Spain is one of the best destinations in the world for astrotourism thanks to the little light pollution we find throughout the territory and the large number of clear nights and natural protected areas that allow you to enjoy the night sky almost in solitude.
Faced with this growing tourist trend and on the occasion of the celebration, on May 15, World Astronomy Day, Indie Campers, one of the leading rental platforms for motorhomes and camper vans in Spain and Europe, has picked up some of the roads highest in Spain that will lead us to the highest places in our country to be closer to the stars:
Road A-395, Pico Veleta (Granada). In Granada we find not only the highest road in Spain but also in Europe as it rises to more than 3,300 meters. This road leads us to Pico Veleta, the fourth highest peak in our country, located in the Sierra Nevada and one of the best destinations in Spain to enjoy the stars. There, we can do hiking trails, sign up for organized outings to watch sunrise or sunset from the mountain or visit its observatory.
Road TF-21, El Teide (Tenerife). This road leads us to the base of the highest mountain in Spain, El Teide, located on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). More specifically, it takes us to Montaña Blanca, which is more than 2,700 meters above sea level and, from which, there is an unpaved road with closed access whose route takes us to the top. However, it is not necessary to climb the peak to enjoy the stars because, from any point in the National Park, we can enjoy the night sky without light pollution. Of course, if we are looking for the best place to observe the sky we will have to go up to the Altavista Refuge, which is considered one of the best places in the world to see the stars.
Road M-601, Bola del Mundo (Madrid). This road from the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid) takes us to the Bola del Mundo, the westernmost mountain of the Cuerda Larga mountain range. Going up the road to the Port of Navacerrada we can ascend to more than 2,250 meters of altitude and enjoy the incredible views of the Sierra de Madrid and also the night sky that offers this isolated area. In the Valdesquí station, located below the Ball of the World, different activities and days of astrotourism are organized in which, apart from observing the sky, one learns about the celestial bodies and the Universe.
AL-871 road, Calar Alto (Almería). This road takes us, at more than 2,100 meters above sea level, to the Calar Alto Observatory, which is the largest astronomical observatory in Europe. There is Calar Alto, which is the highest mountain in the Sierra de los Filabres in Almeria and one of the best places to observe the stars. The Observatory usually organizes activities both day and night to enjoy the benefits of observing the night sky in such an isolated environment.
Road A-2627, Puerto del Ampriu, Valle de Benasque (Aragón). This road leads us to the mountain port of the same name which is more than 2,200 meters above sea level. However, the paved road only reaches a little over 1,900 meters so we will have to leave the car in the parking lot of the area and walk a little along the gravel road that takes us to the real port. There, we can enjoy incredible views of the Pyrenees and also its stunning night sky.