Starlight destinations in Spain

Starlight destinations in Spain

The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

The Foundations work in Spain is making a positive impact on the environment and on the local economy and the project has certified quite a few areas in Spain as Starlight Reserves, Starlight Parks, or Starlight Villages. These areas include the Teide National Park in Tenerife, the Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura, and the Cabañeros National Park in Castilla-La Mancha.

Montsec observatory
Montsec is a mountain range in Catalonia that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. Montsec observatory.

The Foundation has also worked with local governments and tourism boards to promote astrotourism in Spain organizing stargazing events, astronomy festivals, and astrophotography workshops. They have also conducted surveys of the night sky in different parts of the country and have developed strategies in order to reduce light pollution.

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The Iberian Imperial Eagle: A Success Story in Conservation

Iberian Imperial Eagle

Conservation efforts have been successful in keeping the Iberian Imperial Eagle, A Mediterranean endemic species, from extinction. Between 2021 and 2022, there were 821 pairs in Spain and 20 in Portugal, an increase of 53% since 2017.

(Above photo by Photo by José Antonio Lagier Martin – https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74215438)

The LIFE Imperial project

The Iberian Imperial Eagle Working Group, made up of representatives of environmental agencies from Spain and Portugal and with the advice of experts and specialized entities, has presented the results of the monitoring and conservation work carried out in favor of one of the emblematic species of the Spanish fauna, and the only endemic raptor of the Iberian Peninsula.

Between 2021 and 2022, a minimum of 841 pairs of Iberian Imperial Eagle were recorded, 821 in Spain and 20 estimated in Portugal. This data represents an increase of 53% of the population since 2017, the previous year in which a coordinated census at the Iberian level was compiled, which then offered 536 pairs.

The Iberian Imperial Eagle
The Iberian Imperial Eagle: A Success Story in Conservation – Photo by Baldo Carrillo from the Portuguese Imperial eagle project: https://lifeimperial.lpn.pt/en/

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Sierra Calderona Natural Park

The Sierra Calderona Natural Park (in Valencian Parc natural de la Serra Calderona) is located between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia
  • Region: Valencian Community
  • Province: Castellón and Valencia
  • Declared a Natural Park: 2002
  • Park surface area: 18,000 hectares
  • Towns and villages: Albalat de Taronchers, Alcublas, Algimia de Alfara, Estivella, Gátova, Gilet, Liria, Marines, Náquera, Olocau, El Puig, Puzol, Sagunto, Serra, Torres Torres, Segart, la Villa de Altura, Segorbe.

Points of interest

The Sierra Calderona Natural Park (in Valencian Parc natural de la Serra Calderona) is located between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia and is part of a mountain range of around 60,000 hectares that separates the basins of the Palancia rivers to the north and Turia to the south. Due to its proximity to the city of Valencia, about 20 km, it is considered the main “green lung” of this densly populated area.

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Serra Castle & Sierra Calderona Private Tour

Experience the enchanting Serra Castle in a whole new light during a private sunset hiking excursion, complete with hotel transportation. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Sierra Calderona Natural Park, the Turia Valley, and the orchards of Tóixima and Ría as you follow your knowledgeable guide on this unforgettable journey through history and nature.

The Sierra Calderona is an area where numerous electrical storms occur and it is considered the area with the highest number of electrical discharges per square meter in Spain. It is not uncommon for wildfires to start due to lightning strikes.

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