Costa del Sol stargazing

Nope, we’re not talking celebrity-spotting in Puerto Banús. Nor even all those major international names headlining at gigs, concerts and shows on the Costa del Sol throughout the year. The stargazing I’m on about is of the celestial variety, because the astronomy sessions being held at the Observatory right in the middle of the magical and mysterious El Torcal Nature Reserve mean you can enjoy close encounters with stars, constellations, Jupiter, Venus and more on Saturday 21 and 28 January from 8pm to 10pm…

The El Torcal Observatory

Designed for anyone with an interest in astronomy – and for children and adults alike – the get-togethers are hosted by the Observatorio Astronómico de Torcal, whose expert staff will ‘guide’ you through the night sky using powerful telescopes, lasers and multimedia equipment. But if you can’t make either of these dates, since the sessions are held fairly regularly, there’ll be plenty of other opportunities!

The magical and mysterious El Torcal Nature Reserve. © Jorge Morales

Around 40km inland from Málaga – close to the village of Villanueva de la Concepción – the Paraje Natural del Torcal extends across 17 square kilometres, and with its weird but utterly wonderful rock formations is one of the most breathtaking limestone landscapes anywhere in Europe. In fact, come to think of it, if you’re planning on taking the Observatory up on its stargazing invitation, why not make a weekend of it? There’s no shortage of welcoming rural boutique hotels to stay at in the area, and that way you’d get to see El Torcal both by day and by night, as well as maybe having time to visit the nearby historic city of Antequera, too.

Weird and utterly wonderful rock formations - El Torcal Nature Reserve. © Jorge Morales

The January nighttime observations cost €8 (adults) and €6.40 (children under 12 and OAPs). Places are limited so you’ll need to make a reservation and since the Observatory is 1,200 metres above sea level, make sure you wrap up warm and don’t forget to take hiking boots – or at the very least some flat-heeled shoes – with you!

For more information, T. (+34) 600 703 700.