La Palma: Stargazing Experience with an Expert Astronomer

Peer at celestial jewellers never seen before through a powerful telescope and binoculars guided by an astronomer with decades of experience in research, education and public outreach.
Amateur astronomers, stargazing enthusiasts, or beginners of all ages, all are invited to join an exciting journey through the stars from one of the best astronomical place on Earth, the island of La Palma! Everything will be revealed by a passionate astronomer holding two doctorate titles in the field and extensive experience in research, education and outreach, eager to share his knowledge and celestial experiences with you!

For our stargazing sessions, I typically use the Llano del Jable Astronomical Viewpoint ("Mirador Astronomico Llano del Jable" which shows on maps, located on the LP-301 asphalt mountain road at km 6, at an altitude of 1,345 meters), though we may use other locations atop the island (such as "Centro de Visitantes (Museo) Roque de Los Muchachos" at an altitude of 2,078 meters), depending on the weather conditions and your whereabouts. The location will be confirmed before noon of your stargazing night.

We will meet at the established stargazing location about 15-30 min before the sunset (depending on the season, the time will be confirmed by your guide). Up there, you'll have the opportunity to have a short walk, admire and photograph a magnificent sunset, or watch your guide who will set up his telescope (about half hour needed). The actual experience will start about 15-30 min after sunset, and will lasts approximately two hours (max three hours for those really interested).

You will observe through a 30-cm diam GOTO telescope at least 10 astronomical objects, among which the Moon, some planets (visible at the time), stars and constellations, double stars, open and globular clusters of stars, nebulae, the Milky Way and distant galaxies! During the experience, you will learn basics about the apparent sky motion, formation, evolution and death of stars, astrophysics, and the difference between astronomy and astrology.

Tours are available for small groups (4–10 people) in Spanish, English, Romanian or French. Prices: €50 per adult person (above 15) for a minimum of 4 participants. We offer 20% discounts for families with kids (40 Euro/kid below 15 years) and free access for quiet babies (below 3 years).

You should drive a car, otherwise ask for a possible taxi service, at least one day before. Please drive very carefully especially on your way back, tired in the dark, there are many curves and precipices in La Palma! Please bring warmer clothes because it can get cold and windy in the mountains, especially outside summer, and especially at higher altitude.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.