What to see and do in Ribadesella

Ribadesella is an Asturian town where the Cantabrian Sea, the Picos de Europa and the Sella River meet, a notable stop on the Northern Way. Its greatest draw is the Tito Bustillo Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Magdalenian paintings, alongside the dinosaur footprints at the Tereñes cliffs and the historic Harbour Route.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Ribadesella: Northern Way from Ribadesella to Ribadeo and Northern Way from Santander to Ribadesella.

Tito Bustillo Cave

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this cave is one of the most significant sanctuaries of prehistoric art in the world. Its network of galleries and chambers houses an exceptional archaeological site with Magdalenian paintings of international renown. For conservation reasons, it is only open to the public six months a year with strictly limited daily capacity, making advanced booking essential.

Historical Route of the Port

This open-air history museum was created by the legendary cartoonist Mingote and local writer Toni Silva. Through six ceramic murals produced by Pachu Muñiz, the route depicts the most relevant milestones of local history. It is a fully accessible path featuring Braille information and audio guides for each historical passage.

Dinosaur Tracks

Along the cliffs of Tereñes, a short coastal trail leads to a series of ichnites (dinosaur footprints). Two main tracks stand out: one belonging to bipedal tridactyl dinosaurs and a spectacular trail left by quadrupeds. This 400-meter stretch at the base of the cliff also showcases fascinating Jurassic "desiccation cracks."

International Descent of the Sella

Closely linked to the Fiesta de les Piragües and declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest, this is the most important sporting and festive event in Asturias. It takes place on the first Saturday of August (or the second if the 1st falls on a Saturday), bringing together paddlers from all over the world.

www.ribadesella.es