Kayak España (routes and places to enjoy kayaking in Spain)

ByJosé Berenguer

The kayak is the king of river sports. This sport allows you to enjoy all the sensations that a whitewater river has to offer. In addition, kayaking encompasses a wide range of different disciplines including stillwater kayaking, whitewater kayaking, downhill, free style, sprint, time trial and more.

In Spain, fortunately, we have a varied collection of kayaking routes. In almost every area of the country you can find one or more outstanding ones.

In this article, we highlight some of the kayak routes in Spain that you can visit on your own, as a couple or with your family.

Each one has its own particularities and is located in a different area of the peninsula. Choose the one closest to you, or explore new horizons paddling and dodging waves.

The best places to enjoy kayaking in Spain

Route along the River Turia in Valencia (5 km)

  • Valencia
  • Guided activity
  • Duration: 3 hours approx.

Fancy an aquatic adventure near a big city like Valencia? If nature is your thing and you would like to enjoy an unforgettable kayaking sessionThis activity, with a duration of 2-3 hours, is perfect for you.

Get ready to enjoy a 5 km descent of the river Turia by kayak. This river rises in the Albarracín mountain range, where it is known as Guadaviar. Its course runs through the Valencian territory for 290 km until it flows into the sea, in the city of Valencia.

It is the closest river to Valencia and there is practically no transport, so it is ideal to spend half a day in the morning or in the afternoon, sailing its waters with the family or with your group of friends.

It is important to bear in mind that this is an introductory whitewater river and can therefore be navigated by all types of public, including children from 6 years of age and older people.

So you have no excuse, the Turia is a perfect river to spend a day kayaking in Valencia.

Río Genil, Málaga

  • Cuevas Bajas, Malaga
  • Guided activity
  • Duration: 3 hours approx.

Kayak down the waters of the Genil river and have fun with this refreshing activity, which is a very close to a city full of life and fun as is Malaga.

This is an incredible activity to release all your adrenaline while kayaking along the Genil river. You will do it, moreover, in one of its most beautiful stretches, as it passes through Cuevas Bajas in Malaga (near the Iznájar reservoir). A natural enclave of great beauty and very close to the provinces of Cordoba, Seville and Granada.

3 hours of guaranteed fun on sections I and II of the river, accompanied by an instructor specialised in this type of activity who will guide you at all times and explain the most important aspects of the area. During the tour you will be able to enjoy the rapids that you will find on your way.

This activity is recommended for children from 14 years old and people up to 65 years old.

The Ezaro Waterfall

  • Dumbría, La Coruña
  • Guided activity
  • Duration: 3 hours approx.

Would you like to kayak and navigate one of the most impressive waterfalls in La Coruña?

Come to the municipality of Dumbría (La Coruña) and embark on this kayaking adventure that will allow you to discover the Celtic Olympus at the mouth of the river Xallas, at the foot of the famous Pindo mountain (on the Morte coast).

You will have the opportunity to see the impressive Ézaro waterfall, over 60 metres high. which flows directly into the sea. Along the way you will observe the spectacular scenery and natural surroundings accompanied by expert guides who will explain the history of the place, as well as the legends and mysteries about the sacred mountain of the Celts.

In addition, the activity includes a photographic report that will be sent to you afterwards so that you will never forget this great experience.

Visit the Costa da Morte and enjoy this beautiful experience that you will always remember.

The descent of the Sella

  • Arriondas, Asturias
  • Guided activity
  • Duration: 3 hours approx.

Do you want to take part in one of the most popular canoe descents in Spain? The river Sella in Asturias awaits you.

The abundant rain that falls every year in Asturias means that green landscapes and lush forests are distributed throughout the Principality. A multitude of natural spaces coexist in its territory, making it a natural paradise with six Biosphere Reserves declared by Unesco and a multitude of protected areas between the coast and the mountains.

You can find a wide variety of routes and water activities for kayaking along its beautiful coastline or its rivers, including the river Sella.

The river Sella is a short river that flows into the Bay of Biscay and originates in the Picos de Europa.The route is located at the well-known Fuente del Infierno (Fountain of Hell). In its 66 kilometres of length, it leaves a natural environment of unsurpassable beauty surrounded by a spectacular forest.

The route from Arriondas to Ribadesella is about 16 kilometres long and takes approximately 4 hours to complete. There is the possibility of making a stop halfway after 8 kilometres (2 hours). At the end, you will be picked up (at the second stop) to go to the starting point.

During the tour you will be able to rest in one of the many river beaches existing. If you like water sports, you have to know Asturias and this beautiful kayak route on the impressive river Sella.

As you can see, Spain has many kayaking routes to enjoy from north to south, from east to west. Find the one that best suits you, or the one that most appeals to you because of the environment or the characteristics of its rivers.

You are sure to find an incredible place where you can disconnect for a few days practising your favourite sport. If you know of any kayaking routes in Spain worth mentioning that we haven't featured in this post, please feel free to mention them in the comments. Who knows, maybe it will be included in a future compilation of the best kayaking routes in Spain.