Where you’ll be
View the area on the map
What's included?
This deal includes
- Silken Gran Hotel del Sella 4*, located in Ribadesella.
- Breakfast.
- Accommodation in a Silken Club room.
- Outdoor car park.
- Late check-out (until 2 pm).
Your perfect stay
Silken Gran Hotel del Sella: Ribadesella with the beach at your feet
Between the sands of Santa Marina and the green hills of Asturias, your getaway begins in a historic manor house facing the Cantabrian Sea. At the Silken Gran Hotel del Sella, you wake up with the beach just steps away and Ribadesella's town centre an easy stroll off.
And when you fancy a break from the sand, the saltwater pool awaits with sea views, surrounded by gardens and terraces. If you're into sport, the padel courts are reserved for hotel guests only.
As evening falls, the restaurant, open since 1962, serves fish and seafood brought in daily from Ribadesella's fish market. Guests also rave about the location and the breakfast.
Few hotels in Ribadesella bring together a beachfront setting, history and seafood cuisine under one roof. Book your stay and let the Cantabrian Sea set the pace of your days.
Why this destination is a must-visit
Ribadesella sits right where the River Sella flows into the Cantabrian Sea, on the eastern coast of Asturias. A bridge divides the town in two: on one side, the fishing port and a historic quarter founded in the 13th century; on the other, the golden curve of Santa Marina beach, lined with grand villas built by emigrants who made their fortune in the Americas. Green mountains rise behind it all, so you're never more than a few minutes from either the sea or the countryside.
It's a relaxed, easy-going place that suits families, couples and anyone who loves the outdoors. Days here tend to mix a morning on the beach, a walk along the river and a long lunch in a cider house.
Make sure you visit:
Start in the old town, a protected historic quarter of stone mansions, arcaded streets and a Renaissance town hall. From there, follow the Paseo de la Grúa along the port, where ceramic murals by cartoonist Antonio Mingote tell the story of Ribadesella from prehistory to the present day. At the end, climb up to the Ermita de la Guía, a small hilltop chapel with sweeping views over the estuary, the beach and the open sea.
Cross the bridge to visit the Tito Bustillo Cave, one of Europe's great treasures of Palaeolithic rock art, with paintings and rock formations that are genuinely moving to see in person. Visitor numbers are limited, so book ahead, especially in summer. If you can't get a slot, the nearby Rock Art Centre is a good introduction.
Beaches we think you'll like:
Santa Marina is the town beach: long, sheltered and backed by a promenade of early 20th-century villas, ideal for families who want everything within walking distance. In summer it even hosts horse races on the sand.
For something wilder, head to Playa de Vega, a few minutes east, where dunes and open sea give a real sense of space. And if you prefer small and secluded, l'Atalaya is a hidden cove of pebbles and cliffs below the Ermita de la Guía, perfect for a quiet swim on a calm day.
Family-friendly activities:
Children love following dinosaur footprints, and the cliffs at Tereñes have real Jurassic tracks right next to the sea. Combine them with a visit to the Bufones de Cuerres and Guadamía, blowholes where rough seas send jets of water roaring up through the rock.
The River Sella is the other big draw. Every first Saturday of August, the famous International Sella Descent canoe race finishes at the Ribadesella bridge, turning the whole town into a party. The rest of the summer, you can hire canoes upstream in Arriondas and paddle down the river at your own pace, a gentle adventure that works well with older children.
Local delicacies you have to try:
Food here comes from the sea and the mountains in equal measure. Order fresh fish from the local fish market, especially pixín (monkfish) fried in a light batter, and pair it with Asturian cider, poured from a height to bring out its sparkle. On cooler days, a hearty fabada or a generous cachopo, two breaded veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, is the way to go.
Leave room for Asturian cheeses, from strong blue Cabrales to milder local varieties, and finish with a creamy rice pudding.
Make the most of your visit:
Ribadesella is a great base for exploring eastern Asturias. These are our favourite trips within easy reach:
- Cuevas del Agua (15 minutes): a tiny village reached through a natural rock tunnel.
- Llanes (25 minutes): a lively fishing town with colourful painted breakwater blocks and beautiful beaches.
- Cangas de Onís and Covadonga (30–40 minutes): the famous "Roman" bridge, the sanctuary and the gateway to the Lakes of Covadonga.
- Jurassic Museum of Asturias in Colunga (25 minutes): giant dinosaur models and fossils, a hit with children.
