On the Banks of the Sella

When the DH and I went to canoe on the Sella River, we chose to stay in the city of Ribadesella, which is the terminus of the river. We could have stayed in the mountain town closer to the river, Arriondas, but we wanted to enjoy both river and beach. Well, it ended up raining most of the time and was cloudy and gloomy. Cloudy and rainy days in Asturias are pretty common, though, so it didn’t really slow us down at all!

Ribadesella can be translated as “the bank of the Sella” and the river truly is the heart of the city. Tourists come to see the Descent of the Sella competition, to see the nearby prehistoric cave paintings and, of course, enjoy the beach. It is a summer destination.

A little too cool & cloudy for sunbathing

The city is divided in two by the Sella River. On one side is the old quarter with cobble-stoned streets, churches, shopping and restaurants. On the other side is the long beach and residential area. The whole city can be crossed by foot easily.

Boardwalk for strolling – a favorite Spanish pastime

But what I love about Ribadesella is the lingering evidence of a grand past – the mansions lining the boardwalk. Anyone of these is my personal dream home. Beach on one side and green mountains on the other. Have a few million euros lying around? (And is it lying or laying? Do we care?)

This one is actually part of a hotel complex but it used to belong to some local noble – a duke or marquis or something equally snobby.

I’m green with envy!

I could live here.

This one is a bit modest for me… (Also a hotel)

Love that color!

I suppose this will do.

This is actually the Youth Hostel and Surf School – pretty snazzy!

My House!

This last house is the one that stole my heart. It’s just incredible! It is being restored and is breathtaking in person. The other side faces the beach and there is a huge covered balcony where I could stay all summer.

As I was walking around snapping these photos I observed a young guy sleeping off his night of excess on the grass outside the gate to this house. If I had to pass out, I would have chosen this house, too!