Where does the Sella River start?

The Sella River originates at Fuente del Infierno, in the Sajambre valley (León), then crosses the Los Beyos gorge into Asturias.

Which towns does the Sella River flow through?

The river passes through municipalities such as Ponga, Amieva, Parres, Cangas de Onís, and Ribadesella, offering spectacular natural landscapes.

What are the main tributaries of the Sella River?

Its main tributaries are the Ponga, Dobra, Güeña, and Piloña rivers.

Where does the Sella River begin and end?

Q: Where does the Sella River end?

The Sella River flows into the Cantabrian Sea at the town of Ribadesella (Asturias).

Q: How long is the Sella River?

The Sella River runs for approximately 73 km, with an average flow of 34 m³/s.

The Sella River is one of the natural jewels of Asturias. Famous for its scenic beauty and for being the setting of the International Descent of the Sella, this river connects the mountains of the Picos de Europa with the Cantabrian Sea, becoming a hub of nature, sport, and culture.

🏔️ Source of the Sella River

The source of the Sella River is located at the Fuente del Infierno (Fountain of Hell), in the Sajambre Valley (province of León), within the surroundings of the Picos de Europa National Park.

From there, it crosses the impressive Beyos Gorge and enters Asturias through the council of Ponga, beginning its Asturian course.

🌊 Mouth of the Sella River

The Sella River flows into the Cantabrian Sea, in the coastal town of Ribadesella.

Its final stretch forms a navigable estuary surrounded by marshes, an ideal area for:

🚣‍♂️ Canoeing and water sports
🎣 Salmon and trout fishing
⛵ Boat rides and family tourism

📍 Course and main data of the Sella River
• Length: approx. 73 km
• Hydrographic basin: 1,200 km²
• Average flow: 34 m³/s (peaks in December and April)
• Municipalities it crosses: 5 in Asturias and 1 in León
• Main tributaries: Ponga, Dobra, Güeña, and Piloña rivers

🗣️ The meaning of the name “Sella”

The word “Sella” comes from the Indo-European term Salia, used to refer to a stream or watercourse. An ancestral name that links this river with the history and tradition of the region.

🔎 Related content

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Where does the Sella River begin?
At the Fuente del Infierno, Sajambre Valley (León), within the Picos de Europa.

⭐ Where does the Sella River end?
In the Cantabrian Sea, at the town of Ribadesella.

⭐ How long is the Sella River?
Approximately 73 km.

⭐ Why is the Sella River famous?
For its natural beauty and for hosting the International Descent of the Sella, one of Spain’s most important sporting festivals.

📌 Conclusion

The Sella River is not just a watercourse: it is a symbol of Asturias, linking mountains and sea, tradition and nature. Knowing its source in Sajambre and its mouth in Ribadesella means understanding why this river has become a cultural and tourist emblem of the region.

👉 How does the Sella River sound?