An unapologetic fascination with the night sky is nothing new – after all, the myriad constellations that make up space have guided humanity since the dawn of time. However, what might be a little newer is the increased number of sightseers prepared to make great journeys to do just that: look at the sky. The astrotourism big boom is full swing.
While remote destinations like Namibia, Fiji and Chile are typically considered the best places in the world to study astronomy, with the light of light pollution offering clearer skies, many are surprised to find that Spain is emerging as a stargazing hotspot. With over 60 designated ‘starlight destinations’ and numerous world-leading observatories, Spain offers the chance to witness one of life’s great spectacles, without having to venture too far from civilisation.
From remote islands in the wild Atlantic Ocean to a national park less than two-and-a-half hours from bustling Barcelona, these are some of the finest destinations in Spain for stargazing.
Cíes Islands, Galicia
Officially recognized as a starlight destination due to its minimal light pollution and its prime location off the coast of western Spain, the Cíes Islands remain one of the country’s finest astrotourism destinations. Travel to the archipelago is not for fans of the finer things in life; tourism is heavily regulated and each visitor must obtain a license.
Once you get there, don’t expect fancy hotels or swish restaurants: Cíes Islands has neither. Instead, accommodation is camping only. The reward? No crowds. If a more comfortable place to rest is preferred, stay on the mainland and book a nighttime sail – complete with onboard astronomer – around the islands.
La Palma, Canary Islands
A renowned global stargazing destination, the night skies in La Palma (a western island in the wider Canary Islands cluster, some 440 miles off the coast of Morocco) are a spectacle. A network of viewpoints have been established across the island, each of which outlines the sights visible – from the view of Polaris (the brightest star in Ursa Minor) at Mirador del Molino to the La Muralla Viewpoint in Tijarafe, which specializes in moon observations.
These numerous La Palma stargazing points are anchored by the islands’ Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, which was first established in 1985. Located in the center of the island on the fringes of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the station is home to one of the largest array of telescopes in the world and is open for both public and private visits.
Sierra Morena, Andalusia
Considered the largest starlight reserve in the world, Sierra Morena routinely draws astrotourists enticed by its wide open skies, excellent weather and limited light pollution. Endorsed by Unesco, its Starlight Reserve and Destination accreditation confirms that more than 60 percent of nights are clear and that local jurisdictions are committed to maintaining biodiversity across the national park-rich region. Astrotourism is widely catered for, with viewing points dotted across the Sierra Morena mountain range. The region is remote, so hire a professional guide.
Montsec Astronomical Park, Àger
In the north of Spain, around two hours east of Barcelona, sits the Montsec mountain range – a wild region that leads on to the Pyrenees. While most visit for the area’s dramatic peaks and pretty lakes, come nightfall, the Montsec area presents itself as one of the county’s finest stargazing destinations.
While the night sky is mesmerizing across the region, for the best experience, head to Montsec Astronomical Park. The expansive facility includes numerous telescopes, a digital planetarium, a live sky observation platform and various educational spaces. Although primarily used for research, as well as school and university teachings, the Montsec Astronomical Park is open to the public, with stargazing tours hosted day and night.
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