Astrotourism in Malaga for starry sky lovers. It is an attractive alternative to the traditional and bustling coastal areas for inland tourism lovers who enjoy nature and the stars.
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Good reasons for stargazing in Malaga
- You can do it practically all year round: The skies are almost always clear and even in winter the temperatures are relatively mild.
- You can sign up for an astronomy experience with experts who will explain the night sky to you. These experiences usually include professional telescopes and equipment and professional guides.
- Surprise someone with a very different outing. Whether it’s to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Malaga, a birthday, a celebration with friends… it’s certainly a very different gift.
Below you will find links to guided astronomical experiences.
Meteor showers in Malaga
In case you didn’t know, although the Perseids in summer are the most famous star shower, you can see star showers all year round.
And as we said before, Malaga’s mild climate during the winter months makes it easy to spend a night outside without getting too cold.
Meteor shower calendar
Name and period of activity
- Quadrantids: 28 December – 12 January
- Lyrids: 14 – 30 April
- Eta Aquarids: 19 April – 28 May
- Delta Aquarids: 12 July – 23 August
- Perseids: 17 July – 24 August
- Orionids: 2 October – 7 November
- Leonids: 6 – 30 November
- Geminids: 4 – 17 December
- Ursids: 17 – 26 December
Astronomical experiences in Malaga
As you have probably guessed, to really enjoy the night sky in all its splendour, you have to move away from the coast or get higher up due to light pollution.
If you want to go on your own, basically any inland village such as the villages of the Axarquia or the villages of the Genal Valley are an excellent option.
If you prefer an astronomical experience at the hands of an expert, we present you some very interesting options for Astrotourism in Malaga.
Benalmadena Cable Car
The Benalmadena cable car is the most touristic and comfortable option to see the night sky without having to leave the coast.
The cable car leaves from the centre of Benalmadena and climbs in about 15 minutes to the peak of Mount Calamorro over 800 metres above sea level.
From there you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire coast of Malaga at night. During the summer months you can observe the sky with the help of large telescopes and projectors in its open-air Planetarium.
At the top there are several trails and panoramic viewpoints. It also has a restaurant, with an enclosed cafeteria and open-air terrace, and a kiosk.
For persons with reduced mobility: The cable car is accessible to wheelchairs with a total width of less than 70 cm or folding wheelchairs. The main viewing platform nearby is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Tickets for the cable car cost about 20 euros return. You can also buy a return ticket. Monte Calamorro is also reached by a footpath.
Astronomical Observatory El Torcal
The spectacular karst formation of El Torcal de Antequera is located about 50 km from Malaga.
This place is worth discovering all year round for its curious rock formations shaped by erosion.
Located at 1,200 metres, El Torcal has two short easy routes, a visitor centre and a restaurant.
In addition, an astronomical observatory, called Astrotorcal, is located there. The observatory offers telescope activities all year round. In winter usually on weekends and in summer there are activities several days a week.
Astrolab
This astronomical observatory is located in an old watchtower in the village of Yunquera about 50 km north of Marbella.
Yunquera belongs to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Its name derives from the fact that it usually snows on its peaks in winter.
In Astrolab you can enjoy public activities to see the night sky. They also offer the possibility of booking a private activity where the observatory opens just for you. A great idea for a special gift or an outing with friends.
Prices: Public sessions around 20 euros. Private sessions for groups of up to 6 people 250 €.
AstroÁndalus
Finally, we present AstroÁndalus, a travel agency specialised in Astrotourism in Malaga and other places.
AstroÁndalus organises events such as telescope observation, StarParties, workshops and lectures. It can be a perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary or wedding.
The activities take place mainly in the Axarquia region, on the eastern Costa del Sol.
Starlight Municipalities in Malaga
No, the Starlight municipalities have nothing to do with the popular summer boutique festival Starlite Marbella.
This distinction is awarded by the Fundación Starlight to destinations that stand out for the quality of their night skies for astronomical astronomical observation.
Most probably you have never heard the name Cuevas del Becerro, a small village situated in Serranía de Ronda, more than 700 metres above sea level.
This village of just 1,600 inhabitants is the first in the province of Malaga to receive recognition from the Starlight Foundation for the exceptional quality of its night sky.
This achievement puts Cuevas del Becerro on the map as a unique tourist destination in the province, where visitors can enjoy unparalleled starry nights and participate in astronomical observation activities.