The 18 best places to watch stars in the Canary Islands

Having stars full of eyes during your holidays, in the proper sense of the term, does it tell you? Then discover the 18 best places to watch the stars in the Canary Islands!

The Canary Islands consists of seven beautiful islands, with landscapes as diverse as incredible. El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote offer an exceptional natural heritage, and are full of treasures not to be missed. And the sky is part of it!

Indeed, the Canary Islands are known as a unique astro-tourism destination in the world. Their sky is even protected by the Law on the Protection of Astronomical Quality of the Observatorys, so that the stars can be observed in peace.

Thanks to ideal climate conditions, clouds remain at low altitude. The summits of the archipelago are thus clear, and one of the clearest skies in Europe can be observed.

Indeed, there are places in the Canary Islands, absolutely privileged to observe the stars scintillating, shining, and sometimes even spin. Wanderlix reveals its list of the 18 best places to watch the stars in the Canary Islands.

El Hierro

1. Orchilla Lighthouse

If you want to watch the stars in the Canary Islands, on El Hierro, head west of the island to the Orchilla Lighthouse. You can easily access it by car, and take a place in front of the Atlantic Ocean for a moment of contemplation of the sky, absolutely magical.

We advise you to come at the end of the fall , the opportunity for you to be able to distinguish very clearly the constellation of the Taurus.

To do this, place your back at the sea with the lighthouse on your left, and lift your eyes towards the east. The head and horns form a "V" on which a star, named Aldebaran, shines more than others.

La Palma

The island of La Palma is the first reservation Starlight To the world. This status "Starlight" distinguishes the heavens from better astronomical quality.

La Palma is thus one of the most beautiful places to observe the stars in the Canary Islands and around the world.

2. Le Roque de los Muchachos

If there is a place not to be missed to observe the stars in the Canary Islands, it is the Roque de los Muchachos de La Palma. It is probably one of the best places in the world to admire the sky.

Indeed, in this part of the island, the clouds created by the interaction between the ocean and the climate, form a kind of barrier, preventing the light pollution of the cities.

Located above this cluster of clouds, 2 396 meters altitude , this place offers an exceptionally clean sky.

The site has about fifteen observatory sites to date, including the Astrophysical Observatory of the Roque de los Muchachos, which is visiting the day, only on reservation .

Here is also the GranTeCan (Gran Telescopio Canarias), the world’s largest optical telescope.

3. The Mirador de Llano del Jable

From the viewpoint of Llano del Jable, you will dominate the off volcano of the Burned Mountain. During the day, the view of the Aridane valley is exceptional.

In January, at nightfall, this place becomes a fresh place, but where star observation is absolutely magical. In your eyes, the constellations of Pegasus and Cassiopa will face, with in the middle, the Grand Galaxia of Andromeda.

4. La Montagne de San Bartolo

Discover the natural view of the San Bartolo Mountain, perched at 439 meters altitude , east of the island. You can easily access by car to the hermitage of San Bartolo, and then climb on foot a small climb without difficulty, to reach the viewpoint.

You will find information panels and two sky maps to help you in your astral contemplation.

The best season to watch the stars in the San Bartolo lookout, is undoubtedly in summer . It is at this time that Véga, one of the closest stars to the Earth, lets himself admire the most easily, and looks at beautiful shades of white and blue.

At his side, you may see the luminous constellation of the Lyre.

5. The view of the Volcano of San Antonio

The astronomical view of the San Antonio volcano is ideally located to observe the stars in the Canary Islands, south of the island of Palma, 633 meters altitude .

Its position, close to the volcano, makes it a place to discover both day and night. The day, you can observe the crater of the volcano, and attend a magnificent sunset.

Then place at night and at its most beautiful show: that of the stars. To help you find yourself in the sky, you will find a pole directed to the Polar Star and a planisphere to locate the constellations of the Great Bear and Cassiopée.

6. The view of San Borondón

Do you want to watch the stars in the Canary Islands? Head to the west of the island of La Palma, towards the viewpoint of San Borondón.

Easily accessible by foot, this place is suspended 132 meters above the ocean , offering a terrace where information panels are scattered to help you discover the sky.

The view of San Borondón has the advantage of offering very clear views of the Polar Star and the constellations of Cassiopée and Céphée, especially in November. During nights without a moon, the view of the Milky Way will leave you without a voice.

La Gomera

7. Las Nieves leisure area

Only 20 kilometers from the capital of the island and at the gates of Garajonay National Park, is the Las Nieves leisure area. It is an ideal place to watch the stars in the Canary Islands, February and March Especially.

