Alqueva Dark Sky Zone

The Alqueva Dark Sky Zone is a protected area and internationally certified as a Dark Sky Reserve, or Starlight Tourism Destination, extending over an area of about 10,000 square kilometers. It offers a unique opportunity to gaze at the starry sky, with minimal public lighting at night, allowing for a better enjoyment of this natural phenomenon. Visitors can see various constellations, including Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, and many others, and even spot the Milky Way. The area also features megalithic monuments, such as the Cromlech of Xerez, and the walled village of Monsaraz. The Official Dark Sky Observatory, located in the village of Cumeada, offers night observation programs, solar observation programs, and an astrophotography exhibition. The region provides a range of activities, including hiking trails, signposted tracks for observing flora and fauna, canoeing, workshops, and astrophotography, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers