7 Reasons To Seek Winter Sun In the Canary Islands
July 27, 2018
The Canary Islands have a low level of light pollution which provides the perfect conditions for stargazing. Although you can see amazing constellations from any island, La Palma and Tenerife are fitted with astronomical observatories to allow you to get an even better view.
Below we've recommended the best spots in the Canary Islands for stargazing, if you take a day trip from La Gomera to see different constellations.
Inside the grounds of Teide National Park is Las Cañadas, a caldera that formed after a volcano collapsed in on itself. This depression in the ground has since grown and provided tourists with the perfect viewing platform for stargazing.
This area has been classed as a Starlight Tourist Destination, meaning light pollution is controlled to create the ideal conditions for stargazing. You can choose to go alone, bring your binoculars and pick your spot or join a guided tour. Choose the latter and you'll be shown the perfect places and provided with a telescope to help you see around 80 different constellations.
The Gran Telescopio Canarias is situated on top of Roque de Los Muchachos in the Taburiente National Park. It's placed on one of the highest points in La Palma, 2,396 metres above sea level, so you can look over the edge of the island and out at the nearby sea. Being in a remote location means there's little light pollution, making stargazing an enjoyable experience.
Located nearby is the Roque de Los Muchachos Astrophysics Observatory, another stargazing venue for guests who wish to try out state-of-the-art telescopes that have been used by scientists for research.
Situated on the west side of El Hierro is the Orchilla Lighthouse, offering visitors a natural platform they can use to view the stars in the night sky. Similar to the Gran Telescopio Canarias in La Palma, this lighthouse sits at the edge of the island, meaning you'll look out over the sea where there's no light pollution.
If you visit during November, you're bound to see the Taurus constellation in the opposite direction of the sea. Different collections of stars mark different times of the year; the Taurus head with parallel horns symbolises the end of autumn and the start of winter.
You can also choose to stay on the island of La Gomera in Hotel Jardin Tecina to stargaze. Experience the romantic atmosphere as you get a brilliant view of the stars above from the outdoor restaurants and bars facing the sea.
Escape the low levels of light pollution and dive deep into the Garajonay National Park summit. Here you'll get an even more fantastic view of the lit-up sky. From this natural platform, 1,487 metres above sea level, you can see a range of constellations above the western Canary Islands.
In Vega de San Mateo, only 13 miles from the island's capital city La Palma, you'll discover the Roque Saucillo Astronomic Observatory. Here you can try out an astrographic camera telescope to see and capture photos of the stars and their constellations, including the Pegasus constellation in the west.
After locating the Milky Way, you'll be able to find plenty of other constellations such as Pisces, which forms a V shape; Cassiopeia in the shape of a zig-zag; and Cygnus that's shaped like a cross. To get the best results, visit between December and January when you're most likely to get a moonless evening.
If you'd like to book a stay at the Hotel Jardin Tecina on the island of La Gomera to see just how bright the stars are, call us or contact us via our website.
