The island boasts one of world’s cleanest skies
Under a clean and clear sky, Tenerife offers stargazing like no other place in the world – in fact, the island is considered one of the best places on the planet to watch stars, constellations and planets.
Since 2014, the sky of the Teide National Park is recognised as a “Starlight Destination” in the “Tourist Destination” category; a title awarded by the Starlight Foundation certifying that stargazing in the Teide National Park meets the requirements and procedures for the protection of the sky and its natural and associated cultural values. The island is also home to the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands. Visitors can make the most of Tenerife’s clear skies by joining one of the stargazing tours on offer.
In addition, summer visitors to Tenerife can also witness two additional shows: the galaxies beyond the Milky Way and “the summer triangle”, an amalgamation of stars from three separate constellations (Vega, Altair and Deneb). In August, visitors can also look for the Perseids, known as the “tears of St. Lawrence”.
Tenerife’s best sports for stargazing
The peak of Guajara
To get to this place, visitors must first walk along the Degollada path and reach the Peak of Guajara. The first part of the walk takes about an hour and the final part can be done in an hour and a half. The impressive panoramic views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, are worth it. The mountain of Guajara is the third highest point within the Teide National Park, at 2,715 metres above sea level. The astronomer Jean Mascart observed Halley’s comet in 1910. For this purpose, he built a hut and some remains remain at the top of the road.
The Parador and its surroundings
One place that is very easy to reach, without having to walk a long way, is the Parador de Las Cañadas and its surroundings. This hotel, the only one within the national park, has a coffee shop open to the public, which can serve as a base camp for stargazing tours. The Parador also has a large car park and is conveniently located close to great places for stargazing such as La Ruleta and Roques de García.
Plain of Ucanca Viewpoint
This viewpoint, located at the foot of the TF-21 road, offers stunning views of Mount Teide. The large plain that gives it its name makes it an ideal place to stop and enjoy the vastness around you.
Tabonal Negro Viewpoint
We’ll have a breath-taking view of the Guajara Mountains by just turning our back to Mount Teide. The Tabonal Negro viewpoint is especially popular during the day when the red tajinastes (an endemic plant species growing in Teide National Park) are in bloom. Sunset is the best time to observe the night sky. The Tabonal Negro viewpoint is also next to the TF-21 road and has a small car park.
La Ruleta Viewpoint
Located right next to the Roques de García, La Ruleta viewpoint offers plenty of space to set up a telescope and observe both Mount Teide and the rock formation of La Fortaleza and its surroundings.
For the best experience ever, specialists advise observing the stars with binoculars or a telescope. An app that includes a map of the night sky will help to locate the stars and constellations. Bearing in mind that night-time stargazing usually takes place at high altitudes, it is essential to bring a coat or jacket and a hot drink. If the stargazing area is protected or belongs to a protected natural environment, it is necessary to check in advance whether permits are required.
