The Costa da Morte, in addition to being a naturally wild sea and land paradise, is also a privileged place when we raise our heads towards the night sky.
These are the best places in Costa da Morte for stargazing
A Costa da Morte is a Starlight Tourism Destination and this means that, within our 17 municipalities, there are many places where low light pollution allows an unique observation of the night sky. Can you imagine being able to see the center of the Milky Way while the waves break strongly in the sea?
On the Costa da Morte it is possible. And we want to share the best places on the Costa da Morte to observe the stars.
Carballo: Pedra Moura of Aldemunde
In Carballo there is a place that evokes fantasy stories. The dolmen of Pedra Moura of Aldemunde. This place have old stories that speak of a moura (a mythological being) who transported these stones from Petón de Calvelo.
It is located in a place with very low light pollution that allows for good astronomical observation. Starting in April, the center of the Milky Way begins to be visible, making it a good place for astrophotography.
Cee: Beaches and viewpoints
In Cee is difficult to choose just one location. It has some beaches where you can calmly observe the immensity of the sky and also a viewpoint, Gures, perfect for watching the sun disappear behind the sea and witnessing one of the most spectacular skies in the area.
Regarding the beaches, it depends on our preferences. Estorde beach is located in a semi-urban environment with signposted accesses, showers, toilets, camping, etc. If you prefer a wilder and more distant environment, you can go to the Lires beach, which is part of the Rede Natura 2000 for its ecological value. It is a beach where it is very easy for time to stop and where you can relax while watching the stars.
Dumbría: Pedra Cabalgada do Brazal
Also known as Pedra do Brazal. It stands out as an astronomical observation spot in Dumbría. This granitic magma with such a capricious shape was able to withstand the fury of natural catastrophes and the erosion of time. It is a place full of history that make you feel quite tiny under the sky.
Other good places to visit are the Chapel of Santa Lucía de Olveira or the village of As Teixeiras, due to its low light pollution.
Fisterra: Pedras Santas or Marconi
This place is located in the second highest spot of the municipality of Fisterra, the Monte Facho. It is accessed through the road that goes to the lighthouse, 100 metres before arriving. This place is also called Marconi because of the telegraph station that is located there. This special area, being so high and at the same time so close to the sea, is perfect to observe the sky with the immensity of the ocean in the background.
Coristanco: Fontecova Lagoon
Coristanco is an interior municipality, so has very different attractions as far as astronomical observation is concerned. In this case, it is necessary to highlight the Fontecova Lagoon, in Cuns. This lagoon has an area of 175 by 125 meters at its furthest points.
Its origin is curious, since it arose when the place that was used for the extraction of kaolin was occupied by water until reaching a depth of thirty meters at some point. The reflections of the night sky on the water speak for themselves, so the combination of low light pollution with the environment itself is unique.
Laxe: Traba and Soesto beaches
If Laxe has something, it is beaches that take your breath away. An example is Traba, as well as Soesto. They have a privileged natural environment where you can carry out many activities, including astronomical observation.
In fact, a fantastic proposal could be to spend the day in Soesto. In the morning walking along the coast to Traba and back (about 6 kilometers in total). Afterwards, eating at the Soesto picnic area, a surf session in the afternoon and stay to see the stars at night. A plan in the middle of nature to recharge your batteries and enjoy everything this area offers.
Vimianzo: San Bartolo Viewpoint
In Vimianzo, the highest place is occupied by the San Bartolo viewpoint. The town of Vimianzo is located in a valley between elevations and one of the high points is San Bartolo, an emblematic place where a peculiar pilgrimage is celebrated.
Its elevation allows for a fantastic panoramic view of Vimianzo and a privileged view of the night sky. In addition, the City Council organizes activities related to astrotourism that are very worthwhile.
Corcubión: Corcubión Lighthouse (Cape Cee)
A location somewhat away from the town that allows you to have a panoramic view from Fisterra to the Pindo. Its south orientation makes it a pleasant place to spend a quiet night. Sightings of dolphins during sunset are usual. A quiet and recommended place to enjoy the night.
