Astroturism
Get ready for eclipse
Stars, Constellations and Planets offer us images of great beauty and the skies of Jaén have exceptional conditions to observe this whole world, which despite being so far away it will seem that we have it in our hands.
The show that the sun offers by hiding and falling the night giving way to thousands or millions of sparrows that will make us transport to another time or rather to another planet. When the night falls, the ideal is to seek a hidden place where it highlights the darkness of the sky, such as any municipality belonging to the Jaén Starlight Reservations and Destinations. For more detailed observation, Astronomical Observatories provide visitors with conditions, equipment and information to investigate the cosmos, or simply enjoy the Jaén sky. Even if you do not recognize the stars or know the name of the constellations, observing the sky is a different activity that will surely be recorded in your memory.
Starlight Sierra Morena Reserve
The paradise for enthusiasts is located in Jaén and the cleanest and most starry sky awaits you in Sierra Morena. Jaén meets the ideal conditions for the night observation of the firmament: the best climate, clear skies, transparent and without light pollution. In addition, being the area of Europe closest to the equator, it allows the observation of a greater extent of the universe, which translates into that many celestial bodies are only visible from Andalusia.
Sierra Morena is the largest Starlight Reserve and tourist destination in the world, it is the ideal place to observe the firmament in the best conditions, it extends for more than 400 kilometres along the north of the provinces of Jaén, Córdoba, Sevilla and Huelva, 57 municipalities, more than 400 thousand hectares, comprising six natural parks: P.N. Despeñacolos, P.N. Sierra de Andújar, P.N. de Cardis and Montoro, P.N. Sierra de Hornachuelos, P.N. Sierra Norte de Sevillla and P.N. Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche.
The Certification to Sierra Morena as a Reserve and Starlight Destination, awarded by the Starlight Foundation and endorsed by UNESCO, attests that there is hardly any light pollution, more than 60% of its nights are clear and the darkness of its night sky is equal to that of many professional observatories internationally. It also implies an institutional commitment to the conservation of its great biodiversity and, it guarantees the visitor, a complete offer to enjoy the night sky and the natural environment of this reservation.
Sierra Morena has a quality tourist infrastructure to welcome those who come to enjoy astronomy, with a very good value for money. The Andalusian reserve offers a complete network of strategically located and conditioned viewpoints, to contemplate the indescribable brightness of the firmament stars, astronomical outreach activities and specialized services,
meeting the highest standards of quality and comfort. All of this in addition to the well-known cultural, ethnographic and heritage attractions immersed in a very accessible natural landscape, of impressive visual appeal, which position Sierra Morena as a reference destination for star tourism.
South Sierra de Jaén Starlight Reserve
Reserve Starlight Sierra Sur de Jaén, a universe of stars within your reach
Among the mountains and rails of the Starlight Sierra Sur Reserve the stars dazzle as headlights in the dark, the clean and transparent air allows the observation of the firmament to be a unique experience.
The Starlight Reserve of the South Sierra de Jaén retains a natural heritage outside the common, and its great treasure is its magnificent night sky. A team of experts has identified the best observation areas, places where light pollution is unable to reach and the sky still retains its natural darkness that has disappeared in so many places. In the South Sierra de Jaén, an incredibly starry sky, clear nights and magnificent facilities await you.
Ten municipalities in the Sierra Sur de Jaén have a tourist offer linked to the observation of stars after being recognized with the Destino Starlight certification in August 2014. This distinction complements the one already obtained in March 2014 as Starlight Reserve and supports the quality of the night sky of this territory and its suitability for the practice of astronomy and observation of the stars in the best conditions.
As a result, the Jiennese municipalities of Alcalá la Real, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín, Fries, Fuensanta de Martos, Martos, Valdepeñas de Jaén, Jamilena, Torredelcampo and Los Villares become part of the select and exclusive group of Starlight destinations of the world that have the above-mentioned recognition.
The hobby for this exciting science is not new in the region of the Sierra Sur de Jaén, there are two long-established associations of fans that offer a calendar of outreach activities throughout the year:
The Hubble Astronomical Association of Martos organizes many public observations, courses and activities of all kinds. For its relevance and impact
the annual celebration of the astroMartos astronomical meeting is highlighted.The Einstein Society of Astronomy, of Alcalá la Real, together with the Andaluz Observatory of Astronomy in the alcalaine pedany of La Pedriza, organizes guided visits and observations to groups of stakeholders and educational centres.
Both initiatives offer a strong commitment to star tourism, research and the conservation of the night sky in the region as a whole. Few places can boast of such conditions for the practice of astronomy, with magnificent facilities managed and guided by outreach and science professionals.
Description of the Sierra Sur region of Jaén and quality of its night sky
The region of the Sierra Sur de Jaén is composed of a very heterogeneous territorial panorama, which includes from areas with very abrupt reliefs made up of narrow hills, cobbled valleys and steep rock walls, to the sodomy olive countryside so widely repeated at the provincial level. At the general level, two large areas can be distinguished for geographical and practical purposes in view of this particular point:
The eastern area of the region formed by the mountain massif of the South Sierra (where it is possible to find levels more than 1870 meters high, as in Mount La Pandera) and which includes the largest tectonic window on the European continent.
