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Tenerife might be famed for its beaches and nightlife but its Teide National Park has been named as one of the best places for star gazing.
The Unesco World Heritage Site was awarded the “Starlight Tourist Destination” and “Starlight Reserve” certificates by the Starlight Foundation, given to places with low light pollution and pristine night-sky conditions, which are considered ideal for stargazing.
A “Starlight Tourist Destination” is carefully chosen due to its excellent conditions and for offering tourist activities related to the activity. On the other hand, a “Starlight Reserve” is a place with a commitment to protect the quality of the night sky and the access to star light.
The island is used to playing host to “astro tourists” thanks to events such as the Starmus Festival, the next edition of which will be held in 2014 (dates to be confirmed), and activities including guided stargazing excursions and tours to the Teide Observatory (2,390 metres high).
Also, Mount Teide’s cable car has recently introduced a new experience which includes stargazing at sunset while enjoying dinner at 2,000 metres above sea level.
Carlos Alonso of the Tenerife Island Government said: “Astronomy is becoming a more and more popular activity in Tenerife and we are extremely happy that the Teide National Park has achieved the ‘Starlight’ seal, recognising the excellent quality of the island’s skies, which keep attracting tourists and scientists from around the world.”
The Starlight Foundation is the body responsible for the operational management of the ‘Starlight Initiative’, an international campaign launched in 2007 aiming at protecting the quality of the night sky and the general right to contemplate the stars. This initiative is backed by organisations such as Unesco, the IAU (International Astronomical Union) and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
