The top spots for stargazing in the Teide National Park
If you’re visiting Tenerife, we’ve got an irresistible plan for you. The island’s sky is one of the most spectacular in the world for stargazing. And if you’re looking for a truly stellar experience, a visit to Teide Observatory is a must.
The perfect excursion to top off a day loaded with adventures and activities on the island. After a busy day touring around Tenerife, climbing Teide to watch the starlit sky is just the ticket.
The strategic location of the Canary Islands makes them perfect for stargazing. With three Starlight certificates, you can be sure the islands are ideal for a spot of astronomy. In fact, the Canarian sky is the first to be protected under Sky Law (Ley del Cielo), put in place to protect and maintain this regional treasure. The law covers four key aspects: light and atmospheric pollution, radio frequency interference and flight paths. In fact, the airspace over Teide Observatory has been declared an ‘Ecological Protection Zone’.
Where are the best spots to take in the night sky?
Teide and its peaks hold Starlight certification, testament to its privileged location for stargazing. The altitude of Teide National Park is what makes it a great place for enjoying the delights of the night sky, but there are places within that are guaranteed to give you awe-inspiring views of wonders like the Moon’s craters.
- Llano de Ucanca viewpoint. This is one of the best places to see the stars over the National Park. A strategically located viewpoint blessed with unrivalled views.
- The Parador de Turismo. The conditions here make it the perfect spot for stargazing. And it’s also a great place to seek refuge if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
- Izaña. The higher you are, the closer you’ll get to the stars. Izaña, located 2,400 metres above sea level, is the site the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics chose to construct the observatory’s telescopes. And for a reason. The quality of the night sky here is utterly breathtaking.
What astronomical phenomena can you see from Teide?
The Canary Islands’ geographic location makes it ideal for seeing certain astronomical phenomena. You’ll be able to see the Milky Way: a dense chain of interstellar clouds that shine the brightest here of the whole Northern Hemisphere.
Over the course of the year, the Tenerife sky is home to a number of spectacular celestial events you must see when you visit the island. The meteor showers in the summer months are an incredibly popular phenomenon to behold.
The most famous meteor showers in August are the Perseids and Leonids, and Teide National Park is akin to a vast amphitheatre where you can sit back and drink them in. Over the summer, the Summer Triangle – as the name suggests – can be seen in all its glory, with three unbelievably bright stars dominating the skyscape.
Meanwhile on the moon, Mons Pico, the Montes Teneriffe and a crater known as Piazzi Smyth – named after astronomers Charles Piazzi and German Schröeter – await. Some of them can be seen from Teide. The Moon’s Montes Teneriffe is located at 47º latitude and 13º Western longitude. This isolated range of mountains emerges from the Mare Imbrium (Sea of Showers) and spans an area of approximately 110 km.
This really is a must for your list of excursions when you visit Tenerife. The lunar landscape of the National Park will entice anyone who visits to take a stroll through the mountains in search of the best possible shot. And there’s more – for the brave. You can take a cable car right up to the peak of Teide, where you’re absolutely guaranteed to see the stars in all their majesty. The perfect end to a perfect holiday.
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