Explore the firmament in one of the best skies in Europe
Extremadura and its Network of Viewpoints and lhe Great Alqueva Lake region in Alentejo, Portugal, are certified as a tourist destination StarlightThis was achieved thanks to the low pollution in the region.
Astrotourism is a type of sustainable tourism based on contemplating the night skies and visiting places conducive to astronomical observation.
Contemplating and studying the night sky is becoming increasingly popular among travellers looking for a different kind of getaway. But discovering the wonders of the firmament requires different conditions to ensure a good experience.
Thanks to important factors such as the climate, light pollution, clear skies and the existence of excellent locations, Extremadura and Portugal are home to different locations and tourist destinations that are perfect for the practice of astro-tourism.
Where are the best locations?
There are different Starlight-certified observation areas throughout Extremadura and Portugal.
On the one hand, in Extremadura, there are some of the most important ones, such as MonfragüeThe first to receive such knowledge, with locations such as Salto del Gitano, or TrujilloThe museum has at its disposal a planetarium installed in the Conventual de San Francisco, the largest mobile planetarium in Spain.
Meanwhile, Portugal also has perfect characteristics for this practice due to the low light pollution and its low latitude in places such as Barrancos, Monsaraz, Mourão o Portel.
There is also the Network of celestial viewpoints of Extremadura. These nocturnal supports interpret the starscape in which they are located, showing the main constellations that can be seen from where they are installed. There are very many of them: Olivenza, Granadilla, Cáparra...
In Portugal, the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve has telescopes at its disposal in key locations to enhance and increase the constellation viewing experience.
What does astro-tourism bring?
In addition to being a fairly modern practice, it is a sustainable tourism of great value. This activity usually takes place in small towns and little-known locations, perfect for those who are looking for something unique and uncrowded.
It is a perfect way to contemplate the natural and scenic heritage of the destinations: a different way to experience the culture of the area.
We guarantee that a getaway of this style will make you enjoy ecological and rural tourism like never before, a unique experience! Contact us without obligation and we will offer you the best trip.
