If you are a lover of astronomy, you want to feel romantic under the light of the stars or simply see one of those skies that are only seen in movies starwars, from Disney or in retouched photographs, these are your trips. Nine perfect destinations for astrotourism that do not require leaving Europe and that will make you open your sights beyond the moon.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Isla Bonita is famous throughout the world for its exceptional skies that earned it the title of UNESCO Starlight Reserve in 2012. On Roque de los Muchachos there are many of the European astrophysical observatories and from the whole island you can see stars, constellations and even the Milky Way.
Car rental in Santa Cruz de La Palma, La Palma
Galloway, Scotland
This 700 square kilometer region in the middle of the Scottish forests is perfect for enjoying the star show and even has two large telescopes with which to see other galaxies and nebulae. In the center is Moffat, the first town considered perfect for astrotourism in Europe according to the International Dark Sky Association.
Double room with breakfast at Rockhill Guest House
Westhavelland Nature Park, Germany
This Reserve of Stars is protected from all light pollution and close to Berlin, so it’s super easy to get to it. At night they have guided tours of all kinds to enjoy its beautiful starry sky at the hands of professionals.
Flight from Madrid to Berlin with Iberia Express
Portugal
This protected region is prohibited from light pollution as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Is he first certified astrotourism destination by the Starlight Foundation and it is not for less, the views from its lake seem from another planet.
Flight from Barcelona to Lisbon with Tap Air Portugal
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Hafnarfjörður is a small town near Reykjavík that keeps the most mystical Scandinavian folklore alive. In this context its starry sky and full of nebulas, auroras and northern lights it becomes even more magical if possible. We can go to Camp Aurora, which is an observatory and organizes astrotourism activities.
Double room in Fosshotel Reykjavik
Jelsa, Croatia
The village is located on the island of Hvar and has achieved the International Dark Sky Community certificate awarded by the International Dark Sky Association for its protection of the skies without artificial light to promote stargazing.
Car rental in Zagreb, Croatia
Mon, Denmark
This island is famous for its white chalk cliffs, ancient ruins, and having one of the best night skies in the world. Light pollution is practically non-existent in this place, in which we can glimpse even the Milky Way or the Great Rift Nebula.
Flight from Madrid to Copenhagen with Ryanair
Valentia Island, Ireland
A small island to the south-west of Ireland has taken over the Europe’s darkest sky title. It only has 600 inhabitants, so there is hardly any electricity. This makes it possible to see much more distant stars in a magical natural environment.
Flight from Barcelona to Dublin with Vueling and Ryanair
Tuscany, Italy
If we want to enjoy starry skies full of history, there is no better place than Tuscany, where did Galileo invent the telescope. From the Italian fields we can see the craters of the Moon and the moons of Mars.
Car rental in Florence
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Photos | iStock, International Dark Sky Association.