Best things to do in Ribadesella

Ribadesella's Essential Treasures

Ribadesella blends Paleolithic history with Cantabrian coastal charm. This collection highlights the UNESCO-listed Tito Bustillo Cave, home to prehistoric rock art, and the natural limestone tunnel of La Cuevona. Architectural landmarks include the 16th-century Pietro-Cutre Palace and the Indiano villas lining Santa Marina Beach. The town is also the terminus of the International Descent of the Sella, with vantage points like the Ermita de Guía and Mirador del Fito offering views across the Picos de Europa and the Bay of Biscay.

Ribadesella's Essential Treasures — Map

Nicolás Pérez / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

La Cuevona

A massive natural karst cave that serves as the only road access to the village of Cuevas del Agua. It features impressive limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, along its 300-meter length.

Jose Carlos Gómez / CC-BY-SA

B

Tito Bustillo Cave

The Tito Bustillo Cave is a prehistoric rock shelter located in the small town of Ribadesella, in the autonomous community of Asturias,…

C

Playa de Santa Marina

An urban beach characterized by its promenade lined with 19th-century 'Indiano' mansions. It sits at the mouth of the Sella River and features a section with preserved dinosaur footprints.

Francisco Gómez Salas / CC-BY-SA

D

Mirador d'El Fitu

A 1927 concrete viewing platform situated in the Sueve Massif. It provides 360-degree panoramic views of the Picos de Europa mountain range and the Cantabrian coastline.

E

Bridge

The main bridge spanning the Sella River. It serves as the official finish line for the International Descent of the Sella, a world-famous annual canoe race held every August.

F

Rula

The local fish market where daily catches are auctioned. It represents the town's enduring maritime tradition and active fishing industry.

G

Torre de l'Atalaya

A 19th-century watchtower built for coastal defense. Located near the harbor, it is covered in ivy and stands as a remnant of the town's historical fortifications.

H

Ribadesella

A station on the FEVE narrow-gauge railway line. It provides regional transport links between Oviedo and Santander, passing through the scenic Asturian countryside.

I

Escalera de colores

A decorative outdoor staircase in the town center, featuring steps painted in a bright spectrum of colors.

J

Iglesia Santa María Magdalena

A 20th-century parish church notable for its interior murals. Painted by the Uría-Aza brothers, the artwork depicts the Spanish Civil War and religious themes.

K

Ermita de Guía

A 16th-century Renaissance chapel located on Mount Corberu. It houses the patron saint of local sailors and features a terrace with views of the Cantabrian Sea.

L

Ayuntamiento de Ribadesella

The municipal headquarters, housed in the 16th-century Pietro-Cutre Palace. It is one of the oldest buildings in the town and features a prominent Renaissance facade.

M

Casa del Escudo

A historic residence in the old quarter, distinguished by its large, well-preserved stone coat of arms on the facade.

FDV / CC BY 3.0

N

Agustín Argüelles

Agustín Argüelles was a Spanish liberal politician. He served as the 81st and 94th president of the Congress of Deputies.

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