The Best Places in the World to Stargaze

Adrift off the northwestern coast of Africa, surrounded by the open Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are a stargazer’s paradise. Not only are they free from light pollution, but their geographical position, right in the path of trade winds, means clouds rarely ever form over the islands, offering an unblemished view of the Milky Way as well as 83 of the 88 constellations. The island of La Palma is nicknamed Star Island for the clarity of its skies, which are additionally protected by Sky Law from the distracting lights of air traffic.

On the east coast of Canada, the island province of Nova Scotia is one of the best places to stargaze in North America. Its Acadian Skies and Mi’kmaq Lands area, in the southwest of the region, is one of just a handful of places globally to have been designated as a Starlight Reserve and Destination by the Starlight Foundation. Looking up through the canopy of pine and cedar and seeing the sky sprayed in celestial glitter is an unforgettable experience.

Not only is Chile one of the best places for a stargazing holiday, it’s arguably the international capital of astronomy, with over 70 percent of the world’s telescopes pointing at the night sky. The Atacama Desert region benefits from high altitude (lifting it above low-level atmospheric pollution), a dry climate (it experiences over 300 cloudless days a year) and a remote location, away from light-polluted towns and cities. It’s why the largest telescope in the world – prosaically named the Extremely Large Telescope – is being constructed here.

South Africa has some of the starriest skies anywhere on the planet. The South African Astronomical Observatory houses the largest single optic telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, but you don’t need 20 million pounds worth of kit to get a decent view of the constellations here. Just head around four and a half hours northeast of Cape Town to Karoo National Park, where consistently clear skies and non-existent light pollution make the stars appear like a sea of LEDs.

The South Island of New Zealand, a largely unpopulated region of mountain ranges, lakes and glacial fjords, is one of the world’s best dark sky locations. In particular, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only eight in the world. Visit the park’s Mount John Observatory for out-of-this-world views of the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds and the Southern Cross constellation, only visible from this part of the world.

The Hawaiian islands, scattered across an otherwise barren expanse of the Pacific Ocean, are a dream for dark sky enthusiasts. Even on its most populated island, Oahu, there are excellent stargazing spots, such as Kaena Point State Park. To fully appreciate just how blingy the skies of Hawaii are, you’ll want to go stargazing on either Maui or the Big Island, which have far less light pollution. For the best views from the latter, take the two-hour drive up to Mauna Kea peak, where you’ll feel you’re within touching distance of the brightest stars.

If you thought there couldn’t be world-class stargazing on the USA mainland, you’ve clearly not been stargazing in Utah. This desert state is both remote and dry enough to be considered one of the best places globally for budding astronomers to get their eye in. With five massive national parks spread out across the middle and lower half of the state, you’re spoilt for spots to set up your telescope – but we’d suggest Canyonlands National Park as a starting point, for being both the largest and the most remote.

Not only are skies full of stars on the menu in Iceland, but there’s a good chance – if you come in the winter months – you’ll catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, too. Beyond the bright lights of Reykjavik, the coastline and interior of Iceland are dotted with little towns and villages – like Höfn – that are too small to cause any real light pollution. However, with its inclement location in the North Sea, it’s the rolling clouds that are more of a hindrance to sparkling skies. When you get a glimpse, however, they’re breathtakingly beautiful.