A leading travel expert says it's no wonder many tourists are swapping five-star hotels for the countless stars that can be seen from popular stargazing destinations such as the monasteries in the Pyrenees Mountains.
Johanna Jernberg, a leading tourism expert from Monasteries.com, says: 'From the Arctic Circle to New Zealand to the mountains of Spain, astrotourism is becoming a billion-pound trend. Last year, visitors spent over £620m experiencing the northern lights, while astrotourism is expected to generate a stellar £4.4bn by the end of the decade.
'Now a new online guide has revealed that Spain is one of the best countries from which to see the night sky, thanks to clear weather and lack of light pollution. Mountaintop monasteries offer some of the best places from which to gaze at the heavens.
Monestir de les Avellanes, Catalonia: 'Set among rolling vineyards and deep forests in the foothills of the Serra del Montsec (Lleida province), Monestir de les Avellanes offers a front-row seat to the cosmos. Montsec's pristine night skies have earned the area UNESCO recognition as one of the world's best places for stargazing. Just 20 minutes' drive away is Àger's Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, a certified Starlight Reserve.
Hostatgeria Monestir Sant Benet de Montserrat: 'If the Monestir de les Avellanes featured in the guide is unavailable, then just a 90-minute drive away is the spectacular monastery of Sant Benet de Montserrat. It stands in equally breathtaking scenery, high on a mountainside with uninterrupted, clear skies. Full board single rooms are available from £63.39 a night with views of the mountains.
Monasterio de la Purísima Concepción, El Toboso, Toledo: 'Neighbouring Toledo boasts a rich astrological history. Throughout the Middle Ages, it served as a cultural centre for astrological study and was home to many European and Moorish astrologers and astronomers. Star-seekers should check out Alcázar Fortress, which boasts both stunning views and an immersive museum with historical navigation and astronomy.
'The Monjas Trinitarias del Toboso offers a peaceful retreat. Individual ensuite rooms are available from just £35 a night, hardly an astronomical price, even at the height of August.
'There are galaxies more tips about the best locations to see the stars in Spain and how to stay in a monastery, in the new online guide: https://www.monasteries.com/en-GB/travel-inspiration/stargazing-in-spain-5-monastery-stays-for-serene-starry-nights
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: Monasteries.com
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