when-where-see-stars-andorra
There are so many things to do in Andorra, not only during the day but at night too. Once the sun sets on a day of skiing, hiking or mountain biking, the stars come out and it’s possible to stargaze Andorra’s beautiful night sky. In this blog post, we’ll detail all you need to know, from the best spots to the optimal times of the year.
Why Andorra is a great place for stargazing
Which country is best for stargazing? Well, there are many countries which boast a truly crisp, clear and captivating night sky, and Andorra is certainly one of them. With high altitudes and minimal light pollution, the principality offers one of Europe’s most incredible stargazing experiences.
To break the above down a little further, two of main factors for determining which locations are the best for stargazing are high altitude with thin atmosphere and also low light pollution. Andorra boasts both, with an average elevation of 1,996 meters and with very low light pollution given that its towns are well spread out across the mountainous terrain.
Best times of year to see the stars in Andorra
The best time to stargaze Andorra is during the summer or during the autumn, as this is when the skies are usually the clearest and when the nights are most comfortable temperature wise.
In particular, August is a great month to stargaze Andorra, as you can even witness a star shower in Andorra: the Perseids meteor shower. This is the famous shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle and Andorra has become known as one of the best places to see the Perseids. In terms of specific dates, this can change year to year, so do be sure to look up which exact dates Andorra will become one of the places to see the Perseids in the year you’re planning to visit.
Top stargazing spots in Andorra
Andorra, with so many ski resorts and towns in remote locations, boasts several excellent stargazing spots. Some of the best areas are found in the especially secluded mountain parks and natural reserves, where the skies remain clear and undisturbed.
For example, the Comapedrosa Natural Park in La Massana has been classified as a Starlight Tourist Destination and Reserve. So, if you’re wondering where to see stars in Andorra in summer then the Comapedrosa Natural Park is certainly one option, but no matter where you are in the microstate you’re likely to have a prime location close by.
What to bring for a stargazing night
For a successful stargazing night in Andorra, make sure to dress warmly, even in summer, given that temperatures can drop quite quickly at high altitudes. You might even want to bring a blanket or sleeping bag for comfort.
As for equipment, consider a red flashlight to preserve night vision, as well as binoculars or a telescope enhance the experience. There are also many stargazing apps available nowadays, which can act as a sort of where to see stars in Andorra map, and help to clarify what exactly you’re looking at.
Tips for capturing the night sky
If you’re a keen photographer, you might want to stargaze Andorra’s night sky and also capture some photos of the experience. If so, a good tip is to bring and use a tripod for stability, while note that shooting in RAW offers better editing flexibility afterwards.
Of course, the most important aspect is the subject itself, and that’s where Andorra’s sky brings its magic. The Pyrenees Mountain Range truly is one of the best places to stargaze, an underrated element of any holiday to Andorra.