Évora·Portugal
Photo: Paulo Valdivieso from Lisboa, Portugal · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Dark Sky Alqueva area was the first to be certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination, with dry weather, low population and little light pollution. The hilltop village of Monsaraz and a local observatory make it an easy, welcoming introduction to astronomy.
In season: Year-round · Peak: Jun–Sep
Warm, clear nights for much of the year, guided sessions at the observatory and on the reservoir shore, and quiet rural stays. Summer nights are short but very clear.
Base in Monsaraz or a nearby rural house and book a session at the Dark Sky Alqueva observatory. Visit near the new moon.
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