III Eco SUP Bajo Nalón Trophy 2026: when sport, territory, and people row in the same direction
There are places that defy explanation. You simply feel them. Places where the water sets the rhythm of the days, where the dawn smells of saltpetre and wet grass, and where sport ceases to be merely a competition and becomes a way of connecting with the landscape, with people, and with oneself. That is what will happen once again this May in San Juan de la Arena with the 3rd Eco SUP Bajo Nalón Trophy 2026. And for us at Las Mimosas del Nalón, being the official accommodation for participants and their families once again means so much more than just providing a place to sleep. It means being part of something we feel deeply is our own: a way of experiencing Asturias that nourishes the senses. An event that is already close to the heart of the Lower Nalón On 23 and 24 May, the Nalón will once again be filled with boards, paddles, families, nerves, laughter and excitement. The championship will bring together sprint, technical race, long-distance and popular cross-country events in one of the most special landscapes on the Asturian coast: the mouth of the Nalón and the area around San Juan de la Arena. The competition isn’t just experienced in the water: it happens at breakfast before the race; in the children playing whilst they wait for the start; in the parents cheering from the harbour.In those discovering Asturias for the first time and leaving wanting to return. Because events like Eco SUP generate something very valuable for the region: life. Life for the town. Life for the local hospitality industry. Life for businesses that believe in sustainable, active and people-centred tourism. Feed the senses: our approach to sports tourism At Las Mimosas del Nalón, we have always maintained that travelling is not just about visiting a place. It is about experiencing it. That is why our philosophy of “Nourish the Senses” connects so naturally with an event like the Eco SUP Bajo Nalón. Here, sport blends with nature, gastronomy, relaxation and the leisurely discovery of Asturias. After a day of competition, our guests find something they often don’t expect: silence, sweeping views of the valley, terraces where they can relax at sunset, and apartments designed for spending time with the family. Our rural apartments for 4–6 people are particularly comfortable for families of athletes and groups seeking space, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor areas and peace and quiet, just a few minutes from the port of San Juan de la Arena. We also have apartments for couples and hostel options for teams or travellers looking for a more flexible and economical stay. Because we understand what those who travel for sport need: to rest well, feel comfortable and have space to unwind. Much more than just accommodation: community One of the most special aspects of this championship is the collaboration between people and projects that believe in the region. Eco SUP wouldn’t be the same without the support of clubs, volunteers, organisers and partners who have been committed for years to a model of sport linked to nature and respect for the environment. And here we’d particularly like to highlight projects such as MarOcean and Rompiente Norte, which help to continue building an active community centred on the sea, surfing, paddleboarding and environmental education. Rompiente Norte, moreover, has become one of those spaces that sees sport as a shared experience: the sea, camaraderie, learning and a connection with Asturias. When local businesses collaborate rather than compete, the destination thrives. And it shows. San Juan de la Arena: the great silent host Those who visit San Juan de la Arena once usually come back. Soto del Barco Perhaps it is the harbour. Perhaps it is the River Nalón flowing into the Cantabrian Sea. Perhaps it is the terraces bustling with life after the heats. Because another of the event’s main attractions will, once again, be the local hospitality sector. The town’s bars, restaurants and businesses are part of the experience for those who visit us. From early breakfasts before the competition to meals by the sea after the prize-giving ceremony, the championship is also an opportunity to discover the cuisine and the warmth of an authentic fishing village. Here, people still greet one another in the street.Here, time still seems to pass a little more slowly. And that, today, is worth a great deal. A perfect destination for sporty families all year round Although May is a date marked on the calendar, the reality is that the Lower Nalón has become an ideal destination for families and sports enthusiasts all year round. Surfing. SUP. Hiking. Cycling. Kayaking. Trail running. Active getaways in the heart of nature. More and more travellers are looking for places where they can combine sport, relaxation and authentic experiences. And Asturias, especially this area of the Lower Nalón, has a huge capacity to offer precisely that. At Las Mimosas del Nalón, we want to continue being that meeting point for those who travel driven by a passion for sport, nature and the simple life. A place to rest after a paddle. Where you can have a leisurely breakfast.Where children have space to run. Where families feel at home. Because in the end, the competition lasts a few hours. But the memories of the trip last much longer. See you at the 3rd Eco SUP Bajo Nalón Trophy 2026 This May we will once again look out over the river filled with boards and people from far and wide. And we will feel proud once more. Pride in our surroundings. Pride in collaborating with those who promote sport and the local community. Pride in continuing to showcase an authentic, active and welcoming Asturias. Thank you to Eco SUP, the organisers, partners, clubs, local hospitality businesses and athletes for continuing to make this event grow year after year. We look forward to seeing you here. To paddle. To relax. To discover Asturias. And, above all, to nourish the senses.