The world's best stargazing destinations

Dark skies and shooting stars – find the best stargazing destinations.

From the top of a volcano to the middle of the desert, here are some of our favourite stargazing spots across the globe. You don’t need to know your Orion’s Belt from your Lyra to enjoy these ooh-worthy locations either…

APHRODITE’S ROCK – PAPHOS, CYPRUS

Paphos might not be the first destination that springs to mind when it comes to stargazing, but this sun-kissed town in Cyprus is relatively cloud free all-year round, making its skies perfect for spotting the stars. Head to Aphrodite’s Rock – said to be the birthplace of the mythical Greek goddess of love – and you can spy the Milky Way towering above an ocean backdrop.

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WADI RUM DESERT – JORDAN

Thanks to its sheer size and lack of light pollution, this vast desert in Jordan is one of the best stargazing spots in the Middle East. Hop on a 4X4 safari over the rolling dunes to a secluded Bedouin camp for the night, and after you’ve walked in the famed footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, you can tuck into a traditional meal under the starlit sky.

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MOUNT TIEDE NATIONAL PARK – TENERIFE, SPAIN

By day, this national park in Tenerife is a must visit for its volcanic landscapes. But when night falls, it’s home to some of the clearest, darkest skies in Europe. With a high-altitude – the highest point on the Atlantic Ocean, in fact – and laws that limit light pollution on the island, too – the conditions here are perfect for staring at the stars.

Browse our holidays to Tenerife

ROVANIEMI, LAPLAND

Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. They’re on display here 200 nights a year, and you’re most likely to see them during the winter months. Head out with a guide into the wilderness and spot frozen snow-covered trees along with the show. You can watch the spectacle at the Arktikum Museum & Science Centre, too.

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Ready to go stargazing?

If you love being in the great outdoors, check out our articles on the best tours for mountain lovers and five beautiful waterfalls across the globe.

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Author: Jessica Houtby

Last updated: 11.05.2020