Top Stargazing Spots + Map | Best Places to See Stars
Have you ever wondered where the best places in the world are to see the stars?
You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the most breathtaking stargazing destinations across the globe. But before we dive into the details, take a moment to explore our interactive map, where you’ll find all the top locations for stargazing in 2025 from remote deserts to high mountain peaks.
Top 10 Best Places to See Stars in 2025
Here are more amazing destinations featured on our map of Top Stargazing Destinations 2025:
- Atacama Desert, Chile
Home to the ALMA Observatory, the Atacama boasts some of the clearest, driest skies in the world, perfect for deep-sky viewing. - Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA
At over 4,200 meters, Mauna Kea is one of the most prestigious astronomical sites, offering visibility of both hemispheres’ skies. - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Crystal-clear skies over the Southern Alps make this one of the best Southern Hemisphere stargazing spots. - NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Vast, remote, and with almost no artificial light, this African reserve is a Milky Way marvel. - Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Mount Teide National Park is a certified Starlight Tourist Destination. Its high elevation and low pollution make Tenerife a stargazing paradise. Teide Observatory is one of the most important in the world, and guided night tours let you see constellations, planets, and even galaxies. - Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA
A stargazer’s haven in the eastern US, with International Dark Sky Park designation and regular astronomy events. - Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary, New Zealand
New in 2024, Kaikōura offers pristine skies and community-driven preservation of its natural nightscape. - Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Protected skies and stunning backdrops of mountains and forests make this park a dream for astrophotographers. - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Desert air and cultural astronomy experiences near Uluru rock formations create magical nights under the stars. - Elan Valley Estate, Wales, UK
A hidden gem in the UK for dark-sky seekers, with low light pollution and excellent infrastructure for astronomy tourism.
Why Stargazing Is Worth Trying
Taking time to stargaze is a simple but powerful way to slow down and reconnect with nature. In today’s busy world, looking up at the stars offers a quiet moment of peace and reflection. You don’t need fancy gear, just a clear sky and a little time.
Whether you’re lying on a beach in Tenerife, walking through a desert in Chile, or wrapped in a blanket in Canada, stargazing reminds us how vast and beautiful the universe is. People stargaze for many reasons, some enjoy learning the names of stars and planets, while others simply enjoy the quiet. Either way, it’s one of the most peaceful and rewarding things you can do outdoors.
The Least Light Polluted Area on Earth: Best Star Watching Locations
To see the stars at their best, it helps to travel far from city lights. These are some of the least light polluted areas on Earth and offer the best star watching conditions imaginable.
Atacama Desert, Chile
This high-altitude desert is known for having over 300 cloudless nights per year. It’s considered the best place for stargazing by many astronomers. Here, the Milky Way looks incredibly bright, and the skies feel almost touchable.
Teide National Park, Tenerife
As mentioned earlier, Teide is one of the top stargazing destinations 2025, and it continues to be one of the best stargazing spots Tenerife has for observing constellations and planets with the naked eye or telescope.
La Palma, Canary Islands
Known as the “Island of the Stars,” La Palma enforces strict light pollution laws. It’s a peaceful and protected place, home to world-class observatories, making it one of the best places to stargaze in the world.
Best Stargazing Spots Tenerife Has to Offer
Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, is not only known for its volcanic landscapes and sunny climate but is also home to some of the best stargazing spots Tenerife has to offer. The island is a top choice among the best places to stargaze in the world thanks to its excellent conditions for night sky viewing.
At the centre of Tenerife’s stargazing reputation is Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, located in Teide National Park. Sitting over 2,300 metres above sea level, the area offers dry air, clear skies, and almost no light pollution. This makes it one of the best places to see stars in Europe and officially recognised as a Starlight Reserve.
On a clear evening, you can often see the Milky Way, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and even meteor showers without the need for special equipment. Guided tours allow visitors to use telescopes and learn about constellations and deep space objects. It’s a great destination for beginners and seasoned skywatchers alike.
Other recommend locations for stargazing on the island include Vilaflor, Guajara Mountain, El Médano, and Punta de Teno. These peaceful spots also offer fantastic views of the night sky with minimal crowds.