Stargazing at San Bartolo Mountain

An accessible viewpoint for everyone

San Bartolo Mountain, in the eastern part of La Palma, is 439 metres above sea level and is a natural vantage point for contemplating the skies. It’s easy to get to by car, crossing through the town of Puntallana until you reach the San Bartolo chapel and up a short hill. With lots of parking available, the area has information panels for visitors, star charts and a sculpture depicting the local legend of The Lover's Leap. There are restaurants nearby offering local food and cakes.

An astronomic observation point that is especially good in summer

The San Bartolo viewpoint, circled by dramatic slopes to the north, south and west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, lets you view the skies in all directions. From this mountain during the first hours of darkness in June and July you can observe one of the nearest blue and white stars to Earth: Vega. These skies, virtually free of light from other sources, also allow you to see the tiny Lyra constellation.

Altitude

386 m

Protected sky

Starlight Reserve

Information panels

Protected natural space

Puntallana

Go to web site

San Bartolo Mountain - La Palma - Stargazing

Montaña de San Bartolo. La Palma. Observación de estrellas

Map of Stargazing at San Bartolo Mountain

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.