What are the best places for stargazing near Barcelona? Let’s find out the answer with the help of the astrophotographer Carlos Uriarte, who gave us some ideas in a recent interview for Americans in Barcelona.
Carlos Uriarte got his first telescope at the age of 12, it was a gift from his parents. And since then, the astrophotographer and pedagogue hasn’t stopped from exploring the skies, educating through astronomy workshops and taking pictures which have been published recently by NASA.
Stargazing near Barcelona: Best towns to enjoy a starry night
Carlos Uriarte recommends these 4 towns to enjoy stargazing near Barcelona, which have astronomical observatories. He also highlights some of the spots that you can’t miss during your trip, ideas for a hike and also where to stay:
Montsec (Nogera region, Lleida)
“Montsec has definitely one of the best skies for stargazing in Catalonia, and even in Spain”, the astrophotographer states. This town is located in a mountain range, the Montsec mountain range in the pre-Pyrenees, and it acts like a wall of 1,500m, turning Montsec into a leafy valley. All the clouds that pass over the pre-Pyrenees are unable to permeate this valley, creating a microclimate where 78% of the nights are clear.
Carlos Uriarte highlights:
- Montsec is where the most important Observatory in Catalonia is located, Parc Astronòmic del Montsec.
- Hikes nearby: The Pertussa hermitage is a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Montsec mountain range, situated on a cliff at an altitude of 685m. Worth a hike!
- And for those seeking more adventure, it’s worth mentioning that Montsec hosts an international paragliding championship, an event of international recognition. Àger, the region where Montsec is located, is one of the best areas for paragliding observation, or even practicing it through training with specialized companies!
- Where to stay? Carlos Uriarte recommends Can Maciariol, a simple yet cozy hostel, and also Camping de la Vall d’Ager, which offers bungalows that are specially located to enjoy stargazing.
Saldes (Berguedà region, Barcelona)
A few months ago, we visited the town of Saldes, which quickly became one of our favorites. There, we had the opportunity to enjoy the observatory Centre Astronòmic del Pedrafoca guided by Salvador Puigmartí. A unique experience that we highly recommend, and Carlos Uriarte also shares our opinion:
Carlos Uriarte highlights:
- In Saldes, you can enjoy an astronomical experience in a well-equipped space located right in the town, without the need to travel to the outskirts. Additionally, Salvador is a great professional who offers a unique and highly experiential activity. You get to look directly through a professional telescope, making the visit very personalized, and full of learning!
- From Saldes, you can embark on beautiful excursions in an incomparable setting: the Pedraforca mountain, which looks incredible when viewed from Saldes.
Albanyà (Alt Empordà region, Girona)
This town may be less known, but it is no less special. Located in the region of Alt Empordà, Albanyà also has an observatory where you can enjoy a special night under the stars.
Carlos Uriarte highlights:
- The quality of the sky is more or less the same as in Saldes.
- The stargazing activity takes place outdoors, resembling an amphitheater. Through monitors connected to the observatory, viewers can observe real-time photographs of planets and other celestial objects from their seats.
- Where to stay? In this case, to enjoy the astronomical activity, you should stay at the Bassegoda Park campsite, where the astronomical observatory activity takes place.
Prades (Baix Camp region, Tarragona)
And another place that couldn’t be missing on the list is the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades, located in the province of Tarragona:
Carlos Uriarte highlights:
- The astronomical activity takes place in a civic center that is very well set up. They have installed projectors to create a highly immersive experience.
- Furthermore, the outdoor activity takes place at the Ermita de Sant Roc, where hammocks are set up, and the sky is observed through telescopes. It’s a really cool experience.
- Also, it’s a perfect opportunity to visit Prades, a very picturesque town. I recommend enjoying their high-quality gastronomic offer, which includes the iconic local product “patatas de prades”.
- Additionally, you can also enjoy excursions to discover iconic natural spaces such as the Roca Foradada and Montsant.
Thank you Carlos Uriarte for sharing the best spots for stargazing near Barcelona and the highlights of each area.
Pictures: Carlos Uriarte. You can keep exploring the sky through his pictures on his Instagram channel.
