Astronomy in Canary Islands

Welcome to La Palma for your Astronomy trip in Canary Islands ! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to Santa Cruz de La Palma. This charming seaside capital boasts pedestrian streets, cobbled pathways, colonial architecture, and a lively atmosphere. After checking into your hotel for the next three nights, you’ll attend a briefing about the week ahead. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Dinner
Transfer time: 10 minutes

Your first full day is dedicated to exploring the island’s fascinating volcanic history. We begin with a visit to Tajogaite, the site of La Palma’s most recent eruption, which dramatically altered the island’s landscape between September and December 2021. Walking close to the volcano, you'll witness the raw power of nature and hear stories of resilience from the local community.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive across the lava fields on the new road built after the eruption and visit the Caños de Fuego visitor center, which provides insights into the 1949 San Juan eruption. The journey continues south along the island’s volcanic route, where we’ll explore the crater of San Antonio and admire Teneguía, the youngest volcano in Spain, formed in 1971.

The day concludes with a special stargazing session after dinner, taking advantage of La Palma’s pristine night skies.

Hiking distance: 6.5 km
Elevation change: +100m / -600m
Walking time: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 30 min + 60 min + 45 min

Today, we ascend to the highest point on the island to visit the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory. Home to the world’s largest optical-infrared telescope, GRANTECAN, this center is a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. We’ll also visit the observatory’s visitor center to learn more about its cutting-edge research.

Next, we reach the breathtaking Roque de Los Muchachos viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Caldera de Taburiente National Park. A short hike along the crater rim allows you to experience the island’s unique flora and landscapes up close.

As the sun sets, we’ll take in the spectacular views before concluding the day with another unforgettable stargazing session.

Hiking distance: 4 km
Elevation change: +250m / -400m
Walking time: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 75 min + 60 min

In the morning, we’ll take a guided walking tour of Santa Cruz de La Palma, where you’ll have time to explore the capital’s charming streets, architecture, and main landmarks.

Afterward, we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Tenerife. Upon arrival, we head straight to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. As we ascend, the breathtaking viewpoints showcase Tenerife’s diverse vegetation zones and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Your stay for the next three nights is at the Parador Cañadas del Teide, nestled at 2,150 meters above sea level in the heart of the national park. After dinner, we’ll take advantage of Tenerife’s world-famous dark skies for an evening of stargazing.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 10 min + 90 min

Today, we set out to conquer Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. A cable car ride takes us up to 3,550 meters, from where we embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to the summit at 3,715 meters. This short but steep climb offers incredible panoramic views of the caldera and the entire island of Tenerife. Along the way, we’ll witness sulfur fumaroles and learn about the remarkable adaptations of life in this extreme environment.

After descending by cable car, we head to Vilaflor, Tenerife’s highest village, for a well-deserved meal and wine tasting at a local vineyard. Before returning to the hotel, we stop for a photo in front of Pino Gordo, the island’s oldest Canarian pine tree. The day ends with another night of stargazing.

Hiking distance: 1.5 km
Elevation change: +175m / -175m
Walking time: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 10 min + 40 min + 40 min

After breakfast, we visit the Teide Observatory, located at 2,390 meters above sea level. Here, we’ll explore the facility and use telescopes to observe solar activity.

In the afternoon, we embark on a stunning hike through the western part of the Teide Caldera. Walking across lava fields from eruptions as recent as 1798, we’ll discover volcanic caves, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking contrasts of color—black lava, white clouds, blue skies, and green pine forests.

We conclude the day with a final sunset and another evening under Tenerife’s pristine night sky.

Hiking distance: 7 km
Elevation change: +225m / -425m
Walking time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 30 min + 30 min

Our morning begins with a final walk in Teide National Park, where we explore the unique rock formations of Roques de García.

In the afternoon, we transfer to San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage city. After checking into our hotel in the heart of the old town, we take a guided tour through its historic streets, discovering colonial architecture, lively plazas, and cultural landmarks. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the city at your own pace before a farewell dinner.

Hiking distance: 3.5 km
Elevation change: +250m / -250m
Walking time: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer time: 90 min

After breakfast, we transfer to Tenerife North Airport for your return flight to France.

Meals included: Breakfast
Transfer time: 10 min