The peripheral belt of the mountain area extending from the north to the south of the region on the west flank.
The above-mentioned territorial division responds to the fact that both areas host very different light circumstances and while the area of the mountain core reaches the bottom of the sky of more than 21 '52 mag / arg sec ², the peripheral area where the majority of the population is located moves around figures ranging between 21 and 21' 3 magnitude per second of arc squared.
Starlight Reserve of the Sierra de Cazorla
The Sierra de Cazorla, located in the province of Jaén, has recently been distinguished as a Starlight Reserve in Andalusia. This recognition, given by the Starlight Foundation, highlights the excellence of its night skies and the effort of the Jienese region to preserve this valuable natural resource.
Thanks to the low light pollution and the altitude of its mountains, the skies of Cazorla allow an excellent observation of the Milky Way and other celestial objects, something that for years has attracted astrophotographers and astronomy enthusiasts.
There are already initiatives in the area to enjoy astronomical experiences in unique natural environments. Several companies organize star observation activities and interpreted night routes. In addition, it has specialized accommodation that offers experiences of astrotourism to its guests and the Astronomical Outreach Centre "La Fresnedilla."
With the new designation as Starlight Reserve, the region will further enhance the development of these activities and be consolidated as a reference destination for international astrotourism.
Starlight Reserve of the Sierra de Segura
The Sierra de Segura, part of the Natural Park of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas, is a privileged space for the contemplation of the night sky. Its low light pollution and altitude allow you to enjoy an exceptional view of the Milky Way, constellations and astronomical phenomena in plain sight. The Starlight Reserve certification ensures that this environment will continue to be protected so that local and visitors can continue to explore the cosmos under optimal conditions.
The declaration as Starlight Reserve drives the development of astrotourism in the region, complementing its offer of rural and nature tourism. At present, in the Sierra de Segura there are several initiatives dedicated to the dissemination of astronomy and the organization of experiences under the stars. Active tourism companies and rural accommodation have started to include activities such as telescopes, night hiking and astronomical workshops.
They highlight initiatives such as those promoted by local associations and tour operators that have identified the quality of the sky of the Sierra de Segura as a unique attraction. In addition, work is under way on the installation of astronomical viewpoints and the creation of themed routes that will help visitors to discover the secrets of the universe in a privileged environment.
The certification of the Sierra de Segura as the Starlight Reserve is a recognition of the quality of its night sky and the efforts of the local community to preserve its environment. Thanks to this distinction, the region is projected as a reference destination for the lovers of astronomy and sustainable tourism, offering a new way to enjoy nature: with the feet on the earth and the look on the universe.
Sierra Magina Starlight Reserve
The Natural Park of the Sierra Magina has recently been recognized as the Starlight Reserve, consolidating itself as a privileged area for astrotourism in Andalusia. This distinction, granted by the Starlight Foundation, certifies the exceptional quality of its night sky and the region's commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
The Sierra Mágina, with an area of approximately 20,000 hectares, is characterized by its high peaks, the Pico Mágina being the highest in the province with 2,167 meters. This mountain environment offers a landscape of great beauty and biodiversity, with oak forests, complaints and pine trees, as well as a rich fauna that includes species such as the royal eagle and the mountain goat. The low light pollution of the area has been decisive in obtaining the Starlight certification, allowing you to enjoy a clean and clear night sky, ideal for astronomical observation.
Jaén Astronomical Corridor
The Jaén Astronomical Corridor, a pioneering initiative that unites the southern mountains, Magina, Cazorla and Segura in a territory dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the starry sky. This project, promoted by the Rural Development Groups (GDR) of the said communities and with the cooperation of the Provincial Council of Jaén, seeks to promote astrotourism as an engine for sustainable development in the region.
The Jaén Astronomical Corridor extends along 6,067 square kilometres, forming a continuous space with exceptional night skies. The absence of light pollution in these areas provides optimal conditions for the observation of stars, planets and other celestial phenomena, positioning the province as a reference destination for fans and astronomy professionals.
This project is being coordinated by the Sierra Sur Rural Development Group of Jaén and promoted by the Sierra Sur Serra Rural Development Groups of Jaén, Magina, Cazorla and Segura. It has the collaboration of the Provincial Council of Jaén and the funding of 90% by the European Union through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and 10% by the Board of Andalusia.
The province of Jaén has been consolidated as a reference in astrotourism thanks to the quality of its night sky, its privileged geographical location and the strong commitment of the territory to the defence of the right to observe the stars. These are some of the factors that make Jaén an exceptional destination for astronomical observation:
- Certified dark skies: Jaén has the Jaén Astronomical Corridor made up of four Starlight Reserves: Sierra Sur de Jaén, Sierra Magina, Sierra de Cazorla and Sierra de Segura. Distinction that supports the purity and darkness of
Astronomical observation points
Agenda
4
Jun
Cielo de Frontera 2026
4 June 2026
19
Sep
Stargazing Tourism. Around Berrueco Castle
19 September 2026
