25 de July de 2023
Did you know that you can do ecotourism with your eyes on the stars? Join us on an interstellar journey of a selection of natural areas that are affiliated to Soy Ecoturista and that offer outstanding stargazing experiences. Venture to breathtaking off-the-grid locations to experience the unparalleled beauty of our galaxy, with professional local hosts that will narrate with enthusiasm the constellations and the importance of clear skies in our world.
Gastronomy and stars in the island of Menorca
The island of Menorca, in the Balearic Archipelago, was declared a Starlight Reserve in 2019 for its clear skies and outstanding air quality – almost zero particles pollution rate.
The Hotel Monvedra Nou, one of our accredited accommodation providers, offers an unmissable stargazing experience. Every Friday and on full moon nights from June to September, you can enjoy a local produce dinner in its restaurant and join Isabel Martín, a Starlight instructor, to marvel at the vastness of the universe whilst listening to local stories, legends and anthropological curiosities with live music and themed dances.
This experience is offered to medium size groups of 12 – 30 people. Private sessions can also be arranged upon request.
Where to sleep in Menorca
In addition to the Hotel Monvedra Nou, other ecotourism accommodation options on the island include the Hotel Port Mahon, the Hotel Santo Tomás, or the Hotel 55 Santo Tomás.
Astronomical tour on the island of La Palma
We jumped from Menorca to the island of La Palma, in the Canary archipelago, to find our affiliated company Astro La Palma. In collaboration with LaPalmaStars.com, Astro La Palma invites visitors to discover the Astronomical Tour, a guided stargazing experience in this fantastic island.
The Astronomical Tour takes place at one of the 16 astronomical viewpoints on the island, depending on weather and environmental conditions to ensure the best stargazing experience. The activity includes the use of telescopes and detailed explanations from expert astronomy guides about the visible planets and the Moon, stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. The experience lasts two hours and is suitable for all ages, including children.
Where to sleep in La Palma
You can stay in Villa Valentina, a 19th-century Canarian rural accommodation, or in Pirchigo Casas Rurales “La Camelia” and “La Charola”.
The music of the stars in Granada
In the heart of the Granada UNESCO Global Geopark, in Andalusia, you can find Los Coloraos de Gorafe Astronomical Complex, a perfect setting to enjoy a trip to the cosmos like ever before.
Turismo Astronómico Andalucía, a Soy Ecoturista accredited company and holder of the Starlight certification, offers a three-hour experience where participants get blindfolded and learn to listen to the universe. Music and sounds are used to help visitors understand the cosmos and the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day. After this eco-sensory experience, you will be able to use the superb equipment on-site to look up into the jet black skies and be mesmerised by the radiant show of stars and constellations.
Where to sleep in the Granada Geopark
The Granada Geopark has a wide and varied range of accommodation providers such as cave houses, rural homes, hotels, hostels and apartments.
Astrotourism in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche
Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche is a Natural Park in Huelva, Andalusia, with optimal conditions to explore our twinkling universe. These are three spectacular stargazing proposals from our affiliated ecotourism companies in the destination:
Babel Nature takes you on a Star Getaway, a small group experience that includes an astronomy workshop, local produce dinner and an evening thermal circuit in the hamman La Molinilla. Another option they propose is to do an evening hike with a local guide where you can listen to stories and how civilisations have used the constellations to guide their destiny. During this circular route, you will also learn about the solar system, the peculiarities of the planets and some myths and legends that are kept between the stars.
Lynxaia – Ecoturismo has designed a unique workshop for small groups to learn about the secret of the cosmos and the history of astronomy. You will learn how to use telescopes and how to identify different celestial objects and constellations.
Where to sleep in Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche
There is a wide range of accommodation services that are affiliated with Soy Ecoturista including four rural hotels and seven rural houses.
The Ecotourism Club in Spain – Soy Ecoturista groups together destinations and companies which guarantee, by fulfilling a series of requirements, their commitment to conservation and local sustainable development. That is why it has created its own brand “Ecotourist in Spain” and the website www.ecotouristinspain.com, where you can find protected areas, accommodation and companies which offer their tourism services, as well as experiences and activities committed to the preservation of the area in which they take place.