Hatila Valley National Park, Artvin
Hatila National Park is considered one of the most stunning places to connect with the sky – and certainly one of the best spots in Türkiye to observe the stars. Campsites are available in the park – for some serious star-gazing, visitors can pitch a tent near the Hatila Stream and enjoy the view. This beautiful national park is in the Eastern Black Sea Region, just 10 kilometers from the Artvin city center!
Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları), Balıkesir
Extending across a lush landscape of 21,300 hectares in the northern part of Edremit Bay, Mount Ida was considered a sacred place in antiquity; it was even described in Homer’s Iliad. Enhanced by its mystical quality, the mountain’s beautiful nature makes it a popular destination for camping, trekking and observing the night skies.
To reach Mount Ida, you can purchase a ticket to Balıkesir and rent a car at the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange a private transfer.
Sivri Dağ National Park, Antalya
Sivri Dağ National Park – another sky-watching area – is easily accessible, at less than 10 kilometers from Antalya’s Konyaaltı neighborhood. The slopes of Sivri Dağ, one of the highest peaks in the Beydağları, arise from the park, giving it an otherworldly ambiance. The park is one of Türkiye’s most stunning sky observatories – and a terrific route for camping.
For a quick retreat from urban life, you can book a flight to Antalya and rent a car at the airport. Or simply take a taxi to the Sivri Dağ National Park.
Kartal Lake Nature Reserve, Muğla
Muğla is home to the Kartal Lake Nature Reserve, almost two-thousand meters above sea level. One of Türkiye’s oldest black pine forests, the Kartal Lake Nature Reserve is an intriguing spot for watching the skies: the reserve is a habitat for a diverse range of plants and also features the Kartal Lake Glacier Valley. You can book a ticket to Muğla; Dalaman Airport is the closest airport to the Kartal Lake Nature Reserve.
Red Valley, Cappadocia
One of Türkiye’s most famous regions is Cappadocia, known for its fantastical tufa rock formations. With little light pollution, the valleys of Cappadocia are amazing places for observing the night skies and the Red Valley is one of the most spectacular.
To visit Cappadocia, book a flight to Nevşehir. Red Valley is reachable by taxi or car. Alternatively, you can hike to the valley.
Saklıkent Observatory, Antalya
The Tübitak National Observatory, in Saklıkent, Antalya, is renowned among scientists and astronomy buffs. Perched atop Bakırtepe mountain – one of the highest points of the Beydağları – the observatory is 2,500 meters above sea level and in a location and climate exceptionally well-suited for viewing the skies. Bakırtepe is accessed via a seven-kilometer mountain route from Saklıkent. While the observatory is not open to casual visitors on a daily basis, it hosts an annual “star fest” for the public.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
On the next segment of our star watching journey, we visit a place where land and sky almost seem to touch. With a surface area of 10,582 square kilometers – and around 3,600 meters above sea level, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt lake and features a bright white salt surface. During the rainy season, the lake’s surface is covered with a layer of water that appears to mirror the skies. This isolated region offers extraordinary views of the nighttime skies.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Even in this country of stunning landscapes, Kruger National Park stands out as one of South Africa’s most beautiful. Without surrounding light pollution, it is also a wonderful locale for star gazing. In fact, nighttime astronomy experiences are often included in the game drive program, where visitors can observe the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo.
Kiruna, Sweden
The city of Kiruna is within the Arctic Circle and approximately 48 kilometers from Esrange Space Center, Europe’s largest civil space center. It is unique as a vantage point for viewing the spectacular northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, which is one of nature’s most spectacular light shows.
The most memorable night of your life may be waiting for you in Kiruna, a tranquil city in Lapland…You can get there by flying to Stockholm. From there, you can fly, take a train or drive to Kiruna.
Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia
One of the most famous landmarks in Australia – and the world – is Uluru. Located within the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is sacred to indigenous Australians. At night, illuminated by stars, the massive red sandstone formation in the middle of the desert appears to be on fire. It is breathtakingly beautiful. With almost no light pollution, the area around the park is ideal for observing the galaxies.
You can get to Uluru by train or via daily flights from Sydney or Melbourne.
Natural Bridges National Monument, USA
These three natural rock sculptures were declared a National Monument in 1908, but the National Bridges National Monument, in the US state of Utah, became the first International Dark Sky Park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) in 2007. The IDA works to prevent light pollution; while the National Bridges is in an area with almost no light pollution, the national park still had to work in order to bring it that percentage to zero. But visitors are magnificently rewarded – the night skies are vivid and clear, with views of the Milky Way. We suggest camping here for at least a night to make the most of your star gazing time.
