Astro-Tourism: Best Places to Stargaze All Over the World

The Atacama Desert, Chile

Despite the dry conditions in the Atacama desert that don’t really support plant or animal life, the place is perfect for watching the stars. Thanks to the high altitude, low radio interference, fewer clouds, low light pollution rate, and the perfect crystal clear sky, the Atacama desert is definitely one of the best places for stargazing. 

The place allows you to take a very clear and close look at the famous constellations of the sky of the Southern Hemisphere. The most famous views to enjoy are the Tarantula Nebula, the Southern Cross, The Fornax Cluster, and more magical stars to observe. That’s why so many people consider the Atacama desert to be the most amazing place on Earth for stargazing. If you decided to go there, you will find plenty of local people who provide tours and some local hotels there that offer some amazing stargazing experiences for Astro tourists. 

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States

The first certified international dark sky park was the Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah, United States. The park got certified by the International Dark-Sky Association which is the leading organization responsible for light pollution control worldwide. The park got the certification for being among some rare places that have the darkest and clearest sky in the whole world. 

The “river of light” is the main attraction there, where the Milky Way galaxy creates this phenomenon when it rises over the Owachomo Bridge. The bridge forms a window-like shape that looks over the night sky framing thousands of stars shining bright in the sky. For a completely breathtaking experience, it is recommended that you camp overnight. 

Photographers can feel like heaven at the Natural Bridges National Monument where they can get some breathtaking shots, but beware that photography sources of artificial light are strictly banned. 

White Desert, Egypt

Nothing can be more perfect for astronomy lovers than falling asleep under the night sky watching the Milky Way galaxy. One of the most wonderful places to do that is the Egyptian desert. The White desert can give you the most amazing stargazing experience like no other. 

You can go on a desert safari and hiking in the morning and then enjoy laying under the stars between the rocky desert mountains at night for a breathtaking view. Unplug from everything that worries you and enjoy the sound of nature and the silence of the night. 

Check our specially tailored Cairo, Minya, and The White Desert Tour and book your adventure now! 

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Japan

Located in Okinawa Japan, Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park was the first place in Japan to get certified as an international dark Sky place, and the second to get such accreditation in all of Asia. Located close to the Cancer tropic on the Yaeyama Islands, the park is considered one of the most amazing places in the world for stargazing. 

You will get amazed at the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park as you will have the chance to observe up to 84 constellations that are recognized by the International Astronomical Union. 

Star viewing conditions at the park depending on which season you are traveling in and the weather conditions that might affect the observation of the night sky. 

Petra, Jordan

If you are planning to travel to Jordan, you shouldn’t miss the chance to plan a trip for stargazing along with your day trip to explore the massive stone structures of Petra. The city can always be enjoyed at night as much as in the morning. You can camp all night at Petra just to lay under the night sky and enjoy the spectacular view of the stars and constellations. 

Tour Petra in the morning and get the chance to know more about the history and culture of the heart of Jordan. You will definitely enjoy the road to Petra tour where you can take a horse ride to the heart of Petra where all the magic can be found. Take some great photos for an unforgettable memory and then observe the night sky with your loved ones while enjoying the calm and serene weather. 

Check our special tours to Petra and book your adventure now!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum is considered as Mars on Earth for its undisputed beauty where you can feel out of this planet. Jordan has been featured in several space movies, especially Wadi Rum, for its spectacular undeveloped Mars-like desert. Wadi Rum is the most favorable destination for most Jordan visitors for its splendors and breathtaking ancient structures. 

This amazing city is the perfect spot for astronomy lovers and one of the best places for stargazing in the world. The Milky Way galaxy is most enjoyed at Wadi Rum where you will feel like stargazing in the middle of an abandoned planet.  

Kruger National Park, South Africa

The remote location of the Kruger national park and being away from the light pollution of the crowded city make it a perfect spot for stargazing. Laying down on the flat savanna grass pointing your telescope at the Southern Cross, the Scorpio, and Saturn with its rings will give you an unforgettable night at the Kruger national park. 

You can’t visit South Africa especially Kruger park without adding a stargazing tour to your itinerary. You will definitely enjoy the peaceful and serene weather at night there. Take some great photos of the night sky with your professional camera to share with your friends and family. 

Nuweiba, Egypt

Nuweiba is considered one of the most precious gems of Egypt. People from all over the world come to Nuweiba to enjoy the spectacular scenery and the great weather all year around. Located 2 hours away from the famous Sharm El-Sheikh, you will definitely enjoy the greatest stargazing experience at Nuweiba. Being in the heart of the eastern part of the Sinai peninsula, Nuweiba is famous for its breathtaking nature and tranquility like no other place. 

The peaceful beach with its white sand and surrounding mountains makes the area a perfect spot for an unforgettable stay along with an exquisite stargazing experience at night while laying on the beach. 

Check our special Sharm El-Sheikh and Stargazing Tour 

Pic du Midi, France

There is no place on Earth that can beat Pic du Midi in giving you the most amazing stargazing experience. It is the area chosen by NASA among the French Pyrénées mountains to take photos of the Moon’s surface in preparation for their coming Apollo missions. So, if the place is the most favorable for NASA scientists to do their outer space exploration, be sure that you will enjoy stargazing there. 

You can take a stargazing tour onboard a cable car all the way to the summit where an observatory is located above the clouds at the mountain top. The place is both a UNESCO world heritage site and a French National Park where you can book an overnight stay laying under the stunning view of the night sky at the Pic du Midi.