Looking at the sky
A Law that protects our sky
The Law of Heaven
La Palma is one of the pioneer territories in the world in applying a law for the protection of the sky. In 1988 a specific law was enacted to protect the quality of the sky for astrophysical observations, which was a spectacular advance worldwide in its defense. This law protects La Palma from light, atmospheric and radio-electric pollution, as well as from pollution caused by air routes. That is why the nights of La Palma are profoundly dark, and you will see an impressive black mantle covered with stars almost from any point of the island. You will soon realize that the night illumination is dim, and sometimes scarce, but we all have the commitment that our sky shines above any artificial light.
Stargazing
The special geographical situation of La Palma gives it an ideal climate and great atmospheric stability. The quality of its sky, free of pollution and of extraordinary clarity, makes the island a unique place in the world for astronomical observation.
At its highest point, about 2,400 meters above sea level, is the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, above the so-called "sea of clouds", where there is a clean atmosphere, without turbulence, stabilized by the ocean. This circumstance has awakened the interest of eminent scientists from different parts of the planet and hence, this observatory is considered one of the best places in the world for observing the sky.
With the law that protects this quality of the sky, we were named the first Starlight Reserve in the world, and having received recognition in 2012 as the first Starlight Tourist Destination, the ability to properly enjoy the vision of the stars and to know the associated scientific, cultural, natural and scenic values is guaranteed.
La Palma is undoubtedly the perfect place to enjoy the Universe. On April 20, 2007, theWorld Declaration in Defense of the Night Sky and the Right to Observe the Stars (La Palma Starlight Declaration) was signed in La Palma.
The result of all this is also the amount of tourist services associated with the stars, ranging from thematic festivals, specialized companies, routes and night tours, visits to the Observatory, to accommodation, restaurants, even night sports events, and products that have been themed for this purpose. There are as many ways to see the stars as there are visitors and interests, more specialized, or simply curious.