Seven Starlight getaways to enjoy the Perseids
24 de July 2024

One of the most spectacular events of the year is the Perseid shower. Until August 24, you can observe magical stars crossing the sky. However, the peak occurs between August 11 and 13, when the famous tears of San Lorenzo are more frequent. For such a special occasion, there is no better place than Paradores to enjoy the beauty of the cosmos. Some of our establishments have the Starlight Destination recognition, which guarantees skies free of light pollution. Do you know which are these Paradores?

 

 

Five Paradores certified with the Starlight seal

 

At Paradores, we boast that several of our establishments have been recognized as Starlight Tourist Destinations. This means that from our award-winning buildings you can observe the best panoramic view of the sky. Therefore, in some Paradores, we have prepared an astro-tourist getaway that, in addition to including the activity, offers breakfast and a night's accommodation. So, if you feel like watching the tears of San Lorenzo, take a look at these Paradores and do not hesitate to contact us for availability.

The first Starlight stop could not be other than the Aran Valley and specifically the Parador de Vielha. There, on August 13, we will live an unforgettable experience. On the terrace of the Parador, with incredible views of the starry mantle crowning the Pyrenean summit, an astrotourism activity will take place completely free of charge for our customers. Thanks to the visit of three specialized technicians, we will travel through the stellar sky and contemplate one of the best panoramic views of the Perseids that will occur in our territory. In addition, you can take advantage of your stay to explore the magic of the picturesque Aranese villages, which at nightfall shine with their own light.

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"Observación astronómica"
Astronomical observation from the Parador of Vielha

 

Another Starlight corner is the Parador de Gredos. In the middle of the mountains, surrounded by steep gorges, serene lagoons and rocky cirques, it is the ideal place to enjoy the most special night of the year. From the terrace of this mountain refuge, you will contemplate the immensity of the firmament and the amazing starlight. In addition, the Parador is perfectly located to explore other municipalities that also stand out for their night scenery, such as Arenas de San Pedro or Puerto del Pico, where you can take a leisurely stroll along its Roman road, one of the best preserved in Spain.

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In the southeast of Extremadura, we find the Parador de Guadalupe, a mandatory destination to enjoy the tears of San Lorenzo. The special thing about this Parador is that it is part of the Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark, an environment free of light pollution with one of the darkest skies in Spain. In this meadow, we organize the workshop “Under the starry mantle of the Geopark”, an activity of the Nature for the Senses program that invites us to relax and contemplate the stars with the help and experience of expert guides.

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Can you imagine watching the Perseids at an altitude of 1,560 meters? From the terrace of the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda, you will have the sensation of almost touching the stars. Being on a high promontory, it becomes one of the most special places in the Canary Islands to enjoy this astronomical phenomenon. Come this season to marvel at the stars, the constellations and the tears of San Lorenzo, while enjoying a delicious dinner. We recommend you try the exquisite native fish of the coast or the local kid, known as baifo.

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If there is a Parador where it is worth taking advantage of our astrotourism pack, that is the Parador de Sigüenza. In the morning, nothing better than enjoying a delicious breakfast with selected fruits and handmade pastries to recharge your batteries and explore the rooms of this medieval castle. The cobblestone courtyard, the rooms with wooden balconies, the 13th century Romanesque chapel and the vaulted dining room are mandatory stops. At night, get ready to observe shooting stars and a firmament full of stars that will amaze you, thanks to the help of our certified monitors.

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Other Starlight Destinations

 

Since 2014, the Sierra Sur de Jaén has been recognized as a Starlight Destination. A team of experts has delimited the best areas where light pollution is scarce and the sky maintains its natural darkness. Municipalities in the highlands such as Alcalá la Real, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín, Frailes, Fuensanta de Martos, Valdepeñas de Jaén, Jamilena, Torredelcampo and Los Villares organize activities, excursions and other events to enjoy the magic of astrotourism.

A short distance away is the Parador de Jaén, located at the top of the hill of Santa Catalina. Thanks to its elevated position, from its rooms you can observe the Perseids crossing the sky, between the Sierra de la Mágina and Sierra Morena. In addition, you can not leave without tasting the delicious cuisine of Jaén. In our menu, we offer specialties such as pipirrana, hake with Mozarabic sauce and spinach with egg spread in the style of Jaén, dishes that will make you want to repeat again and again.

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La Palma, in the Canary Islands, is part of the Biosphere Reserve and is also a Starlight Destination. To travel to this place is to enjoy nights in nature, to lay your head back and marvel at the grandeur of the universe. La Palma is one of the regions with the least light pollution, so it is not surprising that the scientific community has installed here, specifically in the Roque de los Muchachos, an impressive astronomical observatory.

"parque roque de los muchachos"
View from Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma

 

And what can we say about the Parador de La Palma? It stands out for its island architecture, with white walls and wooden balconies. However, the real jewel is in its gardens. Here you can stroll peacefully among more than 70 native species, for example, the tajinaste, the dragon tree and the tabaiba. If you visit us to see the tears of San Lorenzo, keep your camera handy, because from here you can contemplate a sky full of stars with the immense Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

I WANT TO BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE LA PALMA