River Dobra – Olla of San Vicente

As you can see this visit is very worthwhile. You will not feel cheated as swimming here is always a nice experience and the beauty of this natural paradise is assured.

Surroundings of Olla San Vicente

The river Dobra is one of the most vertical in the Asturian orography. It originates close to León in the Peaks of Europe and ends its run when it finally reaches the waters of the river Sella. Despite the fact that its run is short, we can enjoy the nature as well as in other natural route. On its highest point the river is frecuented by extreme sports lovers, because of its narrow and craggy gorge. A few kilometres before reaching the town of Tornín, in Cangas de Onís, this river goes through heavenly places such as Amieva. In this last section, the river grows calm and we reach a plain territory by which we can follow our route on foot.

Baptized by the Celts as “Dubran” which means “water”, the river obtained its obvious name. In our excursion we can discover why this river is called “Dobra” because there are not many places where a river actually pays homage to the liquid of life as here. Before reaching the Olla of San Vicente we can discover more deep and clear pools that make the waters move quickly and with very much vitality. In this short walk we can find all the possibilities for human cleanliness: natural baths, waterfalls shaped as showers, jacuzzis and also natural swimming pools… In the surroundings the vegetation grows up nourished by the waters of the river Dobra. In this walk we can also find many native forests of Ash, maple, elm and willow trees… As we ascend, the chestnuts, oakwoods and beech woods appear before us.

We find water and flora in their pure and natural states surrounded by high mountains. River Dobra waters are crystallined because this place is exempt from pollution of any type and also because no human being has ever lived here. This is the main reason why we must pay all our respect. We must not change anything about this natural paradise or its cleanliness because after us there will be more visitors who want to find it as perfect as it really is. Our only trace must be left by our boots.

Once we are in Olla of San Vicente, the nature gives us the opportunity to freshen up in case we need to. This big lagoon can reach five metres of depth at its deepest point, we must take care at this level. Enjoy your bath.

Its crystallined waters are warm but never hot and between June and September is the best time to have a relaxing bath: this will be a uniquely genuine experience.