La Palm has a world-class sky which is full of stars. It is the perfect place to share with your loved one.
I was riding a powerful horse
and trembling, I said: "Life is pure and beautiful."
Between the animal’s strong eyebrows, I saw a star shine.
The sky was blue, and I was naked.
These words by Rubén Darío are only a few of the millions of romantic lines that have been written about the sky. There is a close relationship between the sky and love. The sky is immense and infinite, just like love. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that many couples enjoy celebrating their relationship away from home under a clear sky. La Palma is one of the best places in the world to observe the stars. Each year a great number of people visit the island as “astrotourists”, that is tourists that travel with the intention of stargazing.
La Palma has a network of astronomical viewpoints which are situated in strategic locations to observe the sky. Each viewpoint is equipped with information panels which outline various astronomical topics, such as the constellations, the planets, the moon, the equinoxes, and the solstices. The astronomical viewpoints on La Palma are great spots for couples to toast their union or even propose marriage.
La Palma has viewpoints in both the interior and the coastline. Here are some of the major viewpoints: Mirador del Molino (Barlovento), Mirador Barranco del Carmen (Santa Cruz de La Palma), Mirador Parque de Los Álamos (Breña Alta), Mirador Montaña Las Toscas (Mazo), Mirador La Muralla (Tijarafe), Mirador de Miraflores (Puntagorda), Mirador Molino de Buracas (Garafía), Mirador Pico Cruz Sur (San Andrés y Sauces), Mirador al Infinito (San Andrés y Sauces), Mirador Puerto Naos (Los Llanos de Aridane), Mirador Llano del Jable (El Paso), and Mirador Llano de la Venta (Breña Baja). The spots listed above are great places to watch the stars, but the following three viewpoints are the most famous.
San Antonio Volcano Viewpoint (Fuencaliente)
This viewpoint is located in the south of La Palma. It offers spectacular views of the crater and slopes of the volcano during the day. At night, the vantage point becomes a window on to the universe. The viewpoint has a clever design which allows visitors to monitor the movement of the sun during the day as well as the passage of the seasons. This is a great place for couples on a romantic getaway who want spectacular scenery and an enormous night sky.
San Borondón Viewpoint (Tazacorte)
This viewpoint is on the coast of Tazacorte. It has great sunsets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In mid-autumn this spot has the privilege in the early hours of the night to offer views of the Pole Star and the constellations of Cassiopeia and Cepheus. If the night is dark and there is no moon, it is also possible to see the luminous band of the Milky Way, from Cassiopeia to the Swan, in the constellation of the Northern Cross. The San Borondón viewpoint is an ideal location for honeymooners who want to dream.
San Bartolo Viewpoint (Puntallana)
The San Bartolo mountain is located at 439 metres above sea level. It has a natural viewpoint which offers views of an impressive sky bordered by dramatic mountain slopes which plunge into the sea. The viewpoint also contains a sculpture of Salto del Enamorado who is a tragic romantic legend of La Palma. During the early hours of the night in June and July visitors can enjoy snapshots of the bluish-white stars closest to the earth. There are views of Vega, the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra. The San Bartolo viewpoint is a great place for couples to make wishes and whisper into each other’s ear.
