Tazones lighthouse

The Tazones lighthouse stands above the village of Tazones in the municipality of Villaviciosa, on the eastern coast of Asturias. Perched atop Punta del Olivo, on the western side of the mouth of the La Villa estuary, it has guided ships safely toward the harbor for more than 160 years.

What does the lighthouse look like?

The octagonal tower rises 11 meters and was built from rectangular sandstone blocks with beveled corners. A two-story service building, also constructed of sandstone, is attached to the tower and once served as the keeper's residence. On the tower's north face, a distinctive vertical stained-glass window carries an engraved inscription reading "Faro de Villaviciosa Año de 1864," marking the year the lighthouse first went into service.

What is the history behind it?

The lighthouse began operating in 1864, equipped with a sixth-order optical apparatus that produced a fixed white light visible from about 7 nautical miles away. Its history has not been entirely smooth: not long after construction, a lightning strike destroyed the original lamp and optical mechanism, forcing a replacement. In 1883 the original oil lamp was swapped for a paraffin one. Lightning struck again in 1926, damaging the optical apparatus once more. A major upgrade came in 1939, when an acetylene flasher was installed, producing a flash every 2.5 seconds with a range of 8 nautical miles, together with a new optical device. The lantern in use today dates from 1945. In 1953, an electromagnetic foghorn was added, sounding the letter "V" — for Villaviciosa — in Morse code on foggy days to warn ships away from the rocky coastline.

What about the village of Tazones itself?

The lighthouse overlooks Tazones, a small fishing village that for centuries depended on whaling. It was here, in 1517, that Emperor Charles V came ashore after sailing from Flanders to claim the Spanish crown — an event still remembered as a key part of the village's history. The colorful houses, narrow lanes, and working fishing harbor of Tazones make an atmospheric backdrop that adds to the lighthouse's appeal.

How do you get to the Tazones lighthouse?

Tazones sits a few kilometers from central Villaviciosa, reached most easily by car via the N-632 road or the local coastal routes. The lighthouse itself stands on a hill above the village, away from the main harbor area, so reaching it on foot from the village involves a short uphill walk. It's best to park in Tazones and cover the last stretch on foot, taking in the views over the estuary and coastline along the way.

What will you see once you're there?

The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for interior visits, but its silhouette against the cliffs and sea is one of the most recognizable sights on this stretch of the Asturian coast. From the area around the tower, you get sweeping views over the mouth of the La Villa estuary, the coastline toward Gijón, and the fishing village of Tazones with its harbor below.

When is the best time to visit?

Afternoon light tends to work best for photographing the tower, since the sun illuminates its front face at that time of day. The site is accessible year-round, though spring and early autumn bring more stable weather and fewer crowds than the height of summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Tazones lighthouse? No, the lighthouse remains an active navigational aid and is not open to visitors on the inside.

How far is the lighthouse from central Villaviciosa? It stands in the village of Tazones, a few kilometers from Villaviciosa's town center, and is best reached by car.

What does the inscription on the tower mean? The north face bears the inscription "Faro de Villaviciosa Año de 1864," recording the year the lighthouse entered service.

What else is worth seeing in Tazones? The village is known as the place where Emperor Charles V landed in 1517, and its fishing-village character and colorful buildings draw visitors beyond the lighthouse itself.