Top 10 outstanding vacations for celestial observing and astronomy

In today's fast-paced world, taking a break to appreciate the beauty of the universe has become a popular choice for many. Here are some of the best stargazing destinations that offer a chance to escape light pollution and immerse yourself in the cosmos.

First on our list is the Sierra Sur de Jaén Starlight Reserve in Andalucía, Spain. With its sparsely populated landscape and minimal light pollution, it boasts an impressive 300 clear nights a year. For those seeking a more structured experience, Casa Olea Starlight Hotel within the reserve offers stargazing weekends and features night-sky-friendly lighting. The Observatorio Andaluz de Astronomía at La Pedriza within the reserve also hosts stargazing events and workshops.

The Canary Islands, specifically Fuerteventura, are considered one of the best places in Europe for amateur astronomers. Fuerteventura is a UNESCO Starlight Reserve and offers a four-day night photography course with professional photographer Simon Waldram. El Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife is another UNESCO Starlight Reserve, offering stargazing sessions with telescopes.

Utah, USA, is a world-famous dark-sky location and offers numerous spots for stargazing. The Cedar Breaks National Monument, located at a higher altitude, offers better stargazing opportunities. Utah also hosts Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Canyonlands National Park, and the northern side of the Grand Canyon, providing a diverse range of stunning landscapes for stargazing.

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has an astronomy and night-sky program every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The park is not alone in its commitment to astronomy; Bryce Beacons, officially known as Bannau Brycheiniog, in Wales is the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales and hosts a Dark Sky Festival in September. Wales is one of the darkest countries in the world, with many rural areas having minimal light pollution.

For those seeking a tropical stargazing experience, the luxury Gili Lankanfushi resort in the Maldives offers a completely dark sky, devoid of light pollution, and a powerful telescope managed by night sky-trained staff. Hotel Ranga in Iceland is another luxury resort with its own observatory, equipped with telescopes suitable for astrophotography.

As the popularity of stargazing holidays grows, more hotels and resorts around the globe are beginning to schedule stargazing sessions and install telescopes and observatories. Rural locations, with their minimal light pollution, are ideal for these experiences. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual stargazer, these destinations offer a unique and awe-inspiring opportunity to connect with the cosmos.