San Miguel (Tazones) can be explored through three distinct themes: the history of Charles V, coastal geology and hiking. You can choose a focus for your stay, from a historical festival to a longer route.
History and Festival Traditions
Tazones is designated a historic ensemble. One significant chapter in the town’s history dates back to 1517, when Charles V landed here during his first voyage to the Iberian Peninsula. Every year in late August, a historical reenactment commemorates his arrival. The exact event dates may vary from year to year, so check the dates for the relevant year if you want to plan your trip around the festival.
The Primer Desembarco de Carlos V event includes demonstrations of how fishing gear is made and presented, net-making, roasting spider crabs, musical performances and tournaments. Individual program items may vary. The Faro de Tazones offers another historical connection: it is considered one of the best-preserved lighthouses on the Asturian coast. The town’s designation as a historic ensemble and the lighthouse are two different points of interest if you are interested in its cultural heritage.
Coast, Beach and Geological History
Playa de Tazones is about 200 m long and lies below the picturesque town and fishing port. There are parking spaces and restaurants and other food-service establishments at the beach; as services can change, it is a good idea to check the current situation before your visit.
A Jurassic fossil site lies on the cliff at the eastern end of the beach. It is about 120 m from the access ramp and includes three-toed theropod footprints and oval footprints made by four-legged dinosaurs. Access depends on the tides and conditions; take these into account when planning your visit.
A vertical fault and Jurassic paleosols with fossilized vertical root traces can be seen on the western cliff of the town. Coastal observation here also depends on conditions. The two sites differ in focus: dinosaur footprints are the main feature on the east side, while the west cliff is notable for its geological structures and root traces.
Two Distinct Hiking Trails
The Ruta del Azabache starts in Tazones and leads to the entrance of a former mine. The trail explores the origins of azabache, a material closely associated with Asturian tradition. This easy coastal walk combines the cultural theme with the chance to observe flora and fauna.
The Ruta de Carlos V has a different focus: it is an easy, linear mountain route covering 11.2 km. It starts in Tazones and ends at the Palacio de los Hevia in Villaviciosa. The route can be hiked year-round and is estimated to take more than five hours. Check the weather and trail conditions locally before setting out. As the start and end points are in different places, planning your return is also part of organizing your day. The two trails therefore differ both in character—a coastal walk versus a mountain route—and in the stated distance and duration of the Ruta de Carlos V.
Regional Setting and Getting There
The RĂa de Villaviciosa opens up near Tazones. The estuary is considered particularly valuable ecologically and is of notable ornithological importance. It adds a natural area with its own ecological and ornithological significance to the coastal landscape.
Tazones can be reached via the A-8 and the N-632, AS-256 and VV-5 roads. As local traffic arrangements can change, check the route before setting out. To help with your planning, first decide whether to focus your stay on the beach, history and fossil sites, or spend a longer day hiking the Ruta de Carlos V.
Discover more destinations: Collado, Cazamular, Amandi, ArgĂĽero, Miravalles, Puelles, Villaviciosa, Cazanes.
Back to the main travel guide: Villaviciosa.
