Stargaze in these 7 best European spots for astrotourism
If you want to enjoy the starry night sky on your next vacation, consider visiting one of these top destinations in Europe for astrotourism. The continent is full of beautiful spots to admire the stars, included a number of Dark Sky certified spots (reserves, parks, and sanctuaries) as well as Starlight Tourism destinations that are protected spaces specifically for stargazing.
While any wide open space sans light pollution is often apt for viewing the terrestrial sky, here are some of the top TPG recommend destinations for an astrotourism vacation.
1. La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
La Palma is known as one of Europe's best Starlight Tourism destinations, especially apt for stargazing thanks to its dry, high-altitude climate. The island, one of Spain's seven Canary Islands, is also considered a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. La Palma was one of the first spots in Spain to apply special laws which ensure the sky stays clear of not just light pollution, but also radio electrical and atmospheric pollution, including overuse of aviation routes.
With 16 special viewpoints, "miradores astronómicos," stargazers have plenty of spots to admire the sky. The most famous is the Roque de Los Muchachos observatory. Sitting at 8,000 feet above sea level, this observatory offers views of the stars from more than 13 different telescopes.
2. Alqueva, Portugal
Named the very first Starlight Tourism Destination in the world, Alqueva is located in the serene Alentejo region of Portugal, an area that should definitely be on your bucket list, especially if you'd like to escape the summer crowds of Algarve or Lisbon.
Visit the Dark Sky Observatory in the small village of Cumeada, or simply enjoy sky views from the wide-open spaces of the countryside. The region is known for its quaint rolling hills, delicious cuisine and up-and-coming wine scene.
Related: 8 reasons Portugal is the perfect place to visit this summer
3. Iceland
It's hard to pick just one spot in Iceland for stargazing. The vast, natural landscape of the country is perfect for admiring the night sky, which includes those famed Northern Lights, of course. Just remember that summer is actually not the best time to spot them. Because the days are so long, and there's that midnight sun phenomenon where the sun barely sets around the summer solstice. September through April is the prime time to admire the aurora, and if you do head over in winter, bundle up!
For a celestial-inspired getaway, consider the Hotel Ranga in southern Iceland which has its very own observatory complete with some seriously cool telescopes. Ranga even gives guests snowsuits to stay warm while stargazing in the winter! Non-hotel guests can book observatory tours in advance.
4. Bodmin Moor, UK
With plenty of wild moorlands, the U.K.'s serene countryside areas have little light pollution where the night sky can thrive in all its glory. Bodmin Moor is one of these areas, part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also happens to be a Dark Sky Landscape.
By day, you can hike, stroll, ride bikes or admire the unique rock formations and archaeological sites such as the Cheesewring that are mildly reminiscent of Stonehenge's sarsen stones. After taking in a gorgeous sunset, the night sky is full of bright, shining stars.
5. Zselickisfalud, Hungary
Zselickisfalud is home to Hungary's famous Zselic Csillagpark, or the Zselic Starry Park. Ideal for all types of travelers, including families, the park features a planetarium, observatory and expansive, woodsy grounds for strolling beneath stars (or during the day, if you prefer).
The park holds Dark Sky Park status, and also offers guided tours and educational programs ideal for both adults and children. There are even special theme nights you can join in for. The park is especially inclusive to those with disabilities and is handicap-accessible.
6. Galloway, Scotland
While many of Scotland's far-flung isles are apt for viewing the Milky Way, Galloway Forest Park (one of the largest forests in the UK) is designated as a Dark Sky Park. It's even won the Gold Tier Park award, meaning its night sky conditions are truly special when it comes to viewing the glowing stars.
Amid the forest's 300-square-mile territory, visitors can view over 7,000 stars, as well as planets and even the Milky Way from the Observatory, the Visitor Centre or simply out in the park. You can also book tours and group sessions if you'd prefer a guided experience.
7. Pic du Midi, France
Admire the night sky from the Pyrénées at the Dark Sky Reserve Pic Du Midi in France. The protected area covers over 65% of the Hautes-Pyrénées, meaning the sky is pure and visible without light or electrical pollution.
One of the best ways to experience the area and sky is to spend the night at the hotel atop the mountains, arriving via cable car. The experience gives visitors special access to the Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées and the Charvin Dome with its iconic 400 mm Smith-Cassegrain telescope offering views of the galaxy that are up close and personal. The Pic du Midi hotel can only host 27 guests each night (with 12 double and three single rooms), so make sure to reserve this special experience in advance.
Bottom line
Even if you don't want to plan an entire trip dedicated to night sky viewing, you can still easily visit many of these spots during a trip filled with other activities. For example, Alqueva is just a couple hours drive away from the Algarve coast in Portugal, and there's plenty to do in the French Pyrénées besides stargazing. A night at Iceland's Hotel Ranga can easily be combined with a variety of other outdoor activities and exploring. Either way, make sure you take an evening to take in the night sky, too!
(Featured image courtesy of Sergi Luque/EyeEm/Getty)
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.