There is something timeless about stargazing on a dark clear night.
On the Costa Blanca, stargazing isn’t just a lovely way to spend an evening, it has become a proper tourist attraction, known as astrotourism.
And with very little light pollution, the region is a top spot for anyone wanting a peaceful night under the stars. If that sounds like your cup of tea, here are two cracking places in the province of Alicante where the night sky puts on a show.
First up is Tabarca Island. It’s tiny, the smallest inhabited island in Spain, and only a short hop from the Alicante coast. While it’s mainly known for its marine life and being the country’s first marine reserve, there’s a lot going on overhead too. The island has been officially recognised as a “Starlight Site” by the Starlight Foundation, which, in the world of stargazing, is a pretty big deal. Basically, it means the skies are clear enough to make astronomy lovers very happy. UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union back the recognition.
One of the best spots on the island is Punta Falcón, right at the eastern end. Depending on the time of year, you can see different constellations light up the sky. Winter brings Orion, Taurus and Auriga. In summer, look out for Lyra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, and even the Milky Way making a bright appearance. With no city lights around and only the sea for company, whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just after a quiet night away, it’s worth staying the night.
Then there’s Tárbena, a small village tucked away in the Marina Baixa region. It’s not far from the coast but feels a world away from the usual beach crowds. Because it’s so remote and not flooded with artificial lights, the night skies here are clear. The town has embraced astrotourism as a way to attract visitors all year round.
A favourite spot for stargazing in Tárbena is the “Collaret de Sa Vinya” viewpoint. It’s got wide views of the sky and surrounding hills, plus helpful info to help you pick out constellations and learn a few myths along the way. There’s also the “As Pou” recreational area, which is perfect for a starlit picnic. It’s got tables, open spaces and plenty of room to stretch out and look up. From here, you might spot Andromeda, Ursa Major, and even a few satellites zooming past if you’re lucky.
Tárbena also hosts astronomy events throughout the year, workshops, sky tours, and special nights for meteor showers and moon watching. The town is currently working on getting its own Starlight certification too, which would officially put it on the astrotourism map and help protect its lovely dark skies for the future.
