Treat yourself to a magical night filled with shooting stars, escaping the light pollution of cities with your favourite companions. Take advantage of this yearly event to immerse yourself in the peace of nature and simply look up at the sky. Have you thought about your wish yet?
When is the 2024 meteor shower?
This year, the peak activity of the Tears of St. Lawrence is expected during the night of Sunday 11th to Tuesday 13th August, when the most shooting stars will be visible (around 80 meteors per hour).
However, if you're impatient, the early mornings before and after these dates are also great options, as the Perseids occur from 17th July to 24th August.
Why are they called Tears of St. Lawrence or Perseids?
The name "Perseids" comes from the Perseus constellation. This meteor shower is one of the four major annual showers. It originates from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which is pulled by Earth's gravity and disintegrates in the atmosphere about 100 kilometres high—that’s what we see!
Meanwhile, the name Tears of St. Lawrence honours the saint, whose martyrdom is commemorated on 10th August, coinciding with the meteor shower’s peak. It symbolises the tears St. Lawrence shed while being burned at the stake.
Now you know the basics for enjoying these magical summer nights, but the question that brought you here is simple: Where can you watch the meteor shower?
OUR FAVOURITE SPOTS TO SEE THE PERSEIDS
The best locations to watch the meteor shower are always far from urban areas. The countryside, nature reserves, or even secluded beaches become perfect stages for stargazing. This activity pairs wonderfully with mountain hiking, letting you enjoy a scenic trek capped off with a relaxing interstellar finale. We encourage you to spend a full day in nature combining these two fantastic plans.
1. Teide National Park - Tenerife
This is one of the best, if not the best, places to stargaze. Watching the Perseids here will likely be one of the most mesmerising experiences of your life. Hike to one of its breathtaking viewpoints and prepare for a celestial spectacle.
To make the day even more perfect, pair it with one of the many volcano ascent routes available—check them out here.
2. Sierra de Gredos - Ávila
South of Ávila lies the Sierra de Gredos, home to 19 stellar viewpoints for astronomical observation. Several towns in Ávila even organise free public stargazing events during this period.
An ideal escape from the capital. While here, explore other activities like hiking, horseback trails, or adventure parks with ziplines.
3. Sierra Nevada - Granada
One of Spain’s most spectacular stargazing spots. Climb to the summit of Veleta or visit the observatory. For safety, go with someone familiar with the route. Pro tip: Bring warm clothing—you’ll thank us later when the high-altitude chill sets in.
4. Cabañeros National Park - Ciudad Real
Nestled in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, Cabañeros is a pristine spot for stargazing. It’s Spain’s least-visited national park, but don’t overlook it—the wildlife here will leave you awestruck.
5. Atlantic Islands National Park - Pontevedra
Head to Galicia’s famed archipelago. The Cíes Islands lie under some of the region’s darkest skies. Beyond the islands, Galicia offers gems like Finisterre (A Coruña) or Peña Trevinca (Ourense).
Need more ideas?
For Madrid, we recommend San Lorenzo de El Escorial (home to Felipe II’s Chair or Monte Abantos). Alternatively, try La Pedriza in Guadarrama National Park—a stellar escape from city lights.
For Barcelona locals, Montseny Natural Park (under an hour away) is unbeatable, with spots like Santa Fe Reservoir or Turó de l’Home (the park’s highest peak).
Don’t miss El Rompido beach (Huelva), the untouched shores of Cabo de Gata (Almería), Mirador del Garbí (Valencia), or Monfragüe Natural Park (Cáceres)—17,000 hectares of pristine skies.
Countless other spots await for meteor shower watching. Did we miss your favourite? Where will you be stargazing?
