River— Spain

LXVIII Descenso a nado de la Ría de Navia

Aug 2, 2026
Last edition date
Distances from 1.1km to 7.5km
68th edition
Awaiting confirmation of the next edition

About the race

The Descenso is an exciting swimming competition that takes place in the beautiful Ría de Navia during the month of August. This event is not only focused on the main competition, but also offers a variety of activities that enrich the overall experience. On Saturday, swimmers compete in the renowned Copa de Asturias. Additionally, Friday kicks off the festivities with the highly anticipated opening speech by the queen and her ladies-in-waiting, a moment filled with tradition and enthusiasm.

Navia (Asturias)
Navia (Asturias) · Photo: LBM1948 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy multiple events, such as the moving offering to the Virgen de la Barca at the church, a colorful parade of swimmers through the streets, and a lively procession that brings the atmosphere to life. The brotherhood meal is another highlight, where participants and visitors can share laughs and stories. All of this makes the weekend an unforgettable experience, packed with fun, friendship, and a deep passion for swimming.

Sources: Navia (Asturias) · Río Navia · Descenso a nado de la ría del Navia · Anleo

Course

Awards

General trophy presentation on August 2nd at 22:15.

How to get there

✈️ Search flights to OVD

LXVIII Descenso a nado de la Ría de Navia

Where to stay

Navia offers a range of modest accommodations, primarily focused on traditional guesthouses and family-run apartments within the town center. Visitors can find simple rooms starting from €60-80 per night, while more established local hotels often reach €120 during the peak summer festival period. Proximity to the estuary and the race start line is generally within walking distance for most central options. Due to the high number of visitors attending the event weekend, it is advisable to secure lodging well in advance to ensure availability near the waterfront.

Things to do nearby

The area around the Navia estuary encourages outdoor exploration, particularly through kayaking or SUP sessions on the river, which allow for a closer view of the protected geological sites. Visitors often combine their stay with visits to the 13th-century Anleo Palace, known for its historic crenellated towers. The nearby village of Ortiguera, with its coastal lighthouse, offers scenic views of the Cantabrian Sea, while the surrounding region provides ample opportunities for hiking along the rugged, slate-rich coastline, which is scattered with prehistoric castro sites reflecting the deep human history of the Asturian coast.

Swimmers

Comments

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