Tourists are spoiled for choice when visiting Europe, with an array of attractions to visit and a melting pot of cultures to immerse yourself in. If that wasn’t enough for you to plan a trip, the region also enjoys spectacular stargazing locations. From volcanic landscapes to serene countrysides we check out 12 incredible stargazing spots in Europe:
La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Nicknamed the “Island of a Thousand Stars,” La Palma is a popular destination for stargazers. Due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, La Palma has reliable viewing conditions and even has a Starlight Tourist Destination certification. Tourists can visit the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, home to the world’s largest telescope or head to the Llanos de Aridane observatory for a guided stargazing experience.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK
If an escape to the country is what you desire, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This International Dark Sky Reserve offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way. Visitors can hike up Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, for a panoramic vista of the starry skies above. The best time to visit is in fall or winter when the sky is darker, although this time of year will be cold at night.
The South Downs National Park, England, UK
Another popular UK stargazing hotspot is South Downs National Park which enjoys minimal light pollution. Tourists can walk the rolling hills of the countryside to enjoy the perfect backdrop to the stars or visit the planetarium for an immersive experience.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland, UK
Venture up north from England into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands for an unforgettable vacation under the stars. A designated Dark Sky Region, there’s minimal light pollution in the area and vast stretches of open skies. One of the best areas to visit is Glencoe, a dramatic valley known for its breathtaking scenery, or head to the Isle of Skye for a full rural experience.
Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Adventurous stargazers can climb Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and be rewarded with incredible celestial views. Teide National Park is a designated Starlight Tourist Destination, as the altitude offers exceptional clarity for observing the stars. The park offers guided night tours where you can learn about constellations and distant galaxies.
Serranía de Cuenca, Spain
Another popular Spanish destination for stargazers is E Serranía de Cuenca, a designated Starlight Tourist Destination. The area has clear skies for much of the year, although fall and winter are better as the skies will be darkest then. Tourists can also explore the charming villages and historical sites while they wait for the night sky to come alive.
The French Alps, France
The French Alps is one of the most picturesque destinations to explore the stars. While not a designated dark sky area, the altitude and distance from major cities provide good viewing conditions. The ski resorts of Chamonix or Serre Chevalier are among the best places for maximising your chances to spot your favourite stars.
Wadden Sea National Parks, Denmark & Netherlands
Designated as a World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Reserve, the Wadden Sea National Parks offers a unique stargazing experience. You can take time to explore the vast expanse of the Wadden Sea, a tidal wetland area and witness the beauty of the stars reflected on the water.
Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal
Located in the heart of Alentejo, Portugal, the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is a stargazers paradise. With vast open plains and little light, this region offers exceptional clarity if you are time restricted and want a sure fire chance of seeing a good night’s sky. As well as looking up at the amazing sky, you can visit the charming towns, including Monsaraz which is known for its narrow cobbled streets.
The Burren, County Clare, Ireland
The Burren is a unique karst limestone region in western Ireland that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a clear night you should take a hike amidst the lunar-like landscape and watch as the Milky Way stretches across the stunning Irish sky.
The Dolomites, Italy
Witness the Milky Way like you have never seen before when you visit the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The high altitude of this breathtaking mountain range offers almost guaranteed stargazing opportunities. Visitors love to bike through the Dolomites during the day, and then spend the evenings gazing at the starry offerings.
Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
Explore the vast plains of Hortobágy National Park, the largest protected area in Hungary. This area is another Starlight Tourist Destination as the park has great viewing conditions that rival many of the others on this list. For a romantic experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Puszta grasslands and witness the Milky Way across the night sky.
The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
When choosing a car, one of the most crucial factors is reliability. But what exactly does it mean when we say a car is reliable? Reliability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform consistently well over time with minimal issues. A reliable car requires fewer repairs, is cost-effective to maintain, and offers peace of mind to the owner. In this article, we delve into the ten most reliable car brands according to mechanics, explaining why these brands are trusted and highlighting endorsements from institutions, car experts, and reputable websites. The 10 Most Reliable Car Brands According to Mechanics
