Tazones

A tiny fishing village where Emperor Charles V first set foot in Spain in 1517. Its colorful waterfront, dinosaur footprints on the nearby cliffs, and fresh seafood make it a coastal gem.

Tucked behind the cliffs east of Villaviciosa, Tazones is invisible from the main road and has no through-traffic.

History

Tazones holds a special place in Spanish history as the first landing point of Emperor Charles V in Spain on September 19, 1517. The young monarch, en route from Flanders, unexpectedly disembarked here due to fierce storms, rather than the planned port of Santander or Laredo. This accidental arrival is annually commemorated with a vibrant historical re-enactment, bringing the Renaissance era to life in the village.

Prior to this renowned event, Tazones was already a thriving fishing village, its sheltered harbor providing respite for seafarers and a rich bounty from the Cantabrian Sea. Its pastel-colored houses, narrow streets, and small port have retained much of their historical charm, testament to centuries of maritime life. The village's economy has always been deeply intertwined with the sea, from fishing to shellfishing and increasingly, tourism.

Highlights

• Landing site of Emperor Charles V in 1517
• Jurassic dinosaur footprints on coastal rocks
• Traditional fishing village character
• Fresh seafood restaurants on the harbor

How to get there

From Gijón, take the AS-267 road east towards Villaviciosa. Then, take the AS-256 road towards Tazones. The journey is scenic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes by car.

Explore nearby: Asturias guide