In one sentence: the Sella descent as a couple is one of the loveliest getaways you can treat yourselves to in Asturias. Paddling a canoe together, switching your phones off, laughing when one of you paddles the wrong way and finishing with a cider in the sun. Here is how to make it perfect: the best time of year, the Premium option and how to round off the day.
There are couples’ plans that mean a restaurant, and couples’ plans that mean adventure. The Sella descent is one of the latter, but without going overboard: you do not need to be an athlete or be brave, just be up for sharing a different kind of morning. That is why it works so well for a daring first date, for celebrating an anniversary, or simply for switching off from the world together.
Why the Sella is a brilliant couples’ plan
Going down the Sella together has something special that other plans simply do not give:
- You paddle as a team. A two-seat canoe moves better when you get in sync: a small bit of teamwork that is a joy in itself (and that you will laugh about).
- Genuine disconnection. No signal, no screens, just the river, the woods and the two of you. A couple of hours to talk without interruptions.
- You set the pace. You can paddle hard or let yourselves drift, pull over to a sunny bank, take a dip. Nobody is rushing you.
- Adventure without the stress. Calm waters with the odd livelier stretch: enough of a thrill to feel like adventurers, without ever being scary.
The best time to go as a couple
If you are after a bit of intimacy, the key is to avoid the August crowds. Our recommendations:
- Spring (May-June): the valley green, the river with a good flow and few people about. Very romantic.
- September: perhaps the best time of year for couples, with golden light and the river almost to yourselves. We tell you all about it in the descent in September.
- Midweek: any month is hugely improved by a weekday: fewer canoes, fewer queues, more calm.
If you are torn between dates, you have it all compared in the best time of year to go down the Sella.
Make it more special with the Premium Booking
If you fancy treating yourselves and having the day run perfectly without a worry, the Premium Booking is designed for exactly that:
- Exclusive parking and flexible arrival between 10:30 and 12:30, with no queues.
- Lockers with a key and changing rooms with hot showers so you can change in comfort.
- A short lesson with a qualified monitor and all your kit ready when you arrive.
It is the most comfortable way to enjoy the day as a couple, with no waiting and no fuss. (That said, let us be clear: it does not include food or drink; that is down to you, or save it for the cider house afterwards.)
What it is like to go down in a two-seat canoe
The two-seat canoe (K2) is stable, open and very easy to handle: the ideal option for couples, even if it is your first time. Before setting off, a qualified monitor gives you a short lesson with the basics of the paddle and safety, and along the route our team keeps an eye on the river in case you need anything.
There are only two requirements: knowing how to swim is compulsory by law for both of you (the life jacket, included, is a help, not a substitute) and closed shoes that can get wet. You choose between the Mini route (7 km, ~2h) or the Complete one (14.5 km, ~4h), both at the same price; the timings are in how long it takes.
Rounding off the getaway: eating and staying over
The descent is the perfect morning, but eastern Asturias has plenty for a whole weekend away. After the river, a good cider house in Arriondas with cachopo (a breaded fillet stuffed with ham and cheese) and cider is the ideal finishing touch; we give you ideas in what to do in Arriondas. And if you want to stay over nearby, you have options in where to stay near the Sella.
Booking your descent as a couple
- Book by website, WhatsApp, phone or email (not at the desk without notice). Outside August, the same day is often possible if there is a slot.
- Arrive between 10:30 and 12:30, the best window. The river closes at 18:00 by order of the Confederación Hidrográfica del Cantábrico.
- 2026 price: €35 per adult (€70 a couple), pets free. All included: canoe, paddle, life jacket, transfer, parking, changing rooms and lockers.
We are the team from Arriondas who welcome you at the river; you can get to know us in about us, and we are backed by 147 real reviews (4.5★).
A canoe, a beautiful river and the two of you. Few getaways are remembered so fondly for so little. Book your Sella descent here and we will see you on the water.
What you ask us most
- Is the Sella descent a good plan for couples?
It is one of the best couples' plans in Asturias. You go down together in a two-seat canoe, paddling as a team, with plenty of time to talk, laugh and switch off surrounded by nature. Not too much adrenaline, never dull: just the right balance to enjoy each other's company. Book here with a real-time calendar.
- When is the best time to do the Sella descent as a couple?
For peace and quiet and a bit of romance, the best months are spring and September, and any weekday: there are far fewer people than in the height of August and you can take the river at your own pace. We compare it all in the best time of year and in the descent in September.
- Is there a more comfortable, more special option for couples?
Yes: the Premium Booking. It includes exclusive parking, lockers with a key, changing rooms with hot showers and flexible arrival between 10:30 and 12:30, with no queues. Perfect if you want a flawless day with no fuss. (It does not include food or drink.)
- Do you need experience to go down in a two-seat canoe?
Not at all. Before setting off we give you a short lesson with a qualified monitor, and the canoe is stable and easy to handle. All you need is to know how to swim (it is compulsory by law) and to be up for a good time. Suitable from 5 years old and 1.15 m, in case the two of you are bringing little ones along.
- How much does the Sella descent cost for two?
€35 per adult (€70 a couple), with pets free. It includes the canoe, paddle, life jacket, a short lesson with a qualified monitor, the return transfer, parking, changing rooms and lockers. Full detail in prices and what is included.
