Roque de los Muchachos

Touching the sky of La Palma with your hands

Set at the highest point of the island is one of the most privileged places on La Palma: Roque de los Muchachos. A balcony located at an altitude of 2,426 metres above sea level and deemed one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Unsurprisingly, this is the site of the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory, an important research centre that is open to the public during the day and by reservation, from which one can observe a spectacular panorama of La Palma’s characteristic sea of stars.

An accessible natural space with truly exceptional conditions

The singular nature of Roque de los Muchachos is defined by a capricious combination of natural factors such as the island’s location, its peculiar climate, excellent environmental quality and the local physical characteristics, resulting in one of the clearest skies on the planet. Despite being a protected area, it is easily accessible both by car and along paths and trails. However, it is important to bear in mind that because of the work undertaken by the astronomers, the area cannot be visited by night, although you can still drive up the LP-4 road to the crossroads with the LP-403 road, where a barrier indicates the start of several alternative observation points where you can enjoy the stars in all their splendour.

Altitude

2.426 m

Protected sky

Information panels

Observatory

Parking

Protected natural space

Telescopy

Garafia

Go to web site

Roque de los Muchachos. Stargazing in La Palma

Roque de los Muchachos. Observación de estrellas en La Palma

Sustainability

Never leave waste of any type lying around, including cigarette butts. Leftover food leads to a proliferation of rats and wild cats, which pose a serious threat to the fauna.
Respect the animals. Do not bother them or feed them. If you see an injured specimen, you can call the emergency number: 112. Do not pick flowers or plants.
Do not pick up or take away stones or any other item from the natural environment. And do not move them to pile them up into sadly famous 'towers'.
Turn off car headlights and do not use torches. That will help minimise the light pollution of the sky.
If you are at an astronomical viewpoint, respect and look after the different items of public furniture (information panels, railings, seats, lighting, binoculars and telescopes, etc.).
Try and be silent or talk quietly. The experience will be more enjoyable.