Extraordinary holiday activities: On the trail of the stars

A vacation trip should be more than just endless hours on the beach or good food in a restaurant for most travelers. Vacation trips are more memorable when they are enriched by truly unique activities and experiences. In the case of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, taking a look at the stars is a great option. With the Teide Telescope located in the volcanic heights of the national park of the same name, Europe's largest solar telescopep invites you to gaze at the starry sky.

Powerful telescopes with impressive discoveries

Located at an altitude of nearly 2,400 meters, astronomy has a long tradition in Tenerife. In 1964, the first powerful telescope was installed, and over the decades, new models with improved physical performance values have been added. The importance of the Teide Observatory for global astrophysics is undisputed, with the pulsation of the sun discovered here in an approximate 5-minute cycle, for example.

The first brown dwarf in outer space was also discovered in 1995 from a telescope on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It was named Teide-1, after the highest peak on the volcanic island. The telescopes and facilities cover an area of 50 hectares in total, which is a substantial size for the island. Tenerife is home to 19 countries and over 60 facilities engaged in astronomical activities.

Exciting and uninterrupted view of the stars

Naturally, the entire facility is open to tourists to take an unforgettable look at the starry sky. Guided tours are regularly offered, for example, to observe the activities of the sun through two telescopes with different filters. After the tour, visitors can learn more about the scientific achievements of the observatory in one of the domes of the Teide Observatory. One of the most beautiful places in Tenerife thus becomes a highlight, even if there is little interest in astronomy. Depending on the chosen day, guided tours can be booked in German or simply unique hours can be spent on the premises.