Roam the galaxies stargazing in Gran Canaria
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Words by Ross Clarke
Think of Gran Canaria, and you probably picture golden sand dunes, dazzling sunshine and buzzing nightlife. But step away from the bright resort lights and you can discover fascinating history – such as that of the island’s cave-dwelling pre-Hispanic inhabitants – expansive mountain vistas, sky-scraping monoliths, and abundant wildlife and flora. And while there’s plenty to occupy you at ground level, it’s what stretches above your head that sets Gran Canaria apart from most other beach destinations. The whole island is a certified Starlight Tourist Destination, so you’re pretty much guaranteed stellar views at any time of year. Its unique landscape has been protected over many generations and, with minimal light pollution keeping skies dark, and extraordinary vantage points, it’s one of the world’s finest stargazing destinations.
Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski
What is a Starlight Tourist Destination?
The Starlight Foundation is an organisation striving to keep night skies pristine – and it’s no coincidence that the foundation is headquartered in the Canary Islands, recognised as one of the world’s best regions in which to study the stars. The archipelago is home to Gran Telescopio Canarias, the largest single-aperture optical telescope on the planet, sited on La Palma, as well as other equipment used by top astronomers. But it’s not just the pros who come here to watch the stars, which is why Gran Canaria is certified as a Starlight Tourist Destination, having been assessed by the Starlight Foundation, in collaboration with UNESCO, for its stargazing potential and tourism infrastructure.
This recognises the fact that Gran Canaria not only has dark skies, and regulations to protect them, but is also set up to enable tourists to observe the stars, with dedicated accommodation, tours and viewing points that contribute to the local economy.
Photo by Reiseuhu
Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski
Where to go stargazing
On this small island, easy to navigate by car and bus, it’s straightforward to get away from the light pollution created by major resorts, towns and traffic. The craggy volcanic landscape also offers plenty of high-altitude spots away from artificial light, so you’re never far from a great stargazing site. In addition, the natural weather phenomenon known as the Panza de Burro (‘donkey’s belly’), produced by trade winds, often lays a blanket of low-level cloud blocking light from the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; simply climb into the mountains above that cloud to enjoy the darkest skies.
Many of the island’s most-famous stargazing spots are in the south, where you’ll also find the Temisas Astronomical Observatory, the largest on Gran Canaria. Here you can learn about our galaxy, the various constellations and many more celestial details. You can also visit Roque Saucillo Astronomic Centre in San Mateo for dedicated tourism events, and the Guguy Interpretation Centre and Astronomical Observatory in Tasartico (in La Aldea de San Nicolás) in the west.
There are plenty of public viewpoints ideal for stargazing, too. At the Mirador Astronómico de la Degollada de las Yeguas, just a 15-minute drive from Maspalomas at the island’s southern tip, you can witness the night sky among the majestic mountains and volcanic landscape of a dramatic ravine – bring a picnic for sunset and stay for stargazing. Alternatively, head to the giant crater of Caldera de Los Marteles in the centre, or to Mirador Astronómico de Pinos de Gáldar in the north.
Stargazing tours and experiences
For beginners, one of the best ways to explore the night sky is to join an organised tour to one of the best stargazing spots in Gran Canaria. Experts bring specialist equipment such as telescopes and binoculars, as well as knowledge of the movements and mythology of the stars. One such tour company in the south of the island is astroGC, offering five-hour workshops during which you’ll learn how to set up and position a top-quality telescope, and what to look for in the heavens. The company’s founder is a Starlight Astronomy Monitor accredited by the Starlight Foundation.
Another option is Astroeduca, an organisation staffed by astrophysicists and other scientists that has been teaching people of all ages about the stars for nearly three decades – more than 75,000 children and 30,000 astrotourists have experienced education programmes including visits to observatories and to the highest points on the island. Astroeduca works with the Canarian government and the tourist board to invest in sustainable astrotourism and the preservation of the natural environment, as well as researching how best to protect the night sky.
Photo by Joel Rohland
Photo by Marcin Jozwiak
Sustainable Stargazing
The original inhabitants of Gran Canaria used the sun, moon and stars to both understand and navigate their environment and lives. When you head up into the quiet of the mountains, surrounded by heat-retaining volcanic rock and resplendent nature, it’s easy to see why. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for human eyes to fully adjust to darkness – but when they’ve become accustomed to the inky blackness, the sky seems awash with stars.
Dark-sky and astrotourism initiatives are hugely important for maintaining both the natural environment of Gran Canaria and its cultural heritage. Thanks to its Starlight Foundation-certified status and stargazing resources, the island is the ideal place to discover the magic of astronomy. You’ll benefit not only by admiring the celestial beauty overhead, but also from the calm and relaxation that simply being in nature brings. Crucially, when you book onto dedicated stargazing tours and programmes you’ll also be helping to support local communities and the environment. And, because the island is so well connected, you can easily enjoy its sunshine and beaches during the day and head out stargazing that same night.
Photo by Joel Rohland
Need to know
When to go
Getting there
Event
Carnival, typically in February and March, is celebrated with huge parties in towns across the island.
Transgrancanaria is a 126km trail running race, also in February.
Valsequillo Strawberry Festival is usually held in late April or May.
Glossary
Sustainability
The quality of being able to continue over a period of time, or the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance (Camrbdige Dictionary).
