Stargazing in Tenerife: Discover the island’s starry skies

If you are on the fence about booking stargazing trips in Tenerife, listen up! While Tenerife may be a small island, when it comes to astronomy, it is recognised alongside places like Hawaii and Chile as one of the world’s best stargazing sites. The unpolluted skies of the Mount Teide National Park make it possible to view 83 of the 88 officially recognised constellations as well as the blanket of stars known as the Milky Way. 

Its Starlight Destination status and the Tenerife Observatory mean that some of the best astronomers are on hand to share their knowledge and exceptional telescopes are available for seeing the night sky with expert-level precision. What’s more, if you are staying at one of Tenerife’s hotels, some tours offer transport to and from your accommodation, making it even easier to enjoy stargazing in Tenerife.

From the north to the south, the island is full of secluded hideaways that are ideal for admiring the Tenerife night sky. But the place to be is high up in the lunar landscape of the El Teide National Park. It is the highest point in Spain (3700m) and one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. When deciding where to see the stars in Tenerife, it is important to consider the light pollution, air pollution and altitude. With this in mind, the El Teide National Park offers various strategic spots for a star-studded night. 

Rising above the vast caldera of Las Cañadas del Teide, Guajara is the highest peak on the amphitheatre rim and a truly remarkable vantage point for stargazing in Tenerife. The trek up the mountain is not for the faint-hearted, however, and the trails can be steep and demanding. Yet, for those willing to make the effort, the sweeping views across the national park and the vast, twinkling skies are a valuable reward. You feel as though you can almost touch the sky from this lofty perch. Far from the glow of civilisation, Guajara is one of the best stargazing spots in Tenerife.

There is something almost extraterrestrial about the Llano de Ucanca lookout with its volcanic plateau and dramatic rock formations. From this spot, the horizon stretches wide and unobstructed, making it a fabulous place to see Tenerife’s stars. Here, the interpretive board invites you to imagine how Mount Teide would compare if it stood on Mars, a reminder of the island’s uncanny resemblance to planetary landscapes. Access to this point is less demanding than the hike up Guajara and it can be easily accessed by car. It is ideal for those wanting a front-row view of the night sky without a strenuous climb. 

If you have booked a Tenerife Observatory night tour, you will need to set your GPS to Izaña, home to Tenerife’s working observatory. Perched more than 2400 metres above sea level, the Tenerife Observatory is run by the Canary Islands’ Institute of Astrophysics and is one of the world’s most important solar observatories. Visitors with a passion for astronomy can join a guided tour, peering behind the scenes at the powerful telescopes and learning how international researchers unravel the mysteries of the cosmos from this extraordinary perch.

If venturing up winding mountain roads is not for you, then take to the sea to get uninterrupted views of the night skies Tenerife offers. From the comfort of a luxury yacht, guests at Tenerife’s Royal Hideaway Corales Beach can enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a guided stargazing Tenerife experience with a private sky coach. Of course, a high-quality telescope is available to capture the magic up close and create a truly unforgettable experience. Tenerife is not just one of the most famous international dark sky locations it is also home to 785 miles in which to explore and create your adventure.  From observing  the whales and dolphins in Los Gigantes to going underground at the Cueva del Viento there are endless ways to enjoy the island. For a taste of city life visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of La Laguna - a picturesque city bursting with life.

By day, it is a hiker’s paradise. By night, it transforms into a dramatic natural amphitheatre for stargazing with minimal light pollution and footfall. The sense of isolation here is palpable, perfect for those looking for a scenic drive with the reward of an unspoilt night sky glittering above the valley. Access to the valley itself is regulated and requires a permit booked in advance, but you can still enjoy the spectacle of the night sky from the viewpoint at the valley’s entrance, without the need for a strenuous hike.

There is nothing more memorable than booking a private yacht and enjoying a stargazing cruise off the coast of Costa Adeje with the Tenerife stars at night twinkling above. This exclusive service, offered by the luxury, adults-only Royal Hideaway Corales Beach Resort, is one of the best stargazing Tenerife experiences for those wanting to push the boat out. The Cruise Under The Stars experience offers an on-board dinner with views of neighbouring La Gomera as well as a private astronomy workshop so you can translate the map of stars into constellations and planets. This experience is ideal for lovebirds on their honeymoon or couples looking for a luxurious way to enjoy stargazing in Costa Adeje.

On Tenerife’s southern coast, the San Blas Environmental Reserve is a fantastic place for guests of Barceló Tenerife to watch the stars. Here, guests of Barceló Tenerife are invited to join an intimate stargazing experience led by renowned astronomer Francisco Roca of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands. To set the scene, guests are treated to a carefully curated picnic bursting with fresh, local flavours amid the reserve’s rugged natural beauty. 

As the golden glow of the evening begins to fade, telescopes are trained on the heavens and Roca guides guests through constellations, planets and the seasonal wonders of the sky. This is a rare opportunity to blend gastronomy, nature and astronomy and one that ensures a memorable moment in one of Tenerife’s most enchanting settings.

Having uncovered Tenerife’s stargazing locations, the next step is knowing when to go. Blessed with more than 300 clear nights a year, skies safeguarded by law, and virtually no light pollution, the island offers celestial views in every season. Still, timing can make the experience even more extraordinary. Winter skies reveal Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, framed by constellations such as Orion, Taurus and Canis Major. Summer brings the Milky Way at its brightest, a luminous ribbon stretching directly overhead between June and September, along with the dazzling Summer Triangle. For an unforgettable spectacle, plan your visit around one of the island’s three great meteor showers: the Quadrantids in January, the Perseids in August, and the Geminids in December. And if you want the stars at their most vivid, aim for a night when the moon is new, leaving the heavens at their darkest and most enchanting.