What to do · Villaviciosa and Tazones
Birds of the Villaviciosa estuary and the El Puntal interpretation centre
Information
- From
- €0
- Duration
- 2 h 30
- Season
- All year; best from autumn to spring
- Who it's for
- All ages; binoculars
- With a dog
- On a lead of less than a metre; not in the special restricted-use and moderate-use zones
The Villaviciosa estuary is a nature reserve that opens between the beaches of El Puntal and Rodiles, next to Tazones, and narrows to the centre of the town, where it ends in the porreos, meadows reclaimed from the sea with channels and ponds. According to the Principality, it is the second area in Asturias, after the Eo estuary, for wintering and migration rest of European waterbirds: almost a hundred species have been identified.
When and where to look
At low tide the waders spread across the mud, the shallow waters and the channels, and that is when you see most. The best time is from autumn to spring, with wintering birds and migration passages. The estuary has four parts: the mouth, with Rodiles beach; the sandy bay of the Misiego inlet; the mudflats, where most birds pass; and the upper channel, near the town. Bring binoculars.
The interpretation centre
It is on the left bank, on the Villaviciosa to El Puntal road, and has an exhibition on the estuary's values. It is open Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:30; the Principality warns that it may change with the season, so call first if you go on a weekday. It is the place to ask where to walk and what is being seen these days.
The rules
Dogs must be on a lead of less than a metre and may not enter the special restricted-use or moderate-use zones; on the reserve's beaches they are not allowed off the lead. Do not leave the paths in the marshes.
To round out the day, Tazones is on the other bank, at the mouth of the estuary.
Tips
- Check the tide before setting out Two hours before or after low tide is a good time.
- Muted-colour clothing Birds are less easily frightened.
Frequently asked questions
When do you see most birds in the Villaviciosa estuary?
In winter and on the migration passages, at low tide.
How much does it cost?
Nothing: the reserve and the interpretation centre are free.
Can I go with a dog?
On a short lead and outside the restricted and moderate-use zones.
As a familyWith a dog
