Unfortunately, only 5% of the Spanish population is able to see the stars from their homes, to see the sky and contemplate the constellations, due to the light pollution that most cities have. That is why you have to move away from the urban centers to contemplate the sky.
There are different key points on the peninsula and on the islands where carrying out this type of activity becomes almost essential. Hiking and astronomy can go hand in hand and should go hand in hand. Both the best observatories in the country, as well as the best natural areas for observation, are located at many meters of altitude, which generally have to be reached on foot.
Here, we are going to analyze the best areas. Attentive!
THE BEST AREAS FOR HIKING AND ASTRONOMICAL TOURISM
1. Monfragüe National Park (Cáceres)
In the Cáceres area we can enjoy this wonderful National Park, perfect for excursions and long walks. A spectacular environment that, together with the Tagus River, forms one of the best areas in Spain to see the stars.
The viewpoint of Monfragüe Castle is the place chosen to observe the infinity of the sky. Or else, the closest to it. As an interesting fact, NASA took a photo of this place as its Astronomical Photo of the Day. It is a spectacular place!
2. La Palma Island (Canary Islands)
One of the best-known areas of the country to contemplate the starry sky. The "Roque de los Muchachos" is the name given to the viewpoint where the most impressive astronomical observatory in our country is located and also contains one of the largest telescopes in the entire world planet. Spectacular!
In addition, being located at more than 2400 meters altitude, you will have the clouds at your feet. The "beautiful island"also offers spectacular trails for lovers of long walks. You will be able to get to know the island in depth and mix the two disciplines, right? If you want more information, be sure to consult these companies:
3. Sierra de Gredos (Ávila)
The sky of Sierra de Gredos contains one of the best conditions for sighting the firmament. In the central system and in the south of the province of Ávila, you will find several viewpoints both in hotels and rural accommodations as well as in natural areas. More than 900 square kilometers divided into 30 municipalities where star observation has become essential if you drop by the area. Oh, and it contains the "Starlight" certification.
In the Sierra de Gredos you will also find numerous hiking routes and leisure activities complementary to stargazing. If you want more information, click here.
4. Sierra Nevada (Granada)
To the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, we enter Sierra Nevada, famous for its ski resort. Here, the skies maintain an ideal state, although not completely perfect, for the observation of celestial bodies due to its proximity to the light of the city of Granada.
However, it is one of the best places in the country for stargazing since it has been regulated to safeguard the conditions for the division of an optimal sky both in Sierra Nevada and in the area of Almería (Calar Alto). There are also many hiking routes so you can enjoy a complete day of adventure
5. Sierra del Montsec (Lleida)
As our last stop we moved to the northeast of the country, specifically to the province of Lleida. The Montsec Astronomical Park (PAM) and the Montsec mountain range in Ager offer impressive views due to the quality of these skies considered highly protective. It has also been Starlight Reserve since 2012.
You will have endless possibilities in the leisure and free time area. Yeah If you want to take a look at everything there is in the area, click on this link.We have chosen 5 places, but there are many more areas to see the stars in our country. Do you know any more?
You no longer have an excuse to go out and enjoy a good adventure with your partner or friends. The final reward is clear...
In the Cáceres area we can enjoy this wonderful National Park, perfect for excursions and long walks. A spectacular environment that, together with the Tagus River, forms one of the best areas in Spain to see the stars.
The viewpoint of Monfragüe Castle is the place chosen to observe the infinity of the sky. Or else, the closest to it. As an interesting fact, NASA took a photo of this place as its Astronomical Photo of the Day. It is a spectacular place!
2. La Palma Island (Canary Islands)
One of the best-known areas of the country to contemplate the starry sky. The "Roque de los Muchachos" is the name given to the viewpoint where the most impressive astronomical observatory in our country is located and also contains one of the largest telescopes in the entire world planet. Spectacular!
In addition, being located at more than 2400 meters altitude, you will have the clouds at your feet. The "beautiful island"also offers spectacular trails for lovers of long walks. You will be able to get to know the island in depth and mix the two disciplines, right? If you want more information, be sure to consult these companies:
3. Sierra de Gredos (Ávila)
The sky of Sierra de Gredos contains one of the best conditions for sighting the firmament. In the central system and in the south of the province of Ávila, you will find several viewpoints both in hotels and rural accommodations as well as in natural areas. More than 900 square kilometers divided into 30 municipalities where star observation has become essential if you drop by the area. Oh, and it contains the "Starlight" certification.
In the Sierra de Gredos you will also find numerous hiking routes and leisure activities complementary to stargazing. If you want more information, click here.
4. Sierra Nevada (Granada)
To the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, we enter Sierra Nevada, famous for its ski resort. Here, the skies maintain an ideal state, although not completely perfect, for the observation of celestial bodies due to its proximity to the light of the city of Granada.
However, it is one of the best places in the country for stargazing since it has been regulated to safeguard the conditions for the division of an optimal sky both in Sierra Nevada and in the area of Almería (Calar Alto). There are also many hiking routes so you can enjoy a complete day of adventure
5. Sierra del Montsec (Lleida)
As our last stop we moved to the northeast of the country, specifically to the province of Lleida. The Montsec Astronomical Park (PAM) and the Montsec mountain range in Ager offer impressive views due to the quality of these skies considered highly protective. It has also been Starlight Reserve since 2012.
You will have endless possibilities in the leisure and free time area. Yeah If you want to take a look at everything there is in the area, click on this link.We have chosen 5 places, but there are many more areas to see the stars in our country. Do you know any more?
You no longer have an excuse to go out and enjoy a good adventure with your partner or friends. The final reward is clear...
"Touch the sky with your feet on the earth"
