Unfortunately, only 5% of Spain’s population can see the stars from their homes due to the light pollution plaguing most cities. That’s why you need to travel away from urban areas to admire the night sky.
There are several key spots on the peninsula and the islands where this activity becomes almost essential. Hiking and astronomy can—and should—go hand in hand. The country’s best observatories and natural areas for stargazing are often at high altitudes, usually accessible only on foot.
Here, we’ll explore the best locations. Pay attention!
THE BEST AREAS FOR HIKING AND ASTRO-TOURISM
1. Monfragüe National Park (Cáceres)
In the Cáceres region, you can enjoy this stunning National Park, perfect for excursions and long hikes. Its spectacular landscape, combined with the Tagus River, makes it one of Spain’s best spots for stargazing.
The viewpoint at Monfragüe Castle is the chosen place to observe the infinite sky—or at least the closest thing to it. Fun fact: NASA once featured a photo of this location as its Astronomy Picture of the Day. It’s truly spectacular!
2. La Palma Island (Canary Islands)
One of Spain’s most famous spots for stargazing. The "Roque de los Muchachos" viewpoint is home to the most impressive astronomical observatory in the country, housing one of the largest telescopes on the planet. Breathtaking!
At over 2,400 metres above sea level, you’ll have clouds beneath your feet. The "Beautiful Island" also offers spectacular trails for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore the island thoroughly while combining both disciplines—sounds perfect, right? For more info, check out these companies:
3. Sierra de Gredos (Ávila)
The skies over the Sierra de Gredos offer some of the best conditions for stargazing. Located in the Central System and south of Ávila province, you’ll find numerous viewpoints at rural hotels, lodgings, and natural spots. Over 900 square kilometres across 30 municipalities, where stargazing has become a must-do activity. Oh, and it’s certified as a "Starlight" destination.
The Sierra de Gredos also boasts countless hiking trails and leisure activities to complement your stargazing. For more details, click here.
4. Sierra Nevada (Granada)
In the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula lies Sierra Nevada, famous for its ski resort. Here, the skies remain ideal—though not perfect—for celestial observation due to light pollution from Granada.
Still, it’s one of Spain’s best stargazing spots, as measures are in place to preserve optimal sky conditions in Sierra Nevada and nearby Almería (Calar Alto). There are also plenty of hiking trails for a full day of adventure.
5. Montsec Mountain Range (Lleida)
Our final stop takes us to northeastern Spain, specifically Lleida province. The Montsec Astronomical Park (PAM) and Montsec range in Ager offer stunning views thanks to their high-protection skies. It’s also been a Starlight Reserve since 2012.
You’ll find endless leisure opportunities here. To explore the area further, check this link. We’ve picked 5 locations, but there are many more stargazing spots in Spain. Know any others?
Now you’ve got no excuse not to enjoy a great adventure with friends or your partner. The ultimate reward is clear...
In the Cáceres region, you can enjoy this stunning National Park, perfect for excursions and long hikes. Its spectacular landscape, combined with the Tagus River, makes it one of Spain’s best spots for stargazing.
The viewpoint at Monfragüe Castle is the chosen place to observe the infinite sky—or at least the closest thing to it. Fun fact: NASA once featured a photo of this location as its Astronomy Picture of the Day. It’s truly spectacular!
2. La Palma Island (Canary Islands)
One of Spain’s most famous spots for stargazing. The "Roque de los Muchachos" viewpoint is home to the most impressive astronomical observatory in the country, housing one of the largest telescopes on the planet. Breathtaking!
At over 2,400 metres above sea level, you’ll have clouds beneath your feet. The "Beautiful Island" also offers spectacular trails for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore the island thoroughly while combining both disciplines—sounds perfect, right? For more info, check out these companies:
3. Sierra de Gredos (Ávila)
The skies over the Sierra de Gredos offer some of the best conditions for stargazing. Located in the Central System and south of Ávila province, you’ll find numerous viewpoints at rural hotels, lodgings, and natural spots. Over 900 square kilometres across 30 municipalities, where stargazing has become a must-do activity. Oh, and it’s certified as a "Starlight" destination.
The Sierra de Gredos also boasts countless hiking trails and leisure activities to complement your stargazing. For more details, click here.
4. Sierra Nevada (Granada)
In the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula lies Sierra Nevada, famous for its ski resort. Here, the skies remain ideal—though not perfect—for celestial observation due to light pollution from Granada.
Still, it’s one of Spain’s best stargazing spots, as measures are in place to preserve optimal sky conditions in Sierra Nevada and nearby Almería (Calar Alto). There are also plenty of hiking trails for a full day of adventure.
5. Montsec Mountain Range (Lleida)
Our final stop takes us to northeastern Spain, specifically Lleida province. The Montsec Astronomical Park (PAM) and Montsec range in Ager offer stunning views thanks to their high-protection skies. It’s also been a Starlight Reserve since 2012.
You’ll find endless leisure opportunities here. To explore the area further, check this link. We’ve picked 5 locations, but there are many more stargazing spots in Spain. Know any others?
Now you’ve got no excuse not to enjoy a great adventure with friends or your partner. The ultimate reward is clear...
"Touch the sky with your feet on the ground"
