Watching the stars in summer is one of the most popular plans because it suits both kids and adults. All that’s needed is a blanket, a small bag with snacks in case hunger strikes, and a pair of binoculars to bring the night sky closer. In big cities, clear skies are hard to find due to light pollution, so many people head to remote spots where the sky remains truly dark and easy to study in detail.
People enjoy spotting familiar sights like the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, or the Milky Way. In 2007 UNESCO launched the Starlight programme to identify places that offer optimal stargazing conditions. Spain has several locations recognized as Starlight reserves, where visitors can expect a completely starry sky. And there are Starlight Tourist Destinations—places that provide excellent opportunities to observe the night sky alongside other high-quality experiences.
Children’s Rock, La Palma
Men’s Roque.
Exploration of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the island of Palma, a symbol of its dramatic volcanic past, has shifted perceptions of the landscape. Yet this does not deter visitors from exploring the Canary Islands, and one standout option remains: Men’s Roque, a site that embodies the island’s iconic character and offers memorable stargazing opportunities after daylight fades.
Northern face of the Sierra de Gredos, Ávila
The northern face of the Sierra de Gredos benefits from high altitude, very low light pollution, and numerous clear days, delivering a unique stargazing experience. Dark Sky Avila is listed among 25 places worldwide where constellations are clearly visible. If wildlife interests someone as well as stars, this area is ideal due to its bird watching and abundant native species.
Atlantic Islands National Park, Galicia
Renamed Starlight Destination in 2016, the park includes the Islands of Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada. Visitors can enjoy the starry sky from a boat and take guided night tours organized by the Xunta de Galicia. Overnight stays with astronomy explanations and other phenomena, plus photography tours at night around the Cíes and Ons archipelagos, are available, with practical astronomy tips for Sálvora and Cortegada.
Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama Valleys, La Rioja
La Rioja offers starlight experiences, including two parks: Laguna Star Park in Cameros and Star Park of Cervera del Río Alhama. Positioned away from light pollution and near the towns of Laguna and Cervera del Río Alhama, these locations allow visitors to admire constellations amid the beauty of the surrounding towns and landscapes.
Sierra Morena, Andalusia
Andalusia, being the southern part of Europe closest to the equator, provides the opportunity to observe a broader expanse of the night sky. Sierra Morena is recognized as the world’s largest Starlight Reserve and Tourist Destination, stretching about 400 kilometers along the northern edges of Jaén, Córdoba, Seville, and Huelva. The region encompasses 57 municipalities with six nature parks covering more than 400 thousand hectares, offering expansive views of celestial bodies on clear nights.