Following the recent planetary parade, in which seven planets were visible in the night sky, we gaze at the astrotourism destinations that combine natural beauty with cosmic colour and wonder.
ASTROTOURISM SPOTS
A form of nature-based travel concerned with viewing starry skies and celestial events, astrotourism presents a cosmic alternative to traditional vacations.
This once-niche pursuit for amateur astronomers and devoted campers has gained traction in modern travel as tourists increasingly discover the magic of the night, switching out beaches and sun loungers for dark skies and meteor showers.
The global Northern Lights tourism market, for example, generated revenues of USD$941.9 million in 2024, a number that is forecast to exceed USD$1.6 billion by the end of the decade.
Astrotourism also plays a vital role in raising awareness of light pollution, which is growing at an alarming rate.
Indeed, a staggering 99 percent of people now live under night skies that, to some degree, are polluted by artificial light.
Europe and North America experience some of the world’s most light-polluted skies, with the vast majority of people living in locations where the Milky Way is no longer visible.
Low light pollution is not only good for stargazing but also vital to nocturnal wildlife and human well-being.
Thankfully, there are still plenty of locations around the world to experience the cosmos.
LASTOVO, CROATIA
Many Croatian regions, including Lastovo, are actively promoting astrotourism with guided tours and events.
The island provides an impressive experience immersed in the sea and far away from mainland light pollution, leaving observers breathless at night skies speckled with stars.
Croatia’s most distant inhabited island features an old medieval settlement rich with history and surrounded by hills, offering amazing views of the dark Lastovo sky as well as the surrounding fields and crystal-clear sea.
WHITE DESERT, EGYPT
Renowned for its clear skies, the White Desert is an ideal location for camping overnight and witnessing countless stars, creating a magical and unforgettable experience.
The desert is renowned for its stunning geological formations, whimsical shapes, and intricate beauty, which come together to create a truly otherworldly atmosphere.
After a day of exploration, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the desert night sky, dotted with twinkling stars that illuminate the vast expanse of the White Desert.
COONABARABRAN, AUSTRALIA
There are numerous stargazing spots in New South Wales (NSW) where you can be awed by jaw-dropping night sky views.
Coonabarabran is known as the capital of Australian astronomy as it has zero light pollution and is home to the nation’s first Dark Sky Park – Warrumbungle National Park – whose two observatories make it a magnet for professional and amateur astronomers.
You can also discover the country’s largest optical telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory on the edge of the park, including the world-famous Anglo-Australian Telescope.
GALLOWAY FOREST PARK, SCOTLAND
The UK’s first designated Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park is one of the best places to see the Milky Way arching across the sky, distant planets, and even the occasional Northern Lights display thanks to its minimal light pollution.
Over 7,000 stars and planets are visible with the naked eye on a clear night, making it one of the leading spots to stargaze in Europe.
Galloway Forest Park is the UK’s largest forest park, with over 300 square miles of outstanding natural beauty, and is special due to its remoteness as barely anyone lives in the area.
BRECON BEACONS, WALES
A clear night in the Brecon Beacons is enough to make anyone starry-eyed as you can see just about anything – the Milky Way, major constellations, bright nebulas, and even meteor showers.
Brecon Beacons National Park has some of the highest-quality dark skies in the whole UK, perfect for stargazers to come and stay.
One of the park’s most iconic sites is Llanthony Priory, a stunning ruined building in the guardianship of Cadw situated in a beautiful valley.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a community that goes to such great lengths to reduce light pollution as the Brecon Beacons.
LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS
Walking in the darkness of “La Isla Bonita” (The Beautiful Island), it’s almost as if you can touch the stars with your fingertips.
The Roque de los Muchachos Visitor Centre, located at an altitude of 2,426 metres, guarantees the best conditions for astronomical observation and houses the world’s most important astrophysics observatories in the proximity.
Thanks to the exceptional conditions of the La Palma skies, there are also numerous tours, workshops, and photography courses available throughout the island to enjoy the wonders of
the universe.
CHURCHILL, CANADA
Located directly beneath the aurora oval, Churchill is the best place on Earth to view the aurora borealis.
The skies of this subarctic port town come alive with the spectacular Northern Lights, which can be viewed most of the year, however January, February, and March are the most ideal times to view the spectacle due to the longer nights and colder weather.
Scientists from around the world travel to Churchill to study the natural phenomenon.
