Astronomical observation using telescopes in the Tabernas Desert

Did you know that the Tabernas Desert boasts some of the clearest, most unobstructed skies in the whole of continental Europe?

Escape the daily grind with a 2-hour adventure in Almería, designed to give you a glimpse of the universe from an unrivalled natural setting. Accompanied by a certified Starlight guide, you’ll learn to interpret the night sky with the naked eye and see lunar craters, nebulae and galaxies through high-end professional telescopes. What’s more , you’ll take home a digital group photo under the stars as a lasting memento of this night in the desert.

What we will do

We’ll meet 5 minutes before the agreed time at the meeting point in the Tabernas Desert. The activity will begin around 40 minutes after sunset so that we can enjoy the ideal darkness. There, we will be met by our guide, an astronomy instructor certified by the Starlight Foundation, who will welcome us and explain how we will make the most of the unique conditions of this desert sky.

We’ll start with around 45 minutes of naked-eye sky interpretation. With the help of a laser pointer, we’ll explore the constellations, learn the basics of positional astronomy to find our way around the night sky, and hear fascinating mythological tales about the patterns formed by the stars.

In the second part, we’ll get hands-on with two high-powered professional telescopes: a 305 mm Explore Scientific and a state-of-the-art Smart Telescope. Taking turns, we’ll look through the eyepieces to examine in great detail the most spectacular celestial objects depending on the time of year: from the Moon’s craters and the planets’ rings to binary stars, globular clusters and distant galaxies. Meanwhile, we can settle down on the blankets laid out on the ground to gaze at the night sky in complete comfort.

Before we finish, we’ll take a group photo as a memento under the starry sky of Tabernas. After around two hours of in-depth exploration, we’ll say our goodbyes with the feeling that the cosmos is now a little less of a mystery, but with our curiosity piqued to continue discovering all the wonders hidden within the infinite.

Who it is aimed at

This experience is suitable for people of all ages.

Children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.

The perfect activity for both curious beginners and astronomy enthusiasts.

It is not accessible to wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility due to the uneven terrain of the desert.

Pets are allowed.

Other information

The activity is available all year round. Sessions take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The stargazing session begins approximately 40 minutes after sunset; the organiser will confirm the exact time in the booking confirmation email.

It takes place in mixed groups of a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 24 participants.

There is free parking in the natural surroundings next to the meeting point. There is no regular public transport service to the exact location; you will need to make your own way there by car.

If anyone in the group needs a chair to sit on rather than sitting on the ground on the blankets, you can request this in advance.

You can request a personalised individual photo during the evening for an additional charge of €2.

Recommended clothing

Warm clothing