The Starlight Foundation, an international organisation linked to the Instituto Astrofísico de Canarias, created a certification system, through which those areas with excellent sky quality and which represent an example of protection and conservation are accredited. These are scenarios that include stargazing as part of their natural, scenic, cultural or scientific heritage and in turn, promote stargazing tourism. This certification scheme is supported by UNESCO, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Starlight Tourist Destinations are places to visit that enjoy excellent conditions for the observation of starry skies and that, being protected against light pollution, are particularly suitable for the development of tourism activities based on this natural resource.
Starlight Tourist Destination Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park
The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park is located in the Rías Baixas and is composed of four archipelagos: Cortegada and Sálvora in the estuary Ría de Arousa, Ons in front of the Pontevedra estuary, and Cíes, closing the estuary Ría de Vigo.
The spectacular nights of the islands allow for an unbeatable view of the starry sky. On the other hand, thanks to their diversity (both in terms of fauna and flora) and the spectacular landscapes, these islands constitute a unique cultural and natural heritage on the Spanish coast.
The Starlight destination hosts activities in its Interpretation Centres related to the observation and protection of the night sky, with two stations that measure its brightness, as well as actions on the ground on the islands.