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STARGAZING IN SPAIN: 5 MONASTERY STAYS FOR STARRY NIGHTS

Alexander Meddings

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Astrotourism looks set to become one of the biggest travel trends for 2025, with millions of travellers seeking dark sky destinations away from the glare of city lights. Much has been driven by the recent appearance of some of the best auroras in 20 years. But stargazing is more than just auroras, comets and constellations. It’s an accessible, timeless experience that connects us to the cosmos and can be enjoyed by all beneath the clear night skies.
Spain’s Reputation for Stargazing
Spain is topographically well suited to stargazing. The Pyrenees mountains that separate Spain from France to the northeast act as a natural barrier against clouds and urban light pollution. The peninsula enjoys a Mediterranean climate and clear night skies throughout the year. Most importantly, Spain’s summers and winters are dry, with most of the rain staying mainly on the plain and falling during autumn and spring.

Many monasteries in Spain sit beneath Europe’s clearest night skies, where the Milky Way spills out in full celestial glory. From Catalonia’s jagged peaks to Seville’s quiet valleys, these retreats invite their guests to slow down, stargaze, and reconnect with nature amidst a haven from frenetic city life. For star-seekers craving peaceful accommodation, here are 5 monasteries in Spain that promise peace and serenity.
🌠 Organising your trip? Bookmark this stargazing etiquette guide
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 an oasis of monastic tranquillity and a front-row seat to the cosmos. Montsec’s pristine night skies have earned the area international acclaim and UNESCO recognition as one of the world’s best places for stargazing, sheltered both from the city light pollution and coastal cloud of Barcelona and from the snows of the Pyrenees.

Spanish and Catalan speakers should factor in time to visit Àger’s Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, a certified Starlight Reserve, where visitors can see the Milky Way arch across the sky on its nocturnal stargazing experiences. Nocturnal stargazing starts from €17 per person. By day, star-seekers can walk Montsec’s wooded trails or visit nearby lakes before spending their nights marvelling at constellations.

The Monastery of Avellanes

Situated just a 20-minute drive from Montsec’s Astronomy Park, this Spanish monastery dates back to the 12th century, with a beautiful Gothic church and cloister, and has been lovingly adapted into a modern guesthouse by the Marist Brothers. Guests enjoy the rustic charm of an ancient abbey alongside modern comforts. 
The hospedería features 37 cosy en-suite double rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, all boasting views of the surrounding natural environment. Stargazing enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the astronomy-themed dinner at the monastery’s El Claustre Restaurant (they’ve also been known to host starlit culinary events).

Montserrat Abbey, Catalonia
Rising from the serrated mountains of Montserrat (a name literally translating as “saw-toothed mountain”), this rupestral abbey is one of the most visually striking monasteries in Spain. At an altitude of 1,236 meters, Montserrat Abbey boasts unparalleled views of Catalonia’s expansive landscape, with a night sky that seems to float above the world below.

Montserrat Abbey is home to the famous 12th-century Black Madonna, which has drawn international pilgrims for centuries. By day, visitors can enjoy the celestial harmonies of the Escolania Boys’ Choir or hike peaceful mountain paths. By night, once the day-trippers leave, an incredible peace falls over the mountain. Don’t miss the short but scenic hike to the Santa Cova Chapel, the “Holy Grotto”, built near the cave where the Black Madonna was found.
Staying in Montserrat Abbey
The Abbey has a guesthouse for prayer, retreat, study, and reflection. Prospective guests are encouraged to contact the Abbey directly to enquire into availability. Pilgrims travelling the Way of Saint James or Way of Saint Ignatius can stay at the Pilgrim’s Hostel and purchase their credentials there. Starseekers and retreatants can find many alternative accommodation options in the vicinity of the Abbey.


Monasterio de La Cartuja de Cazalla, Seville
Rising from the serrated mountains of Montserrat (a name literally translating as “saw-toothed mountain”), this rupestral abbey is one of the most visually striking monasteries in Spain. At an altitude of 1,236 meters, Montserrat Abbey boasts unparalleled views of Catalonia’s expansive landscape, with a night sky that seems to float above the world below.

Montserrat Abbey is home to the famous 12th-century Black Madonna, which has drawn international pilgrims for centuries. By day, visitors can enjoy the celestial harmonies of the Escolania Boys’ Choir or hike peaceful mountain paths. By night, once the day-trippers leave, an incredible peace falls over the mountain. Don’t miss the short but scenic hike to the Santa Cova Chapel, the “Holy Grotto”, built near the cave where the Black Madonna was found.
Deep in the heart of Sierra Norte de Sevilla, a 90-minute drive north from Seville and just under two hours west from Córdoba, the fifteenth-century Monasterio de La Cartuja de Cazalla is a hidden treasure for star-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. The surrounding region, protected as a UNESCO Starlight Reserve, is one of Andalusia’s most breathtaking spots for stargazing, promising pitch-black skies that reveal the grandeur of the cosmos.

Founded in 1416 by Jeronimo monks and later occupied by Carthusians, the fifteenth-century complex no longer serves as an active monastery, Instead it welcomes travellers to a restored guesthouse which merges medieval architecture (including converted monks’ cells with vaulted stone ceilings) with modern amenities across 10 bedrooms accommodating 20+ guests.
La Cartuja allows pets and offers self-catering kitchen access, though larger groups can also request traditional breakfasts featuring manteca colorá (spiced lard) and tostón (pork roast). Architectural remnants like the Chapter House arches (1480) and a Baroque herb garden coexist with a seasonal pool and sobremesa dining terraces. With prior arrangement, the chapel can also host yoga sessions or spiritual retreats. But given La Cartuja de Cazalla’s reputation as a place for stargazing, your nights may be relaxing enough.