Zas: Meda Peak
Meda Peak, in Zas, has already been the protagonist in a unique event this year: the partial solar eclipse, as it has been one of the few places in Spain, along with Cape Touriñan, from where this phenomenon has been seen. It is 566 meters high and from its top it is possible to see the Atlantic, even without being a municipality with sea access.
The Grande River is born in this place, which flows through other municipalities in the area, It is also possible to see animals in freedom. At night, the breadth of the viewing platform allows for fantastic stellar views.
Camariñas: Reira Beach and surroundings
If there is a place that represents the wild nature of the Costa da Morte, it is the route that goes from Cape Vilán to Monte Branco. An wild place with impressive nature. We consider that any of the beaches on this route can be fantastic on a clear night, but from Balea or Reira beaches you will have one of the best views of the iconic Vilán lighthouse.
Can you imagine a starry night with the sea crashing loudly and the Vilán in the background? Well, you can now save a date in your summer agenda for this unique plan.
A Laracha: Santa Marta Viewpoint
Another elevated place away from urban centers to have a night only illuminated by the stars. It is located at the top of Monte de Santa Marta, between the parishes of Coiro, Soandres and Soutullo, at a height of 432 meters. Formerly, the chapel of Santa Marta was located here, the remains of which are still preserved.
The viewpoint is a natural space recovered by the City Council and which today has been converted into a large recreation area, equipped with grills, benches and tables, from which you can enjoy impressive views of the municipality and other places of Bergantiños.
Ponteceso: Brantuas Lighthouse
This is one of those iconic and different places that watch over our coasts. And no, it is not a “lighthouse” as we know it. It is a monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus located on Mount Faro, 231 meters high, in the parish of San Xián de Brantuas, in Ponteceso.
From this height, you can see the Corme and Laxe estuary and towards the other side, Punta Nariga. With that view, the sky also offers a spectacle worth seeing. A good time to enjoy the stars here is during the Perseids, in August.
Cabana de Bergantiños: Castro A Cidá de Borneiro
In Cabana de Bergantiños, one of the best places to mix heritage and astronomy is the Castro A Cidá de Borneiro. A place that we have already highly recommended visiting on our instagram but that has a special magic at night.
In summer a unique activity is carried out in this place: the Ruta das Estrelas (Star Route). A night walk that begins in the Dombate Dolmen and concludes in the Castro of Borneiro with an astronomical observation conducted by the physicist Jorge Mira. Highly recommended.
Mazaricos: Mount Aro Viewpoint
This place is a point with great ornithological value and, in addition, part of the Camino de Santiago crosses it. It has free binoculars to watch birds. At night, bird watching changes to stargazing. A not so well known but very special place.
Muxía: Touriñán Lighthouse
The well-known and iconic Touriñán lighthouse is located on the cape where the sun says goodbye to the Costa da Morte. It offers one of the most impressive and privileged natural environments not only to see stunning sunsets, but also to observe the stars.
Carnota: Carnota Beach and Lariño Lighthouse
Both the Lariño lighthouse, a little further south on the coast, and Carnota beach are great places to see the stars.
This immense sandy beach of 7 kilometers long stands out as a natural point for stargazing on the Costa da Morte. It is an ideal place to spend a long summer day, enjoying the sea, bird watching and other activities before the arrival of night.
Once the light falls, the stars begin to appear and, with some luck, a good night sky can coincide with the phenomenon of the Milky Sea. Can you imagine it? It is possible because it has already happened!
Malpica de Bergantiños: Nariga Lighthouse
Iconic to see the sunset, to appreciate the immensity of the horizon, to take a look at the Sisargas Islands… The Punta Nariga lighthouse is also one of the best places in Malpica and the entire Costa da Morte to observe the starry sky and do astrophotography in an incomparable spot.
Enjoy the most beautiful sky on the Costa da Morte
In a nutshell, Costa da Morte is a unique destination for lovers of astronomy and astrophotography. It has many places where you can get lost under the night sky. For this reason among others, Costa da Morte will host the VII International Starlight Meeting in October 2024.
So grab your coat and get ready to discover the most beautiful night in the best places on the Costa da Morte to see the stars. Remember to always respect the environment and if you take photos and videos, don’t forget to tag us on social media (@visitacostadamorte) and use the hashtag #visitacostamorte. ¡Enjoy the skies!
