More and more people are mesmerized by the so-called astronomical tourism, or visit those places from which you can see the vast and wonderful universe that still remains largely a mystery to mankind.
Unfortunately, the progress of civilization has negative consequences, such as that due to air pollution and light pollution it is increasingly difficult to find places from where enjoy the stars on a clear night.
However, Canarias has remained fairly faithful to keep the night sky as intact as possible, standing as one of the best locations in the world from which you can see the stars.
All this has allowed Tenerife to be designated by Starlight Foundation as a Starlight Reserve, whose role is to defend the night sky quality and create astrotouristic routes to spread the knowledge of the universe and maintain the ability to enjoy his spectacle. All within the European project EUSkyRoute.
In addition to Tenerife, there are currently only four destinations listed as a tourist Starlight destination: Alqueva (Portugal), The Biosphere Reserve of La Rioja, Montsec in Catalonia and the so called “Isla bonita” of the Canary Islands, the island of La Palma.
Where you can observe the stars in Tenerife?
Starlight destinations in Tenerife
In Tenerife we are lucky to have more than one certified Starlight destination where you can enjoy the night sky: Mount Teide, and the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, this being the first municipality in the world to get this precious certification..
Stargazing at the Teide
In Tenerife we are lucky to have the highest mountain in Spain, Teide, reaching up to 3,718 meters, allowing to get far away from light pollution of the city, and at least be a little closer to the stars.
The Teide has become a perfect place to spot the stars, to the point that there are several companies offering Teide night routes with a guide who will make us delve into the knowledge of the universe and the stars.
Within the Teide National Park, the most common places by fans for stargazing are located at Mountain Guajara and around the Parador de Turismo.
Stargazing in Granadilla de Abona
Granadilla de Abona is a municipality located in the south of Tenerife, the first of which was certified by the Starlight Foundation as a favorite place to enjoy the night sky and learn more about the stars.
In Granadilla de Abona is located a path that enhances the astrotourism and the knowledge of the Universe, called “Granadilla Sidereal”. Along the route to the Pico de Guajara is mentioned the still existing influence of the stars on the rural and marine life of the island. This tour begins in the historic center of Las Vegas and passes in some of its areas by the so-called Paisaje Lunar.
Observatories in the Canary Islands
Due to the quality of the air and climate conditions and weather of the Canary Islands there have been many scientists in the world in the field of astrophysics who have come to the islands to observe from here everything that concerns the life of the Universe and its stars.
In Tenerife is located the Teide Astrophysical Observatory, founded in 1959 and whose first telescope was installed in 1964
Due to the quality of the sky of Tenerife, this observatory is considered one of the best astrophysical observatories in the world to study the universe. Although its primary mission is to study the Sun, it has also been used for many other studies.
In another privileged place to spot the Universe, as is the island of La Palma, is also another renowned Astrophysical Observatory located at the Roque de Los Muchachos, which began operating in 1984.
Starmus Festival
In addition to the already recognized quality of the night sky in Tenerife, in recent years the island of Tenerife has leapt beyond this recognition thanks to the celebration of Starmus festival. It each year gathers the most important scientists of the world as Neil deGrasse Tyson, who surely is known by important series of National Geographic as “Cosmos” or Stephen Hawking, very well known, and other celebrities from the world of science, business and technology.
In conclusión
The Island of Tenerife gives you the chance to enjoy not only the beautiful cities and landscapes you can find in the north of Tenerife, but also of the Universe and stars that are light years away, and the beautiful sea beds found in the depths of the island, as those can be found at Puerto de la Cruz.
If you are willing to live an adventure and see all these beautiful places, we are waiting for you in the Ambassador Apartments in Puerto de la Cruz, where you can book now for a unique experience on the island of Tenerife.
