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.

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.

The top visited and most popular starlight destinations in Spain

OAJ: Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre (Teruel)

The Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre is an astronomical site particularly developed to carry out large sky astronomical surveys with two large field of view telescopes, state-of-the-art panoramic instrumentation, and an unprecedented set of optical filters.

The Sierra de Javalambra is also famous for winter skiing and the location of the Observatorio Astrofísico was selected based on several site testing campaigns. In 2017 it was awarded as a Starlight Foundation Reserve (core zone) due to its excellent astronomical observing conditions, specially in terms of seeing and very dark night sky.

• Web: https://www.galactica.org.es (in Spanish)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalacticaCEFCA
• Address: Arcos de las Salinas. Teruel 80km – Valencia 100km
• Tel: 673 902 463

A great hotel close to the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre

• Teide National Park in Tenerife. This is the most famous Starlight place in Spain, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to some of the best stargazing conditions in the world, thanks to its high altitude and low light pollution.
• Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura. This park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including forests, rivers, and cliffs. It is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and low light pollution.
• Cabañeros National Park in Castilla-La Mancha. This park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, wolves, and wild boars. It is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to its dark skies and lack of development.
• Sierra Sur de Jaén in Andalusia. This area is home to some of the darkest skies in Spain, making it a great place for stargazing. It is located a few kilometers s to the east of the Sierra Subbeticas in the province of Jaen
• Peña Trevinca in Galicia. located a few kilometers north from the stunning Lago de Sanabria, This mountain is the highest point in Galicia, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude and low light pollution.
• Albanyà Astronomical Observatory in Catalonia. This observatory is located in the heart of the Albera Natural Park, which is a Starlight Reserve. The observatory offers a variety of stargazing activities, including guided tours, star parties, and astrophotography workshops. ( https://www.observatorialbanya.com/en/albanya-astronomical-observatory )
• Teleférico Benalmádena in Málaga. This cable car takes visitors up to Monte Calamorro, which offers stunning views of the Costa del Sol. It is also a great place for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and lack of light pollution.
• Sierra Nevada in Andalusia. This mountain range is home to some of the best hiking and winter skiing in Spain, but it is also a great place for stargazing. The high altitude and low light pollution make it an ideal spot to see the stars. There are also a number of astronomy observatories in the area, including the Sierra Nevada Observatory.

Parador de las Cañadas del Teide

The Parador de las Cañadas del Teide is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the Teide National Park. It is situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, making it the highest hotel in Spain. The hotel is surrounded by stunning views of the Teide volcano and the surrounding landscape.

The hotel is a popular destination for stargazers as it is located in a dark sky zone, meaning that there is very little light pollution. This makes it an ideal place to observe the night sky. The hotel even has its own observatory, which is equipped with two high-resolution telescopes.

Starlight destinations by region in Spain

Starlight tourist destinations – Andalucia

• Sierra Morena Andaluza is a mountain range that runs through the regions of Andalucía and Extremadura. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The mountain range is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Valle del Alto Guadiato is a valley in the province of Córdoba a few kilometres north west from the Hornachuelos natural park . It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The valley is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Sierra de Cádiz is a mountain range in the province of Cádiz. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The mountain range is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Pueblo Fuente Tójar is a village in the province of Jaén. It is a popular destination for stargazing. The village is located in a valley to the west of the Sierra Subbeticas natural park, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Sierra del Segura is a mountainous region in the province of Jaén, Spain. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty.

Starlight tourist destinations – Aragón

• Comarca Cuencas Mineras is a mining region in the province of Teruel about an hour by car from the famous Laguna de Gallocanta. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The region is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Sierra de Albarracín is a mountain range not far from Cuenca in the province of Teruel. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The mountain range is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars. The Sierra de Albarracín is also home to the medieval town of Albarracín, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Comarca de Gúdar-Javalambre is a mountainous region in the province of Teruel. Not far from the Sierra de Espadán natural park, it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The region is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars. The Comarca de Gúdar-Javalambre is also home to the Javalambre Astronomical Observatory, which is one of the best places in Spain to see the stars.
• Comarca del Aranda is an agricultural region in the province of Zaragoza just south of the Moncayo natural park. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The region is relatively isolated, which means that the skies are dark and clear, making it an excellent place to see the stars. The Comarca del Aranda is also home to the Monasterio de Piedra, which is a beautiful monastery complex set in a dramatic landscape of waterfalls and caves.

