Which stars can be seen in the north? How to enjoy astro-tourism in Green Spain

We’ve spent many months, many years, talking about the virtues of the land of Green Spain, but what about the sky? Is Green Spain’s celestial dome on the same level as the treasures of the mainland? The answer is ‘yes’, but we are not the ones to judge that — you are: here are four spots from which to spy on the Milky Way, chat with the stars, and discover a planet or two while strolling through the celestial vault. In Green Spain, we also fall in love with astrotourism.

EUSKADI. Izki Natural Park. (Araba/Álava)

What’s special about the Izki Natural Park?

It is a (large) green and rugged parenthesis in a territory mainly characterized by the drylands of the plain and the sea of vineyards of Rioja Alavesa. Add to this a low population density and the limited light pollution that comes with it. What’s the result? A very well-preserved forest environment without urban centers inside, located about 800 meters above sea level.

What can I see if I look at the sky in Izki?

The sky in Euskadi with the least light pollution, so on clear nights, it’s possible to clearly distinguish constellations and astronomical phenomena. The Behatokizki astronomical observatory in Korres, created in 2017, not only studies the sky from a scientific perspective, but also opens its doors to the public with a wide range of activities: photo exhibitions, daytime solar observations, and night sessions to enjoy planets, eclipses, or meteor showers.

What other plans can I make in Izki?

The attractions of Izki are not limited to the night. The third-largest natural park in Euskadi has a complete network of well-signposted trails that run through beech forests, oak groves, and shrub areas, home to species such as the middle spotted woodpecker, wildcat, or roe deer. At the park’s Interpretation Center located in Korres, you can get all the information you need. Mountain biking is also possible, as it has a certified BTT center in Bernedo. For flatter pedaling, the Vasco Navarro Railway Greenway runs a good stretch here. A charming village to spend a few hours? The beautiful Antoñana, with a medieval almond so exclusive that you won’t even find it on Google Street View.

CANTABRIA. Áliva Meadows, Camaleño

What’s special about Áliva?

“What’s not special?” would be the right question. Located between the Central and Eastern massifs of the Picos de Europa, Áliva is a high mountain area far from urban centers and almost without infrastructure that would alter the night landscape. We say ‘almost’ because there is only one: the Hotel Áliva, open during the warmer months and not just an accommodation but a center offering all kinds of activities: from photography workshops to guided routes, including of course, stargazing nights.

What can I see if I look at the sky in Áliva?

At 1,600 meters above sea level, Áliva’s surroundings offer particularly clear skies, free of humidity and light pollution. This altitude and the absence of nearby artificial light allow excellent visibility of the deep sky, along with a unique silence and atmosphere for stargazing and sensory relaxation. The setting is also ideal for long-exposure and astrophotography lovers, with spectacular images of the celestial vault framed by the mountain peaks.

What other plans can I make in Áliva?

The ‘Áliva experience’ begins the moment you arrive, when you leave your car at Fuente Dé and take the cable car to overcome the 753-meter elevation gain in just 4 minutes. In the daylight hours, when the stars sleep, the Picos de Europa National Park, Spain’s first protected natural space in 1918, unfolds in all its glory with more than thirty certified Short Distance (PR) trails that allow visitors to discover flora, fauna, peaks, and Atlantic forests. Want something more down to earth? No problem: at the foot of Áliva you’ll find a hand of heritage attractions led by the quaint village of Mogrovejo, the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana (final destination of the Camino Lebaniego, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or the attractive Potes, the visible head of the region and an excellent place to buy all kinds of Cantabrian gastronomic products.

ASTURIAS. Allande Council

What’s special about Allande?

Located in the southwest of Asturias, Allande has been recognized as Spain’s first Starlight Council, a certification that guarantees, among several aspects, the quality of the night sky for astronomical observation. What does this mean? That a specialized technician from the Starlight Foundation (an organization backed by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and UNESCO) has carried out various tests and measurements and concluded that the skies of Allande are ideal for astrotourism.

What can I see if I look at the sky in Allande?

From any high point in the council —such as the Ribón Viewpoint in Berducedo, Bustantigo, or the Palo Pass— and with basic knowledge of astronomy, it’s possible to enjoy the magic of the Milky Way (which runs parallel to the Northern Routes of the Camino de Santiago that pass through here), planets, or phenomena like star clusters. The Starlight certification implies not only visual quality of Allande but also a whole range of resources for accessing knowledge, both at an amateur and more advanced level: workshops, outreach events such as the August Allande Stars, night routes, and scientific outreach activities that help identify constellations, understand celestial motion, or simply enjoy the darkness as part of the landscape.

What other plans can I make in Allande?

Allande is one of Asturias’ hidden gems, a very unexplored territory that will directly connect with those looking for a genuine place: mid-mountain landscapes ideal for hiking, isolated villages, traditional architecture, wild fauna (the brown bear or the capercaillie being two of its most picturesque species), and of course, traditional lifestyles still present through livestock farming, cider agriculture, or beekeeping. Any concrete ideas? Of course: the imposing Cienfuegos Palace, the Iron Age San Chuis hillfort located in San Martín de Beduledo (and an excellent ‘spot’ for astrophotography lovers!), the “indiano” houses, or the medieval village of San Emiliano, declared a historic-artistic site in 1971.

GALICIA. Barra Cove. Cangas de Morrazo (Pontevedra)

What’s special about Barra Cove?

Despite being located just a few kilometers from two urban gems like Vigo and Pontevedra, Cabo Home seems to be in a remote area far from civilization. Why? Because when you look west, all you see is sea, ocean, an endless line of blue. The horizon is so clean that some claim they can even perceive the Earth’s curvature. This natural isolation, largely provided by the protected space of the Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, allows for a highly enjoyable phenomenon: astronomical observation from the sea.

What can I see if I look at the sky in Barra?

At nightfall, from the deck of a boat and with no light other than that of the horizon, the sky appears as clear as a movie screen. Boats departing from the ports of Vigo or Cangas can position themselves in areas of marine twilight, far from coastal light pollution, allowing for a visual and sensory experience that is very different from land. What other stimuli does the sea offer? Here, the sounds are radically different from those on land; the sea is devoid of crickets and insects, you might hear the squawk of a seagull and the perpetual sway of the waters.

What other plans can I make in Barra Cove and its surroundings?

During the day, there is no doubt: around Cabo Home, there is a fantastic selection of wild or very little urbanized beaches like Melide or Barra. As you move east, you’ll find more urban beaches like Liméns, Santa Marta, or Rodeira, already in the town of Cangas. Vigo, one of Galicia’s boldest and most cosmopolitan cities, is less than 20 kilometers away and is an excellent base not only for exploring the area (and the departure point for star-gazing boat tours) but also for enjoying Galician gastronomy and culture.

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