The Comapedrosa Natural Park in La Massana has been named a Starlight Tourist Destination and Reserve. A privileged place where light pollution does not prevent you from seeing the charm of the starry sky and enjoying the best dark skies in southern Europe.
The principality of Andorra is one of the most desirable places to visit, both in winter and summer. Its gastronomy and nature offers a special essence, and in addition, this year, the parish of La Massana has been awarded the seal as a place suitable for the practice of night-time astronomical observation. A unique experience that can be enjoyed far from the city lights. Through the Starlight guides and monitors, the moment of observing the sky can be enjoyed in a more complete way. From looking with the naked eye, without a telescope, to finding the constellations or learning about the mythology that has been present in them for centuries.
To enjoy the area in peace and quiet, there is the Comapedrosa hut, located at an altitude of 2,260 metres. The complex has a capacity for 45 people, and offers a local mountain gastronomy service, as well as being fully equipped for a few days’ stay. The reservations can be made from the website of the refuge, and can be enjoyed during the months of June and October.
Stellar viewpoints in La Massana
In the parish grounds there are two viewpoints: the Mirador del Roc de la Sabina and the Mirador del Coll de la Botella. Both places have observation tables to discover and learn about the stars that surround us in the sky. They also offer different activities to enjoy summer nights in the open air.
The Comapedrosa Natural Park has a refuge for visitors who are passing through and want to enjoy the nights in an environment without light pollution and surrounded by nature.
From 1 July to 31 August, every Tuesday and Saturday, en Comú de la Massana organises the activity of observing the sky from Coll de la Botella with monitors from Starlight. A 3-hour experience in which all you need is suitable mountain footwear and a good coat. In addition, the Roc de Sabina viewpoint, on 30 September at nine o’clock in the evening, is equipped with telescopes for an astronomical observation trip. This last activity is free, and with limited capacity, requiring prior registration to participate;
Capturing stars through cameras
There is nothing like getting away from distractions to enjoy the live experience and enjoy summer nights under the stars. Leave it engraved in your memory and remember that connection while observing the gigantic universe that surrounds us. But if you want to capture the moment through photography, the association of photographers of La Massana offers astrophotography workshops. Together with them you can walk along trails, learning the best techniques for capturing the brightness of the sky.
Astrotourism offers a unique experience in clean places, where nature and the sky shine. Activities to get to know the stars that envelop the universe and attract both adults and children.
For 12 August an astrophotography outing is planned to photograph the Perseids meteors, which can be seen from midnight onwards. Meanwhile, a few minutes before, the Milky Way will be visible. For the workshop, it is essential that everyone brings their own equipment, including a personal camera, tripod, memory cards and batteries. The experience starts at 10 p.m. from the Coll de la Botella viewpoint.This activity is also free of charge, but with limited capacity.
Images provided by Turismo Andorra
