1st August 2024 
Leave a commentAugust is a ‘star month’ for stargazing and to see meteor showers. But as you will discover in this article Stargazing in Malaga is a rewarding activity all year round due to the mild weather.
Best places to enjoy a “starry night in Malaga”
The problem with the coastline of Malaga is that all the large centres of population are concentrated there and this leads to a large amount of light pollution which often prevents a fuller view of the sky.
Although we are going to mention some places on the coast, if you really want an ‘undisturbed’ view, we recommend you to move away from the coast and enjoy a trip inland to Malaga.
Some of the best places are in the Serranía de Ronda and also in the Axarquía region.
Best places for stargazing in Malaga – Inland
Montes de Malaga
Very close to Malaga is the natural area of the Montes de Malaga. It is a popular place to see the stars, due to its proximity to the city.
In the area there are several viewpoints such as the Mirador del Palomar, Mirador de la Unidad, Mirador del Cochino or Mirador de Pocopan.
Viewpoint of Comares
Don’t you feel like getting lost in nature at night?
Then you can discover this option in the beautiful village of Comares. Situated more than 700 metres above sea level, this village of the Axarquia is also known as the balcony of Axarquia, because of its magnificent views.
All you have to do is go to the Mirador de Comares located in the centre of the village. There you can also enjoy some tapas in one of the bars in the Plaza.
A few metres from the village are the ruins of an ancient fortress which also serves as a viewpoint.
As an added bonus, if you want to make the most of your stay, the village is also known for its 400m zip line and via ferrata.
Alfarnate
Where you will definitely be closer to heaven is in this white village located in the Axarquia region. Situated 886 m above sea level, this is the highest municipality in the province.
By the way, Alfarnate is known for its excellent cherries and olive oil.
There you can get close to the Santo Cristo viewpoint to see beautiful starry nights in a completely natural environment away from the crowds.
El Torcal de Antequera
El Torcal, a fantastic karst landscape, is a privileged area for stargazing. It is located at an altitude of 1,200 metres and completely away from any possible light pollution.
In the area there is a visitor’s centre with an astronomical observatory that carries out activities throughout the year.
If you choose to see the stars from there, remember to bring warm clothes, even in summer (the temperature drops by 1 degree every 100 metres in altitude compared to the coast).
Cuevas del Becerro
About 20 km from Ronda, deep in the Serrania de Ronda is hidden this little village.
Recently Cuevas del Becerro has become known for being included in the Starlight Foundation’s list as one of the best places in Spain to see the stars.
The viewpoint located only a few metres away from the village.
Due to the considerable distance, you may want to stay there a night or two, surrounded by silence and nature. There are several rural accommodations closeby.
Yunquera
Yunquera is another charming white village situated next to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, about 50 km north of Marbella.
The village has an astronomical observatory, called Astrolab, located in an old watchtower.
They offer regularly public activities to see the night sky. They also offer the possibility of booking a private activity where the observatory opens just for you.
This could be a lovely idea for a special gift or an outing with friends.
Best places for stargazing in Malaga – Coast
Nerja and Maro Cliffs
In and around Nerja you also have some beautiful options for stargazing very close to the sea.
Stargazing from the Torre de Maro
If you are looking for a place close to, but at the same time far from the town, you can go to the viewpoint of Torre de Maro.
You must take into account that this is a protected place and you cannot reach this place by car and you will have to walk the last few metres.
It is recommended to arrive before dark, and be prepared with comfortable shoes and torches to return at night.
Stargazing from the Balcón de Europa
If you go to the Balcón de Europa late at night or in the early hours of the morning, you may find that you have this viewpoint over the coast all to yourself. The advantage is that if you are staying in Nerja, you can even walk there.
Stargazing in Malaga city
Malaga is certainly not the best place to see the stars because of the enormous light pollution. However, here are some viewpoints where, with a bit of luck, you can also enjoy a night with the stars without going too far from the city.
Mirador de Gibralfaro: This is one of the most popular viewpoints in Malaga, located on a hill just 30 minutes’ walk from the centre. From there you can enjoy spectacular views of the sky, the city and the port.
Mirador de El Morlaco: Located next to the popular fishing district of Malaga, Pedregalejo, in a large green area and the residential neighbourhood of Cerrado de Calderón, in the east of Malaga.
Mirador de San Antón: Located to the north of the district of Pedregalejo, this viewpoint is part of the Malaga Mountains.
About 13 minutes by car from the beach of El Palo, from this viewpoint you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its beaches.
Open Air planetarium Benalmadena
The Benalmadena cable car is a very comfortable option to see the night sky without having to leave the coast.
In just 15 minutes it brings you to the perfect star-gazing spot at the top of Mt Calamorro over 800 metres above sea level.
It is a fantastic spot to enjoy the night sky over the Costa del Sol free from haze and too much light pollution. From 8 pm every evening, for €3 extra, you can enjoy the Open-Air Planetarium, starting at 9.45 pm. The area also has a restaurant, with an enclosed cafeteria and open-air terrace, and a kiosk.
The cable car is accessible for visitors with wheelchairs with a total width of less than 70 cm or folding wheelchairs. The main viewing platform nearby is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Astronomical experience on a catamaran in Malaga: A SEA OF STARS.
You can also enjoy the starry sky from a totally different and very unique perspective:
Sail by night on a catamaran, skirting the coast of Malaga and enjoying the views from the sea, with a welcome drink and a guided explanation. T
his experience is called “a Sea of Stars”, a beautiful name for an unforgettable activity for all ages.
When can we see the Perseids in Malaga?
Although this year 2024 they will reach their maximum splendour between 11 and 13 August, you can see them from 17 July until approximately 24 August.
Meteor shower calendar
Here you find the dates for this year for all the Meteor showers in Malaga.
And as mentioned at the beginning of our article, the mild climate in Malaga during the winter months makes it feasible to spend a night outside without getting too cold.
- Quadrantids: 28 December – 12 January
- Lyrids: 14 – 30 April
- Eta Aquarids: 19 April – 28 May
- Delta Aquarids: 12 July – 23 August
- Perseids: 17 July – 24 August
- Orionids: 2 October – 7 November
- Leonids: 6 – 30 November
- Geminids: 4 – 17 December
- Ursids: 17 – 26 December
