Tenerife Dark Sky and Astrophotography

7days from

£2,379^*per person

Overview

Swap city lights for some of the clearest skies on Earth on this extraordinary astronomy escape. Guided throughout by renowned astronomer Pete Lawrence, from the BBC's 'The Sky at Night', this expertly crafted tour blends dramatic volcanic landscapes, high-altitude observatories and unforgettable night-sky experiences.

Stay in the heart of Teide National Park at over 2,000 metres above sea level, one of Europe’s premier stargazing locations, where powerful telescopes bring distant galaxies, glittering constellations and wandering planets into breathtaking focus. Explore the Izana Observatory, take part in solar viewing and photography sessions and witness the Sun’s surface in astonishing detail. With time to relax by the coast in Playa de las Américas, striking scenery across the island and the perfect balance of discovery and downtime, this is Tenerife as you’ve never seen it before - by day and under a clear sky full of stars.

Itinerary

We fly to Tenerife South International Airport. On arrival, we’re met and transferred to the H10 Conquistador in Playa de las Américas. As we travel, the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and Atlantic views offer a first glimpse of the scenery that makes Tenerife so distinctive. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and enjoy our surroundings. Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we gather for an introductory presentation with astronomer Pete Lawrence, who outlines what to expect in the days ahead. From dark-sky locations to astrophotography tips, it’s the perfect way to set the scene for the week. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Playa de las Américas. Perhaps take a stroll along the seafront promenade, relax by the pool, or enjoy the warm sunshine as the rhythm of island life settles in. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Playa de las Américas and journey into the dramatic landscapes of Teide National Park. Volcanic rock formations and vast, open skies accompany us as we travel high into the mountains for a guided visit to the observatory at Izaña, located 2,390 metres above sea level. Here, we take part in an engaging astrophysics workshop and enjoy the opportunity to observe the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere through professional solar telescopes, with the chance to spot sunspots and flares. Lunch is included at a local venue. Later this afternoon, we check into the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, set in the heart of the national park beneath Mount Teide itself. After dinner, we step outside once more for a two-hour night sky viewing session with Pete Lawrence, using specialist telescopes to explore Tenerife’s celebrated dark skies. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We wake to the extraordinary setting of the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, surrounded by the dramatic volcanic landscape of Teide National Park. This morning is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore nearby walking trails, where the ever-changing light across the caldera creates striking views and photo opportunities. After a leisurely morning and lunch, we join Pete Lawrence for a two-hour solar viewing and photography experience. Using specialist equipment, we’ll observe the Sun in remarkable detail and receive expert guidance to help capture our own images. Following dinner at the hotel, the experience continues under what are normally some of the clearest skies in the world. Step outside for an evening of guided night sky observations with Pete Lawrence, as constellations, planets and deep-sky objects reveal themselves in extraordinary clarity. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion showcasing some of northern and western Tenerife’s most striking highlights. We begin in Icod de los Vinos, a charming town of whitewashed colonial buildings, wine shops, cafés and home to the famous thousand-year-old Dragon Tree. Next, we continue to the historic coastal town of Garachico, known for its black-sand beach, natural volcanic swimming pools, pretty plaza and cobbled streets lined with traditional architecture. Here, we enjoy lunch at leisure. This afternoon, we travel back towards the south with a stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic 600-metre cliffs of Los Gigantes, one of the island’s most impressive natural landmarks. Later, we continue to Playa de las Américas and return to the H10 Conquistador for the next two nights.
We enjoy a relaxed day at leisure to unwind and make the most of the facilities at the H10 Conquistador, or explore Playa de las Américas at our own pace. Later, we join Pete Lawrence for a wrap-up presentation reflecting on the week’s solar and night sky experiences, followed by a farewell dinner to round off the tour in style. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Tenerife South International Airport for our flight to the UK.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Tour accompanied throughout by astronomer Pete Lawrence
Two presentations, solar photography guidance & astronomy sessions with Pete Lawrence
Two night sky observations & photography experiences with Pete Lawrence
Guided visit to the Izana Observatory, including astrophysics workshop & solar viewing using professional telescopes
Excursions to Mount Teide, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico & Los Gigantes
Free time in Playa de las Américas

Our Price Includes

Return flights to Tenerife South International Airport, Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) and Airport transfers in Tenerife
Four nights' four-star half-board accommodation at H10 Conquistador, Playa de las Américas
Two nights' three-star plus accommodation at Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, Teide National Park, plus one lunch
1/2 litre of water, plus 1/4 litre of wine or a glass of beer or a soft drink served with dinner each evening
One lunch at a local restaurant
Two presentations, solar photography guidance & astronomy sessions with Pete Lawrence
Two night sky observations & photography experiences with Pete Lawrence
Guided visit to the Izana Observatory, including astrophysics workshop & solar viewing using professional telescopes
Excursions to Mount Teide, Icod de los Vinos, Garachico & Los Gigantes
Free time in Playa de las Américas
Services of a Tour Manager
Tour accompanied throughout by astronomer Pete Lawrence

The Metro Travel Experience

Extraordinary travel and memories of a lifetime.

60+ Holiday Types
500+ Destinations
364,000+ Customers

Dates and Prices

Accommodation

H10 Conquistador, Playa de las Americas, Tenerife -

★★★★

Located on the seafront in Playa de las Américas, the H10 Conquistador enjoys a prime position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and direct access to the promenade. The hotel sits within easy reach of the resort’s shops, restaurants and entertainment, making it an ideal base for a relaxed coastal stay.

All rooms are en-suite and include air-conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a safe. Bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Facilities are extensive and include multiple swimming pools (some of which are heated in winter), an infinity pool (adults-only), sun terraces and a chill-out area with sea views. Guests also benefit from a choice of restaurants and bars, evening entertainment, a spa and wellness centre.

Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide -

★★★

Set within the dramatic landscapes of Teide National Park, the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is a unique mountain hotel at over 2,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by a vast volcanic caldera and panoramic views of Mount Teide.

All rooms are en-suite and include satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, heating and comfortable furnishings. The hotel offers many rooms with views across the lunar-like scenery or towards the volcano itself. Facilities include a restaurant serving Canarian cuisine, a lounge with a log fire, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna and outdoor terraces ideal for taking in the exceptional surroundings. With its high-altitude location and minimal light pollution, it is also an outstanding base for stargazing.

Other Information

Upgrade to a Superior Room at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide from £60pp (subject to availability).

Please note: Due to the high altitude of Teide National Park, temperatures can be significantly cooler than on the coast, particularly after sunset. Warm layers, a windproof/waterproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential. Gloves and a hat are recommended for evening stargazing.

Night sky observations are weather dependent. While Teide National Park is renowned for its clear skies, cloud cover or adverse weather conditions may affect visibility on occasion.

Holiday code

JG458

Holiday provided by Just Go Holidays

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Just Go Holidays. They are protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT). They are also ATOL protected (ATOL 10889). These bonds mean that, when you book a Just Go holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.

View Terms and Conditions