Starlight tourist destinations – Asturias

• Allande in is a municipality in the province of Asturias located a few kilometres west of the Somiedo natural park. The municipality is home to a number of mountains, rivers, and forests, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. There are a number of places to go stargazing in Allande. One popular spot is the Mirador de la Cueta, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Another popular spot is the Bosque de Muniellos, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Starlight tourist destinations – Balearic Islands

• Menorca is an island in the Balearic Islands, and it is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The island has been awarded the Starlight Tourist Destination certification by the Starlight Foundation, which recognizes destinations that have dark skies and are committed to protecting them. There are a number of places to go stargazing in Menorca. One popular spot is the Cap de Cavalleria, which is the northernmost point of the island. Another popular spot is the Es Grau Natural Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Starlight tourist destinations – Canarias

• La Palma is an island in the Canary Islands that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The island has been awarded the Starlight Tourist Destination certification by the Starlight Foundation, which recognizes destinations that have dark skies and are committed to protecting them.
• Granadilla de Abona is a municipality in the south of Tenerife that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The municipality is home to a number of mountains, valleys, and beaches, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing.
• El Teide is a volcano on Tenerife that is the highest peak in Spain. The volcano is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing. The skies around El Teide are some of the darkest in Europe, making it an excellent place to see the stars.
• Gran Canaria is an island in the Canary Islands that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The island has been awarded the Starlight Tourist Destination certification by the Starlight Foundation, which recognizes destinations that have dark skies and are committed to protecting them.
• La Matanza de Acentejo is a municipality in the north of Tenerife that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The municipality is home to a number of mountains, valleys, and beaches, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing.
• Municipio Fuencaliente de La Palma is a municipality in the south of La Palma that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The municipality is home to a number of volcanoes, beaches, and forests, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing.
• Municipio de Santa Lucía de Tirajana is a municipality in the south of Gran Canaria that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The municipality is home to a number of mountains, valleys, and beaches, and it is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing.

Starlight tourist destinations – Cataluña

• Just two hours from the stunning Sierra y Caños de Guara natural park in neighbouring Aragón, Montsec is a mountain range in Catalonia that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty.
• Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a national park in Catalonia that is known for its high-mountain lakes, mountain forests, and alpine landscapes. The park has been recognized as a Starlight Tourist Destination by the Starlight Foundation, which recognizes destinations with dark skies and committed to protecting them.
• Montgai is a municipality in Catalonia located to the south of the previously mentioned Montsec. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty in the valley of the river Sió among the hills of Bellmunt in the south and the mountains of Montclar in the north. The municipality consists of two villages: Montgai and Butsènit d’Urgell. The municipality is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and stargazing.

Starlight tourist destinations – Castilla la Mancha

• Serranía de Cuenca is a mountainous region in the province of Cuenca, Spain. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The region has been recognized as a Starlight Tourist Destination by the Starlight Foundation, which recognizes destinations with dark skies and committed to protecting them.
• Valle de Alcudia y Sierra Madrona is a mountainous region in the province of Ciudad Real, Spain. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty and is located an hour or so by car north of the Sierra de Andujar in neighbouring Andalucia
• Sierra de Alcaraz y Campo de Montiel is a mountainous region in the province of Albacete located a few kilometres north of the beautiful Calares del Rio Mundo y de la Sima natural park. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty.
• La Manchuela is a region of plains and hills in the province of Albacete. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. Again not far from the beautiful Calares del Rio Mundo y de la Sima natural park.
• Cabañeros is a national park in the province of Ciudad Real, Spain. It is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty.

