The night of August 10 often marks a magical moment for astronomers and sky watchers alike. Each year around this date, the Perseid meteor shower lights up the heavens, sometimes called the Tears of Saint Lawrence, painting bright streaks across the dark dome.
While many meteor showers appear through the year, the Perseids remain the most famous. This year the best evenings to observe the shooting stars fall on August 11, 12, and 13. Up to fifty meteors per hour can be seen on clear, dark nights, provided the observer is away from artificial lights and enjoys a dark, open sky.
The best places to see the Perseids in the province of Alicante
The province offers numerous quiet spots where sky enthusiasts can savor the most anticipated meteor shower of the year tonight and tomorrow. The key is to seek locations far from cities and with minimal light pollution. Here are some of the best vantage points in Alicante this season.
For a tranquil, dark place to watch the meteor shower near Alicante, the coves along Cabo de las Huertas can be ideal. The surrounding areas near Santa Barbara Castle or the parking lot by the city beach also serve as excellent viewpoints to enjoy the Tears of Saint Lawrence.
One of the top spots to observe in Torrevieja is the Lagunas de la Mata and the Torrevieja Natural Park. This area offers parking and a serene environment, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars. The city of Santa Pola also features numerous coves and quiet corners along the coast where a starry sky can be enjoyed by the sea. Fox Cove is another nice option, a quiet corner away from crowds for a calm Mediterranean night.
They say a Perseid may traverse the center of the peninsula at about 210,000 kilometers per hour, providing a thrilling spectacle if the skies are clear.
There are several excellent areas to watch the meteor shower tonight and into the coming days. In Sant Antoni, located within Font Roja Natural Park, the landscape offers a dark refuge for stargazing. The nearby Cocentaina Castle is also a superb place to observe the night sky.
The best time to view the Perseids approaches many times as darkness deepens. The northern region and Central Vinalopó area feature residential zones that remain quiet enough for star gazers. Promising viewpoints include La Mola Castle in Novelda, Petrer Castle, Las Cañadas in Elda, and the Sierra del Cid between Petrer and Monforte del Cid. Each location offers a peaceful, low-light setting to marvel at meteor trails.
Want to explore the Clot de Galvany fauna at night and see a Perseid shower?
Elche hosts its patron saint festivities during this period, which can make finding a quiet, light-free spot within the city more challenging. Fortunately, a short drive away there are quieter places to enjoy the Perseids without distractions. The Elche marshes provide a tranquil alternative, where stargazing remains accessible on clear nights.
Wherever the observers choose to look up, the key advice is the same: use naked eyes for the best view. Binoculars and telescopes are not necessary to appreciate the swift meteor displays that streak across the sky during the Perseids.