The best stargazing routes can vary depending on where you are and on your personal preferences. However, the Canary Islands are home to some of the most popular areas and routes in the world, offering excellent opportunities for stargazing thanks to their low light pollution and favourable weather conditions.
La Palma and Tenerife are popular stargazing destinations because of their location in the Atlantic and their observatory infrastructure.
The history of Teide as an astronomical observatory began with the astronomer Charles Piazzi Smyth, who brought with him a load of instruments for observing the sky. He set off on a scientific expedition to the summits of Tenerife, above the clouds, where he stayed for 63 days between Teide and Guajara, setting up an astronomical observatory on each of the two peaks. There he laid the foundations of high-mountain stargazing, given the weather conditions and the clear skies of Las Cañadas.
The decisive step in establishing modern astronomy came with the construction of the Astrophysical Observatory in the Izaña area, founded in 1916 at an altitude of 2,400 metres. Today, both the Tenerife observatory and the Roque de los Muchachos observatory on the island of La Palma are run by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), which is based in the city of La Laguna.
When to see the stars on Teide
Any time of year, once night falls, is a good time to see the stars from Teide. The timing of the stargazing experience depends on the season, as it is linked to the time of sunset. In the summer months, for example, it takes place at around 20:30 – 21:00.
Where to see the stars on Teide
Teide National Park is ideal for enjoying incredible sights such as the rings of Saturn, the craters of the Moon or countless galaxies and nebulae. Teide and the summits of Tenerife have recently been awarded Starlight certification, recognising them internationally as an exceptional place for stargazing.
Montaña de Guajara: the highest peak of the Las Cañadas del Teide amphitheatre and an ideal place to observe the night sky. Getting there means walking fairly demanding trails, but it is still highly recommended.
Around the Parador de Turismo: if you would rather not take on long walks, we suggest this alternative.
Viewpoints in Teide National Park: the park’s miradores (viewpoints) are other superb places for stargazing, as they are strategically located, usually on high ground and with unbeatable visibility. The one at Llano de Ucanca is among the best.
Guía de Isora is known for its dark, clear skies, which make it an ideal place for stargazing. One of the best spots is the Mirador de Chirche, in the upper part of the municipality. It is a quiet place, far from light pollution, so it offers a good view of the starry sky.
Bear in mind the season and the dates when you can have the best stargazing experience at each location. It is also important to respect local regulations and the environment when visiting these natural areas.