What to Do Nearby
Many guests join guided stargazing sessions, where local experts lead night walks and telescope viewings. Others prefer to step outside their rooms and gaze skyward from the monastery’s ancient stone courtyards. During the day, guests can cycle along the 18-km Vía Verde rail trail, explore the tenth-century mines, or witness the olive harvest that defines the local landscape.
The monastery’s reinvention as a rural retreat centre highlights Andalusia’s lesser-known interior. Guests cycle the 18km Vía Verde rail trail, venture into the 10th-century La Lima iron mines, or join olive harvests (between November and January). 



Monasterio de la Purísima Concepción, El Toboso, Toledo
Just an hour and a half drive from Madrid airport is the quaint countryside town of El Toboso, which has been immortalised in the literary world through Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote. In the novel, El Toboso is the hometown of the fictional character Dulcinea, the idealised (and purely invented) love interest of our hapless knight. In fact, the town is home to a museum in her honour, set within an immaculately preserved sixteenth-century residence. 

Neighbouring Toledo boasts a rich astrological history. Throughout the Middle Ages, it served as a cultural centre for astrological study, its most famous work being the Toledan Tables, and was home to many European and Moorish astrologers and astronomers. Today, its most visited sites are the stunning Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, Toledo Cathedral, and the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter. But star-seekers should make time to check out Alcázar Fortress, perched atop the highest point in the city, which boasts both stunning views and an immersive museum with historical navigation and astronomy.

Staying in the Monastery of El Toboso

Surrounded by rolling plains and open skies, Monastery of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph offers an idyllic retreat for those in search of stars, stillness, and simplicity. Founded in 1680, this Herrerian-style gem, known as the 'Little Escorial of La Mancha,' offers a peaceful retreat where Trinitarian nuns dedicate their days to prayer and exquisite gold embroidery handicrafts and textiles.

Visitors can stay for reflection, or simply enjoy the silence and spirituality of this sacred place.

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Monastery of Sobrado, Galicia
Galicia’s rugged landscapes are not renowned for stargazing, with the Atlantic weather system obscuring visibility. But the Monastery of Sobrado offers a different kind of celestial experience: one rooted in history, nature, and spiritual reflection. Founded in the tenth century, this Cistercian monastery has long served as a refuge for pilgrims walking the Camino del Norte, offering weary travellers respite before their final journey to Santiago de Compostela, some 60 kilometres away.

Beyond its pivotal position on the Camino del Norte, Sobrado’s natural surroundings exude a quiet beauty of their own. Just a short walk from the monastery, the Sobrado Lagoon, an artificial wetland created by monks in the 16th century, has become a haven for wildlife. Herons, otters, and migratory birds make their home in the lagoon’s still waters, creating a serene setting for peaceful evening walks.

For those looking to explore beyond the monastery, the medieval town of Betanzos, the UNESCO-listed Roman walls of Lugo, and the ancient forests of Fragas do Eume Natural Park offer cultural and natural escapes that are all reachable within a day.

Monasterio de Sobrado, Spain

Staying in the Monastery

The Cistercian monastery’s restored Pilgrims’ Cloister retains its former charm, with stone-vaulted dormitories offering austere but atmospheric accommodation. Although the monastery welcomes all visitors for daytime tours and Gregorian chant services, overnight accommodation is reserved only for men, preserving the monastery’s centuries-old role as a refuge for those journeying to Santiago.



Why Choose Monastery Accommodation for Stargazing in Spain?
Monastery stays offer a rare chance to step away from the rush of modern life and embrace a slower rhythm. With their centuries-old cloisters, thick stone walls, and tranquil gardens, these sacred spaces invite deep rest and reflection. Many are still home to monks or nuns who extend a warm welcome to travelers of all backgrounds, offering simple yet comfortable lodgings and nourishing meals made from local ingredients.

In an era of constant digital noise, monasteries provide welcome retreats from distractions—a place where silence is cherished, time slows, and the beauty of nature takes center stage. Whether you are drawn by spiritual curiosity, a love for history, or the desire to disconnect and recharge, staying in a monastery allows you to experience Spain through the lens of stillness, tradition, and quiet wonder.


Practical Tips for a Stargazing in Spain
Try to time your trip for spring (April to June) or autumn (September and October) when the weather is mildest across most of Spain. Summers can be scorching, especially in inland areas like Sevilla and Extremadura, and some monasteries might have limited availability during peak holiday months. Winters in high-altitude locations like Montserrat and Avellanes get very cold, and nights close in early (which, on the upside, means longer nights for starry skies).

As many of these monasteries are quite remote, you may want to look into hiring a car. However, for star-seekers who don’t fancy driving there are public transport alternatives: Montserrat is accessible from Barcelona by train and cable car from Barcelona, and some towns (like Guadalupe or Silos) have daily bus connections from nearby cities.

Finally, be pragmatic with your packing. Bring sturdy walking shoes and casual, comfortable clothing. Monastery stays don’t require strict dress codes for guests, but out of respect you should dress modestly around church areas. Pack layers, as stone buildings can be cool at night and mountain climates change quickly, and consider bringing along a portable USB charger — to power both your phone torch and stargazing app!