In Alentejo, Alquevas sky is an internationally protected and certified area, registered as a Dark Sky reserve, or Starlight Tourism Destination, which extends over an area of about 3000 square kilometers. DARK SKY RESERVE ALQUEVA RECEIVES FIRST WORLD CERTIFICATION AWARDED BY UNESCO, STARLIGHT FOUNDATION AND WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION. Starlight destinations are places that have very low light pollution where visitors can enjoy unique and unparalleled opportunities to see the night sky. 







 

darkskyalqueva photo @miguel_claro 

 

 



 

In much of Europe, fewer and fewer people can see the galaxy clearly due to increased light pollution, but in Alqueva, the excellent weather and clarity make it possible for visitors to enjoy the stars most of the year. In addition, the Alqueva is a unique region, very rich in cultural and natural heritage. Their megalithic remains provide a link with past civilizations that have observed and responded to celestial movements.

 

The creation of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve has brought even greater charm to the Alentejo and its famous immense plain - a wonderful sight that gives us peace and serenity, only here and there broken by the mountains of São Mamede, Ossa, Adiça, Portel and Caldeirão. . If youve had the opportunity to visit a planetarium, you know how indescribable it is to behold the night sky, even if artificial. In Portugal, we are fortunate to have this experience outdoors. 

Besides letting us contemplate the dark side of the Alqueva, the majestic cloak of stars and galaxies that paint the sky at night accompanied only by the musical noise of nature itself, the Dark Sky Alqueva gives us a perfect opportunity to do other activities and get to know all that the surrounding three thousand square kilometers have to offer, namely in the municipalities of Alandroal, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portel, Mourão, Moura and Barrancos. 

All this is possible thanks to the Dark Sky Alqueva Route. Associated with the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, it is made up of accommodation units, restaurants, regional producers and tourist entertainment companies, and it is from this itinerary that you can learn more about the culture, gastronomy and geography of this magnificent region. Imagine yourself under the starry sky taking a horse ride, orienteering, nightlife or birdwatching, supper on the banks of the Alqueva, a wine tasting, a nice canoe ride or simply an invigorating walk. Whether at night or day, youll have plenty to entertain.

 

 

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