All these stretches flow through virtually unspoilt natural scenery, where a canoe trip is an experience surrounded by vegetation – much like entering a green tunnel – with the murmur of the water and birdsong providing the soundtrack.

In what is known as the upper Eo, we find the most exciting part of the river, with several stretches of rapids where you can enjoy the river’s energy. It is also the longest stretch, at around 9 kilometres.
 

As we drift northwards with the current, the River Eo widens and flows more gently, making for a more peaceful experience on calmer waters. Even so, on the middle stretch (between Ferrería and Abres) you can still enjoy a few rapids. From Abres onwards, the lower stretch of the river offers the most peaceful descent along the beautiful River Eo. Both routes cover a distance of around 5 kilometres.

The River Deva rises in Fuente Dé from several mountain streams and flows into the Cantabrian Sea at the Tina Mayor estuary, on the border between Asturias and Cantabria. The Deva forms the eastern boundary of the Picos de Europa mountain range and its largest tributary is the Cares, making it possible to canoe down both the Deva and the Cares together, although this involves a 22-kilometre journey.

Companies offering trips down the Deva River usually start the route in Panes (where the Cares route ends) and finish in Unquera (Cantabria), near the beautiful village of Bustio (Asturias). In total, it’s 12 kilometres of crystal-clear waters and splendid scenery, where you can enjoy river beaches with pebbles and, of course, several rapids.

The Deva is the second most popular river in Asturias for canoeing, although it attracts far fewer people than the Sella, making it a great alternative in this area (it is also a more leisurely descent than the Cares).
 

The Navia river basin is one of the most important in the Principality of Asturias, steeped in history and renowned since ancient times for its gold deposits, which were already mentioned by Ptolemy in his *Geographikè Uphégesis*.

Its course lies partly in Galicia and partly in Asturias, where it flows into the Cantabrian Sea, forming the Navia estuary. On its journey to the sea, the river overcomes a significant drop in elevation, which was utilised during the 20th century to build three reservoirs: Salime, Doiras and Arbón.
 

The Navia’s use for hydroelectric power means it is a river with calmer waters, where rapids are few and far between and there is less current to assist with paddling, although all this depends on the water releases from the dams.

The most popular option for canoeing down the Navia is to cover its final stretch, between the Arbón dam and the port of Navia. This is a descent of around 14 kilometres through an area with a more open landscape than further upstream, where the river winds its way through woods and meadows. The surrounding vegetation is ever-present, and you can usually spot various species of birds, such as the grey heron or the cormorant. The current provides more assistance at the start, then weakens; upon reaching the estuary, it can either help or hinder your paddling, depending on the tide.

For the more adventurous, the Navia offers the chance to paddle down much of its course in several stages. This multi-day expedition can be tailor-made with local operators and usually takes between 4 and 6 days, covering over 100 kilometres of river travel. A different way to explore western Asturias, in close contact with nature. Are you up for it?

The Sella is neither the longest nor the deepest river in Asturias, but it is undoubtedly the best known. It rises in Oseja de Sajambre (León) and, together with the Dobra, marks the western boundary of the Picos de Europa, eventually flowing into the Ribadesella estuary.

Many visitors to the east of the Principality include a trip down the Sella in their plans. And it’s no wonder: the scenic beauty will etch the experience into your memory and, on a sunny day, the water takes on a spectacular golden hue.

Bear in mind that this is a very popular activity and it tends to be busier in summer, so it’s best to undertake the descent outside the peak season. May, June, September and October are ideal months, provided the weather is fine.

The activity is generally done independently, and it’s usual to start in Arriondas/Les Arriondes, although some companies offer the option of starting about 4 kilometres earlier, on what is surely one of the river’s most beautiful stretches.

Once past Arriondas/Les Arriondes, there are two stopping points, so you can decide for yourself how far you fancy paddling. During the descent, you’ll encounter some rapids – easy and fun – as well as several river beaches (depending on the river’s water level) that are perfect for a rest.
 

At the Toraño bridge, 8 kilometres from Arriondas/Les Arriondes, is the first stop where the company you’ve booked with can pick you up.

If you decide to carry on, there are another 7 kilometres ahead to the Llovio Bridge. This final stretch has deeper, slower-moving water, so, combined with the accumulated fatigue, it is the most difficult to paddle.
 

Most of these canoe trips take place in summer, although for the River Sella it is recommended to go outside the summer season. All take place in stunning natural surroundings, where the utmost respect for the environment is essential.

Many of these canoe trips do not require any prior experience, but if you have any doubts or concerns, the sensible thing to do is to hire an instructor to accompany you on the trip (on some routes, a guided trip is compulsory). That said, it is essential to be able to swim.

It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and to protect yourself from the sun with sun cream and a hat. For your feet, the best option is to wear water shoes or footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. It is also important to bring food and drink.

You can book these canoeing trips through active tourism companies, which will also provide you with all the necessary equipment: wetsuits (depending on the season), life jackets, canoes… so that your main concern is simply to make the most of and enjoy one of the most enriching nature experiences that Asturias has to offer.
 

Discover the perfect blend of water and fun on the Sella and Nalón river descents, two top-class summer events in Asturias, where nature and fun go hand in hand.

The International Sella River Descent is a long-standing canoeing competition held on the first Saturday in August (provided it falls after the 2nd). It covers 20 kilometres of the River Sella, between Arriondas/Les Arriondes and Ribadesella/Ribeseya, and is one of the world’s most important events on the international white-water racing circuit.

However, the most remarkable thing is that one of the country’s most important festivals takes place around the time of the Descent. The Fiesta de las Piraguas brings together thousands of people every year over several days, reaching its climax on the day of the Descent. This festival, deeply rooted in Asturian culture, offers a special and exciting moment just before the start in Arriondas/Les Arriondes, where an enthusiastic crowd sings the anthem ‘Asturias, patria querida’.

There is no doubt that the Nalón Folk Descent is one of the most unique and interesting events you can enjoy in Asturias. It is a summer water carnival, usually held in the second half of August, which attracts thousands of people to Pola de Laviana/La Pola Llaviana.

The descent is made in boats specially built for the event, which have been the result of a great deal of ingenuity and hard work. The parade of these floats begins in the early afternoon at the Puente del Arco, after the anthem ‘El Chalaneru’ has been sung, and ends a kilometre and a half further down, at the Puente de La Chalana.

It’s a true epic of teamwork to navigate the obstacles, with high spirits and creativity in abundance in a celebration of Asturian culture that you simply must witness. After the descent, the boats are put on display, the prizes are awarded, and the festivities continue on dry land.

Why not come along and enjoy some of these routes that will stay with you forever!