Stargazing in the Las Nieves recreation area

A comfortable viewing area for starry nights

In the centre of La Gomera, on the edge of the Garajonay National Park perimeter, is the Las Nieves recreation area. This is a terrific spot for viewing the Canarian skies at 1,250 metres above sea level. Easy to get to by car, just twenty kilometres from the island’s capital San Sebastián, it is a vantage point to view a clear sky and allows hours of super viewing all year round. Excellent parking facilities.

A natural observatory under the stars of the northern hemisphere

Las Nieves is the ideal spot for observing the two typical winter constellations in the northern hemisphere visible during the first hours of nightfall in February and March. Looking north where the North Star watches over the horizon, you will see Gemini and Auriga make an appearance. The first is easy to recognise thanks to its stars; the dazzling Castor and Pollux with its orange hue. Auriga is recognisable by its pentagonal shape and its brightest star is Capella, with similar characteristics to our Sun.

Altitude

1.122 m

Protected sky

High degree of sharpness area

Information panels

Parking

Protected natural space

San Sebastian de La Gomera

Las Nieves recreation area + Stargazing in La Gomera

Zona recreativa Las Nieves. Observación de estrellas en La Gomera

Map of Stargazing in the Las Nieves recreation area

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.