Europe is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its mix of wild landscapes, Dark Sky Parks, and remote islands where light pollution is almost non-existent.
Below, we’ll explore some of the most awe-inspiring places to admire the night sky, from volcanic peaks in Spain to the rugged coastlines of Ireland and Scotland. Whether you want an accessible spot for your first stargazing trip or a remote escape that feels untouched, there is a destination to suit every level of night-sky enthusiast.
The Canary Islands are home to some of the clearest night skies on the planet, making them one of Europe’s premier destinations for astronomy. La Palma’s protected skies attract professional astronomers from across the globe, while Teide National Park in Tenerife offers altitude, dry air and minimal light pollution.
Visitors can take guided night tours, peer through powerful telescopes, or simply lie back and enjoy the Milky Way in perfect clarity. With their mild year-round climate, the islands provide exceptional viewing conditions for both beginners and seasoned stargazers.
Visiting Greece’s lesser-known islands offers a more intimate stargazing experience, ideal if you prefer tranquillity and warm evening temperatures. Naxos, Astypalea, and the coast of Crete benefit from low light pollution and long, clear summer nights.
These islands combine a relaxed pace of life with uninterrupted horizons, creating perfect conditions for spotting constellations, meteor showers and deep-sky formations. Their gentle climate means that stargazing does not require heavy layers, leaving you free to enjoy the natural long tail of warm, star-filled evenings.
The dramatic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland make stargazing feel almost otherworldly. The Isle of Skye is known for its vast open skies and rugged beauty, while Galloway Forest Park is recognised as the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. Across the water, County Kerry in Ireland offers striking coastal viewpoints and some of the darkest skies in western Europe.
These regions are perfect for travelers who want a wilder, more atmospheric setting for their night-sky adventures.
Alqueva in Portugal is one of Europe’s first certified Dark Sky Reserves and remains one of its most impressive. Its wide plains, warm climate and user-friendly viewing stations make it an ideal choice for beginners.
Guided tours, observation points and welcoming accommodation options help visitors ease into the world of astronomy with confidence.
For those seeking a celestial spectacle, northern Europe delivers unforgettable experiences. Norway, Finland and Sweden are prime locations for witnessing both star-filled skies and the northern lights.
The long winter nights increase the chance of seeing auroras, and the combination of snowy landscapes with shimmering colours creates a truly magical setting for night-sky photography.