At this time, while looking north, its transparent sky allows you to see the constellations of Gemini and Cocher, easily recognizable thanks to their stars (Luminous and orange for the Gemini, and forming a pentagonal shape for the Cocher).

8. Alto de Garajonay

Alto de Garajonay is a place located 1 487 meters above sea level , specially intended for the observation of the sky. It is certainly one of the best places to observe the stars on La Gomera, thanks to its privileged position and low light pollution.

In August, Take your twins , and try to recognize the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpion, or to see the Red Star Antarès.

Tenerife

9. The Masca Belvedere

To watch the stars in the Canary Islands and watch a scintillating show, head to the city of Santiago del Teide, northwest of the island of Tenerife. At the top you will discover Masca's great viewpoint, a real paradise for lovers of heaven.

From mid-September to late October , many dice constellations "of the Zodiac" are visible at the early hours of the night. Fishes, Aquarius or Capricorn will shine with a thousand lights for your greatest happiness.

10. The mountain of Guajara

The mountain of Guajara is the third highest mountain in Tenerife. It is located in the sublime National Park of Teide and culminates in 2 718 metres . You can drive to the foot of the mountain.

But then, it will take more effort to climb to the top. But the view at the finish is really worth it, be sure!

The experience will be literally magical if you choose to sleep in the open air. Firstly because “to sleep in the beautiful star” then takes all its meaning. The constellations of Cassiopée or Pegasus will seem to be within reach.

But also because sunrise will be the second time of your escapade, or perhaps the most magical.

11. Las Cañadas del Teide

Located within the Teide National Park, Las Cañadas is an extraordinary place to observe the stars in the Canary Islands. Moreover, it is the first UNESCO World Heritage site to have received the title of Tourist Destination Starlight .

This is also the world’s largest solar observatory.

Several observation sites are located on this space, 2 700 meters altitude , as well as many sowns scattered along the paths.

Here, the show is magical, at any time of the year. But for a truly breathtaking moment, we recommend the month of August and its raining stars!

12. The view of El Palmar

The view of El Palmar, in the town of Buenavista, is an exceptional place to admire the starry sky, specifically at the end of the year. Access is a bit complicated by car, but achievable.

With or without twins, you will be subjugated by this location 600 meters altitude , which offers an unheardly interstellar show!

Gran Canaria

13. Roque Saucillo

The astronomical observatory Roque Saucillo is located in the Vega de San Mateo, not far from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This place in town offers you the possibility to observe the stars in the Canary Islands through a last-generation astrograph telescope.

Have fun recognizing the constellation of Cassiopée and its form as "M", that of the Swan or that of Pegasus and its central body.

14. Llanos de Garañón

Llanos de Garañón is a camping area located in Tejeda, southwest of Gran Canaria Island, where it is particularly pleasant to admire the firmament.

In the spring, perched to 1,700 metres above sea level , you will be able to observe the constellations of Gemini, Chernoe, Taurus and Orion in the best conditions.

Fuerteventura

15. The view of Sicasumbre

In Pajara, south of the island, the Sicasumbre viewpoint is an absolutely fascinating place to observe the stars in the Canary Islands. Particular attention is given to enthusiasts, as facilities are planned to install telescopes or cameras.

For the curious, information panels are at your disposal indicating the location of the constellations.

The constellations of the Virgin, the Bouvier and the Raven are more easily observable in this location, early spring .

16. L’observatoire de Tefía

Discover here one of the best places to watch the stars in the Canary Islands. The Astronomical Observatory of Tefia is a unique place where you can spend the night.

The inn located on the premises also provides observation domes and a telescope.

At the beginning of the year , the show is particularly beautiful thanks to Sirius and Canopus, the two brightest stars of the sky.

17. The view of Morro Velosa

To the west of the island, the viewpoint of Morro Velosa offers you the possibility to attend a magical night show. Easily accessible by car, it has a parking lot where you can leave your vehicle, the time of your contemplation.

Carefully packed in hot cases, lie on the ground and let yourself be transported into the universe. If you are looking well, you will see the "W" of Cassiopée, the Great Bear and the Polar Star.

Lanzarote

18. The view of the Peñas del Chache

Located at the highest point of the island, 670 meters above sea level , the viewpoint of Peñas del Cache offers an absolutely spectacular view of the sky and the stars that compose it.

Totally safe from light pollution, this window is an ideal place to observe the stars in the Canary Islands, on Lanzarote. From here, the Milky Way and the constellations of the Scorpion and Sagittarius are sublime during the nights without a moon, and especially in the summer.

So you're ready to watch the stars in the Canary Islands?