Inspirations
From Spain, a short flight away, to the Atacama desert, here's where to go for a trip built around the night sky.
Clear skies, low light pollution, altitude: some destinations are naturally suited to stargazing. Here are 3 ways to plan a trip built around the night sky, from an easy weekend away to a full desert expedition.
Quick answer: For a trip focused on the sky, plan your dates around the new moon, with dry air and far from city lights. There are three formats: a short stay in the Canary Islands (La Palma, Tenerife), a fixed-date trip for the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027 (Spain, Morocco, Egypt…) or an expedition to Chile’s Atacama Desert. Book early, especially for the eclipse.
La Palma and Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, rank among Europe's best stargazing sites: altitude, dry air, and officially certified Starlight Reserve skies. A 2-4 hour flight from most major European cities, for a total change of scenery without major jet lag. Spain has already experienced one total eclipse in August 2026 in the north of the country, and will see a second one as soon as August 2027, this time in the south.
On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, with totality exceeding 6 minutes near Luxor, a record for this century. The desert's clear skies offer optimal viewing conditions: it's already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the decade.
The Atacama Desert is home to some of the clearest skies on the planet, which is why the world's largest observatories (ALMA, Paranal) are located there. A destination worth a trip on its own, between astro-tourism lodges and nights spent under the open sky.
Entry requirements, health and safety: check the French foreign ministry’s travel advice before booking.
| Option | Recommended length | Best time | Points of attention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands (La Palma, Tenerife) | 4 to 7 days | Year-round, around the new moon | Altitude and cool nights; about a 4-hour flight from Paris |
| Total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027 | 4 to 10 days depending on the country | August 2, 2027 (fixed date) | Very early booking; high heat in Egypt; study the weather before choosing the location |
| Atacama Desert (Chile) | 8 to 12 days | Year-round (dry sky); April to September for the Milky Way | Altitude, cold nights, long flight |
Some observatories offer visits by reservation: inquire in advance.
1. Choosing a full-moon night: Moonlight washes out most of the stars.
2. Planning a single night on site: Cloud cover happens quickly: keep at least 2 or 3 nights.
3. Ignoring altitude: Teide and Atacama require acclimatization and good hydration.
4. Booking late for the eclipse: Hotels and flights along the path of totality fill up months ahead.
5. Looking at the Sun unprotected: Use certified eclipse glasses, except during totality.
6. Underestimating the cold: Even in a desert, nights are cool to cold.
From roughly March to October in the northern hemisphere, and April to September in Chile, around the new moon and under clear skies.
In southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Totality lasts more than 6 minutes near Luxor, but the heat there is very high: study the weather before choosing.
No: binoculars and a good star-map app are enough to start, and many lodges offer guided evenings.
The sky is dry almost all year; from April to September the Milky Way is especially visible.
4 to 7 days give you several observing nights and time to visit Teide or La Palma without rushing.
It depends on the destination: it is simpler in the Canary Islands than in the Atacama, Morocco or Egypt, where formalities, extreme climate and accommodation are problematic.
Editorial transparency
Budgets are estimates, not guaranteed prices. Entry requirements, opening hours, prices, availability and access rules can change, so confirm relevant details with official sources and providers before booking.
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