Hydrography

Sella River

The Sella River is famous for its natural beauty and because it is where one of the most popular events of the Principality of Asturias is held, the International Descent of the Sella River. The Sella River is 66 km long from its source at the Fuente del Infierno in Oseja de Sajambre (León) to its mouth at the Cantabrian Sea in Ribadesella (Asturias). It flows past Cangas de Onís, Arriondas, and Ribadesella.

Its main tributaries include the Ponga River, the Dobra River, the Güeña, and the Piloña.

As the river meanders through the area, its shape changes. The upper part of the river flows through tight and narrow stretches such as the Sajambre Valley of the Picos de Europa or the Beyos Gorge, before gradually widening and becoming flatter, like the landscape we find in Arriondas. The lower stretch of the river draws beautiful sinuous, meandering lines in the limestone until it reaches the Ribadesella estuary. The Sella offers a spectacular and varied shoreline.

This is where the International Descent of the Sella is held. Its origin dates back to 1929 when Dionisio de la Huerta and some friends crossed the Sella to reach Infiesto. It continues on into the present as a recreational and festive event. The race has been bringing participants from all over the world since 1951. It is held on the first Saturday in August. An opening speech is given to kick off the race and the Canoe Festival, a day filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Up to 1,500 canoeists form a procession in the waters and the day's events culminate with a pilgrimage and an open-air dance in Arriondas and Ribadesella. The magnitude and interest in this event has led it to be proclaimed the biggest summer festival in Asturias.

The Sella River is also known for its salmon. Although its population has declined, in November visitors can still witness the spectacular upstream run of spawning salmon. Likewise, there are several fishing preserves during the fishing season.

The biodiversity of the Sella is also worth mentioning. It provides the right conditions for species like the Iberian desman, the kingfisher, the European otter, the long-tailed salamander, and the sea lamprey to coexist. The plant life along its banks is undoubtedly a vital part of this body of water. Ferns, ashes, lindens, alders, willows, laurels, and Salix cantábrica are some of the species found near the river. Its importance is such that it has been declared a Site of Community Importance (LIC) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) and the river's upper course has been declared a Natural River Reserve.