Starlight tourist destinations – Castilla y León

• Muriel Viejo is a village in the province of Soria that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. It is not far from the beautiful Cañon del Rio natural park. The village is a popular destination for stargazing, hiking, and biking.
• Gredos Norte is a mountain range in the province of Ávila that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The mountain range is home to a number of hiking trails, waterfalls, and caves.
• Municipio de Borobia is a municipality in the province of Soria that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. It is very close to the Moncayo natural park in neighbouring Aragón
• Pueblo Las Navas del Marqués to the northwest of Madrid is also close to the Cuenca Alta de Manzanares regional park. It is a village in the province of Ávila that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The village is home to the El Tiemblo reservoir and the La Serrota mountain range.
• Comunidad de Tierra de Juarros is a community in the province of Burgos that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The community is home to the Obarenes mountains and the Arlanzón River. Not far away in neighbouring La Rioja you will find the Sierra de Cebollera natural park

Starlight tourist destinations – Extremadura

• Monfragüe is a national park in Extremadura that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wolves, and Iberian lynxes. It is also a popular destination for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
• Comarca de Las Hurdes is a region in Extremadura that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The region is home to a number of villages, each with its own unique character. It is also a popular destination for hiking, biking, and rafting. At the northern of this region in neighbouring Castilla y Leon you will find the beautiful Las Batuecas y Sierra de Francia natural park.

Starlight tourist destinations – La Rioja

• Reserva de la Biosfera Valles de Leza, Jubera, Cidacos y Alhama is a biosphere reserve in La Rioja that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The reserve is home to a number of rivers, valleys, and mountains. It is also a popular destination for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Starlight tourist destinations – Galicia

• Trevinca is a mountain in Galicia that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. Located a few kilometres north from the Lago de Sanabria natural park in neighbouring Castilla y leon, the mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
• National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia is a national park in Galicia that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The park is made up of a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Costa da Morte is a coast in Galicia that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The Costa da Morte extends from the villages of Muros and Malpica. The coast is made up of cliffs, beaches, and forests. Muras is located on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you are heading back inland from here then don’t forget to check out the amazing Sierra de Culebra.

Starlight tourist destinations – Valencian Community

• Alto Turia is a region in the Valencian Community that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The region is made up of mountains, valleys, and rivers. Also known as Los Serranos, It is part of the Spanish-speaking area in the Valencian Community. Nearby natural parks are the Puebla de San Miguel and the Calderona natural park.
• Tierra Bobal is a region in the Valencian Community that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The region is made up of vineyards, forests, and mountains. The nearby Sot de Chera natural park is well worth a visit
• The Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre (see top of this article for more information) is an astronomical site particularly developed to carry out large sky astronomical surveys with two large field of view telescopes, state-of-the-art panoramic instrumentation, and an unprecedented set of optical filters.

Starlight tourist destinations – Navarra

• Roncal Valley is a valley in Navarra that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The valley is made up of mountains, rivers, and forests.
• Lerín Village is a village in Navarra that is known for its dark skies and stunning natural beauty. The village is located on a hilltop overlooking the Ebro River.

Why visit a starlight destination in Spain?

Spain has a wide variety of Starlight destinations, from mountains to valleys to islands. These destinations offer stunning views of the night sky and are perfect for stargazing. In addition to their dark skies, these destinations also offer stunning natural beauty, making them great places to hike, bike, and explore.

I would definitely recommend Starlight destinations in Spain as a holiday option. They are a great way to experience the beauty of the night sky and to connect with nature. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, I would highly recommend visiting one of Spain’s Starlight destinations.

Here are some of the benefits of visiting a Starlight destination in Spain:

• You can see the Milky Way and other constellations in their full glory.
• You can learn about astronomy and stargazing from experts.
• You can enjoy the peace and quiet of a dark sky environment.
• You can connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

This article is made for you if you are looking for

• Starlight destinations in Spain
• Spain’s dark sky sanctuaries
• A night under the stars in Spain
• A way to discover the wonders of the night sky in Spain
• Stargazing in Spain: A guide to the best places to see the Milky Way

Further reading

• Official Starlight Foundation website: https://en.fundacionstarlight.org/

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clive

I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!