Astronomy La Palma - stargazing and relaxing
Astro vacation La Palma: At 1,380 m.a.s.l. Stargazing & vacation with family and friends.
La Palma with its incomparable starry sky offers paradisiacal opportunities for amateur astronomers and astrophotography. At Hacienda La Palma you will find individual vacation homes for family and friends. Relax by the pool and enjoy nature during the day and watch the stars at night. On this page you will find offers and information for the growing astro community on La Palma.
Discover astrophotography workshops and photo tours at the Hacienda La Palma
Astrophotography workshops on La Palma with Mehmet Ergün
The unique location of the Hacienda La Palma not only offers ideal conditions for stargazing, but is also a regular venue for professional astrophotography workshops on La Palma.
Photo tour La Palma Workshop with Eric Zöller
The Hacienda La Palma provides the ideal backdrop for this 8-day photo tour on La Palma. La Palma is one of the best locations in the world for this hobby, as there is practically no light pollution and clear visibility.
Plan your astronomy vacation: Find the perfect timing and plan ahead:
Interactive star chart
Create a list of the objects you want to observe and sort them according to the best observation time to structure your nights. You can use the interactive star map for this.
Moon phase calendar
Choose the right time to travel: Avoid the time around the full moon and travel around the new moon phase instead to avoid disturbing moonlight. Use the moon phase calendar for your planning.
Discover our picture gallery with astrophotos, timelapses and many more spectacular shots of our guests
Picture gallery of our guests at the Hacienda La Palma
Discover our impressive gallery of astrophotographs. Let yourself be enchanted by the fascinating images of stars and celestial phenomena. Find out more about our astrophotos on our website:
Video gallery of our guests at the Hacienda La Palma
Discover our impressive video gallery, which presents a variety of fascinating footage of our guests and captures the unforgettable moments they experienced during their stay.
Do you rent out astro equipment?
For professional astro equipment we work together with the rental company Finca Athos.
Here our astronomy-experienced guests can put together their desired set from a very large and professionally maintained equipment. If you are interested, we will be happy to provide you with the current rental brochure. Please just send us a short message.
Do you have your own astro equipment?
We ourselves have two analog telescopes for our guests who enjoy stargazing:
For beginners: Skywatcher 4′ refractor telescope on AZ 3 incl. various accessories
For advanced users: Skywatcher 254/1200 Dobson PDobson Pyrex 10′ incl. 6mm and 15mm UWA O15mm UWA eyepiece, moon filter, 2′ 32 mm WA eyepiece
We also have a beginner’s guide which you are welcome to use.
Please reserve in good time. Simply send us a short message.
How good are the conditions for stargazing at the Hacienda really?
The conditions are excellent and among the best in the world. La Palma is an official UNESCO starlight reserve, which guarantees extremely low light pollution. Our hacienda is located in a very low-light environment at an altitude of 1,380 meters, far away from towns and disturbing light sources. The sky here is deep black and clear. Our vacation homes are among the highest located accommodations on La Palma on the way to the Roque de los Muchachos.
Is your altitude "above the clouds" an advantage for observation?
Yes, a decisive one! Our location at 1,380 meters often puts you above the trade wind clouds that often form over the coastal regions. For you, this means a higher number of guaranteed clear nights and a calmer atmosphere with less air flicker (seeing) – ideal conditions for visual observation and astrophotography.
When is the best time to photograph the Milky Way?
The brightest part of our Milky Way, the galactic core, is best seen from La Palma in the months from March to October. Especially in the summer months, the galactic center is high in the sky and offers a breathtaking sight that you can admire and photograph in its full splendor directly from your terrace.
Can I find a suitable, stable place to set up my telescope?
Yes, each of our vacation homes has its own private terrace with a solid surface. This serves as the perfect observation point, protected from the wind. You can set up your equipment safely, leave it overnight if necessary and only have a few steps to the warm house. For astronomy vacations our vacation homes El Refugio and El Rincon are the most popular.
Can I rent a telescope on La Palma or do I have to bring my own?
You don’t have to bring all your own equipment. We work closely with a competent local partner who will provide you with high-quality telescopes and accessories directly and instruct you if necessary. Just let us know before you arrive and we’ll take care of it.
Is there a power connection for my equipment on the terrace?
Our vacation homes are designed for relaxation and experiencing nature, which is why outdoor sockets are not available on every terrace as standard. If you need outdoor power for your mount, laptop or camera batteries, please let us know when you book. We will then find a practical solution for you together.
How far is it from you to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory?
We are one of the closest high-quality accommodations to the highest point on the island. The drive to the summit of Roque de los Muchachos is a spectacular excursion from here. The drive takes around 35 – 45 minutes. During the day, you can visit the visitor center and enjoy the breathtaking view – an absolute must for any astronomy fan.
Do you also offer guided astro tours?
Yes, we can put you in touch with providers for private or small group tours with experienced stargazing guides. These tours will show you the wonders of the night sky over La Palma, either with the naked eye or through a large telescope – an unforgettable experience.
