In addition to its mountains, valleys, beaches, shopping, and village entertainment, Gran Canaria offers a unique nighttime activity: starry skies that make it a European astronomical paradise.
No spacesuit or spaceship is required. You can easily journey to the stars by boarding a plane and flying a few hours to this beautiful island. Gran Canaria is the ultimate destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Visitors can reach for the stars with confidence and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Its unique geographical location in the Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Africa, combined with the island’s excellent year-round temperatures, make it the perfect complement to any vacation. At the observatory, due to the high altitude and the trade winds’ breeze preventing cloud formation, the entire Northern Hemisphere sky and 80% of the Southern Hemisphere sky can be seen at any time of the year. This is the perfect place to observe constellations and celestial objects that are not visible from the mainland. Thousands of sky enthusiasts gather here to capture the stars of the distant South with their cameras and telescopes.
Families, enthusiasts, experts, or the curious can confidently enjoy various sky observation activities in Gran Canaria, just as the ancient inhabitants of the island used the stars to guide their way. These activities commence at sunset and vary depending on the season. After spending a day at Maspalomas Beach, sailing, and strolling in Puerto de Mogán (Mogan seaport), and touring the historic center of Las Palmas, we confidently embark on an adventure to the island’s 11 most important viewpoints, reaching an impressive altitude of 1,800 meters.
Join us on one of our expert-led guided tours of atmospheric tourism and experience the breathtaking Mirador Degollada de las Yeguas, located just a few kilometers south of Gran Canaria’s main tourist hubs of Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing and bring a flashlight to fully enjoy the experience. This area has been internationally recognized with the ‘Starlight Destination’ certification for its pristine and clear skies, just like much of the island.
The Yegua viewpoint is the perfect spot to witness the stunning meteor showers that create luminous trails spanning several tens of kilometers. This phenomenon is highly sought after by astronomy enthusiasts as it requires no optical instruments, only good visibility, and wide-open eyes. he night then proceeds to the next viewpoint, Pinos de Gáldar, which can be accessed by ascending through the volcanic mountains to the center of Gran Canaria until reaching an altitude of 1,546 meters. This location is known as ‘the balcony to the northern sky,’ providing an exceptional view of northern constellations, including the popular Big Dipper.
The nighttime walk concludes a few kilometers southeast at an elevation of 1,528 meters above sea level, in the vicinity of the Protected Natural Space of Los Marteles, one of the last active volcanic sites on the island. The Caldera de los Marteles viewpoint provides an impressive view of the La Caldera de los Marteles crater, which was used for years for agricultural purposes. This site, located on the eastern slope amidst a stunning volcanic landscape and pine forest, offers breathtaking views of the southern and southeastern sky. The Milky Way is prominently visible during the summer, making it an ideal location for stargazing.
Held every June, this event brings together astronomy enthusiasts to observe the stars and share experiences at the island’s various observatories.
The Gran Canaria Star Party is the ultimate space adventure for vacationers. Regardless of expertise, every tourist passing through Gran Canaria will be amazed by this unique experience where the stars are the hosts and the observers become honored guests.
Specialized Tourist Companies in Astronomical Tourism
AstroEduca: AstroEduca is the leading company in astronomy tourism, outreach, and the sale of astronomical equipment on the island of Gran Canaria. Founded in 1995, it has been the driving force behind the Gran Canaria Star Party, the most prestigious event in the field. On its website, you can confidently book private or group tours to observe various constellations and spend an unforgettable evening stargazing.
Reservations are available every day of the year, ensuring that you can experience the wonders of the universe at your convenience.
Website: https://www.astroeduca.com/
AstroGC: AstroGC is the premier tour company for stargazing experiences in Gran Canaria. Founded by Gauthier Dubois, a renowned expert on the island’s peaks, AstroGC offers unparalleled opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the night sky.
With reservations available every day of the year, you can trust AstroGC to provide an unforgettable stargazing adventure.
Website: https://www.astrogc.com/