Last week, our team joined a stargazing experience under Mount Teide with Csillagnézés Tenerife, and it was an amazing evening full of new discoveries. We met around 8:30 p.m. in the mountains, just in time to watch a beautiful sunset above the clouds. As the sky turned dark, thousands of stars started to appear, and our experience began.
The activity was divided into three parts. First, Jorge and Anna, our guides, gave a short introduction and presentation about space, constellations, and the stars visible that night. It was really interesting, we learned how to find well-known constellations and understand more about what we see in the sky every night.
On of the best places for stargazing
The second part was focused on photography. Using a professional camera, we took amazing pictures under the clear sky, you can even see Andromeda and Cassiopeia on the sky! It was a great way to capture the memory and see how bright the stars can be in such a dark area.
The Canary Islands are known as a world’s top three stargazing destinations, thanks to their clear skies, low light pollution, and ideal weather conditions. The high altitude and clean air of Mount Teide National Park create perfect visibility almost all year round. That’s why the area is home to several important observatories and attracts astronomy lovers from all over the world.
Finally, we used a telescope to explore the night sky. We saw the Moon up close, Jupiter with its moons, and even parts of the Milky Way. Seeing these objects with our own eyes was an unforgettable experience.
Astrophotograph of the Month.
Jorge and Anna from Csillagnézés Tenerife were very kind and made the whole evening relaxed and enjoyable. They had blankets and hot drinks ready for everyone, which was perfect because after sunset it gets quite cold in the mountains.
Jorge is a very experienced astrophotographer, and some of his photos have even been published in National Geographic as Astrophotograph of the Month. His passion for astronomy and the way he explains everything made the activity fun, educational, and inspiring.
If you want to experience something different in Tenerife, surrounded by nature, stars, and good company, we highly recommend a stargazing night under Mount Teide.
Stargazing as a sustainable activity
Beyond being a magical night experience, stargazing is also a sustainable activity. Activities like this promote eco-tourism, encourage people to appreciate natural beauty, and raise awareness about protecting our planet from light pollution. It’s a great example of how we can enjoy Tenerife responsibly while connecting with nature in a meaningful way.
Canary Green’s tips to enjoying sustainable tourism in Canary Islands
Visiting Canary Islands on holiday doesn’t give you free rein to leave your values and principles at home. We encourage travellers to seek out sustainable options and keep up with environmental practices while travelling. Our top tips for a relaxed and wholesome stay include:
- Consider green transport options. Are you able to take a ferry to the island instead of flying? While you are here is a car necessary? Investigate public transport links or choose green options such as electric cars, green-hydrogen cars or e-bikes.
- Choose destinations that value sustainability and choose green alternatives such as solar power, recycling and energy-efficient architecture. This extends to places that value workers’ rights and the impact on the local community.
- Bring your own water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Make use of the recycling when out and about and don’t just throw your rubbish in the nearest bin.
- Take advantage of local knowledge and immerse yourself in the culture through campaigns such as #Ilovecanarias and #meatfreemondaycanarias.
- Most of all, have fun and enjoy your time in the Canary Islands.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in this Canary Green project where our aim is to help promote sustainable tourism in the Canary Islands.
Do you want us to find you more sustainable choices? Please support us and donate today!
- John Beckley; Founder of Canary Green non profit
- Canary Green non profit:
- Photographers & Videomakers:
Karolína Lišková, Barbora Kučerová, Nataliia Tataurova, Luca Buiatti
- Environmental chemist & Sustainable Tourism Consultant: Luca Buiatti
- Social Media Coordinator: Nataliia Tataurova
- Account Manager: Barbora Kučerová
- Project Manager: Karolína Lišková
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