See the Milky Way from a castle courtyard
When you are on holiday you probably like to go out for dinner at night and walk around a well-lit area, but have you tried turning off the light and looking at the sky? Have you ever seen the rings around Saturn through a telescope?
Over 80% of the world’s population is not able to enjoy the stars in all their splendor due to light pollution, but Spain is lucky enough to have some of the best places for astrotourism in the world. The range of emotions you will tap into with this experience will get you hooked. You will notice planets, double stars, and galaxies and feel like you can touch the Milky Way with your hands.
Why Spain?
Our clear skies have preserved their natural darkness thanks to the lack of light pollution.
We have a high number of useful observation hours here.
Our great climate affords many nights with clear skies.
A lot of the areas from which the stars can be observed are protected natural areas, such as nature reserves, that are sure to enchant visitors.
In addition to these magnificent installations, there are country house lodges and small hotels in Spain that specialize in stargazing. These usually have planispheres or star charts, educational materials, and a telescope.
Can you imagine seeing the Milky Way from a castle courtyard?
Star-Studded Areas
Here are some of the best places in Spain for astrotourism:
The Sierra Sur district in Andalusia in southern Spain includes the mountain range of Sierra Sur de Jaén. Also located in Andalusia are Sierra Morena mountains. Where you will find a marvelous network of stargazing vantage points and accommodation.
In Lleida in Catalonia is Montsec, a Starlight Tourist Destination located in the foothills of the Pyrenees. In the Roncal valley of Navarre, in the heart of the Pyrenees, you can be sure of dark skies for stargazing.
Sierras de Gúdar-Javalamabre, in Teruel, Aragon, in summer, holds night photography workshops, astronomy workshops, sunset viewings and explanations, and more. The province of Ávila, part of Castile and León, features Gredos Norte. Further south in Cáceres, Extremadura is Monfragüe, which is also a very important bird-watching location in Spain.
In Tenerife, the Teide National Park, certain mountain peaks, and the town of Granadilla de Abona all hold the Starlight certification. Known as the “beautiful island”, La Palma is the most rugged of the Canary Islands and the one with the clearest sky. Gran Canaria protects its skies from light pollution and offers plenty of viewing points.
You can enjoy star parks in other parts of Spain! For more information, please visit The best places in Spain for stargazing.
