Wish on the stars above Lanzarote and La Graciosa to make your New Year’s dreams come true

The starry firmament is magical and fascinating, and we humans have been gazing up at it and making wishes since time immemorial.

Summer is usually the best time to enjoy the cosmic spectacle in the northern hemisphere, but in Lanzarote the skies are always clear, and this, together with the privileged location of the Canary Islands, means we can enjoy the night skies all year round.

That’s why we want to invite you to start the new year by wishing on the stars at these dreamy viewpoints:

 1 – Peñas del Chache. Alone with the Milky Way

This viewpoint in the north of the island is located at its highest point, at 670 metres, which offers spectacular views of the cliffs at sunset, before giving way to darkness and the immensity of the stars, making you feel part of the cosmos.

Peñas del Chache is sheltered from all light pollution, so as night falls, the entire field of stars of the Milky Way unfolds before your eyes. You will feel like you could touch the star Antares, which shines with its characteristic reddish colour. The constellation of Sagittarius is shaped like a teapot and the twinkling of Scorpio sketches the long-tailed animal above you. Such beauty is sure to inspire the best wishes for the New Year.

 Location. Take the LZ-10 road in the direction of Haría. At kilometre 14.5 take the road to Ermita de las Nieves until the turn-off to the Peñas del Chache military base. Free parking.

2 – Guinate viewpoint. Silence and peace as you are alone with your thoughts

No two nights are the same on the Risco de Famara, Lanzarote’s magical mountain that exudes its energy along its 25-kilometre length and up its 600-metres height. Wrap yourself up against  the wind in the area and on the cliff itself, but don’t miss the view of the Río – the stretch of water that separates Lanzarote and La Graciosa – from the Mirador de Guinate.

As the sun sets the view gives way to an authentic cosmic spectacle. If you are looking for a moment of intimacy, this is the place for you. The viewpoint is small and not very frequented.

 Location: Haría. Cross the village of Guinate and take a tarmac road. It is next to the El Mirador del Río Art, Culture and Tourism Centre. Free parking.

3 – Femés viewpoint

Femés is a beautiful village in the interior of the island, in the municipality of Yaiza, located at an altitude of 450 metres. Very close to the chapel of San Marcial, patron saint of Lanzarote, this small viewpoint offers incredible views of the Los Ajaches Natural Park and neighbouring Fuerteventura at sunset, but when night falls, the ancient stars take over the landscape, thrilling those who gaze up at them. Enjoy the silence of this corner, only broken, as in Pedro Guerra’s song, by the barking of dogs.

 Location: Plaza de San Marcial de Femés. Take the LZ-2 road towards Playa Blanca. At the Loa Camellos roundabout, take the LZ-703, towards Las Breñas. Car park. Access suitable for people with reduced mobility.

© Ramón Pérez Niz

4 – Los Hervideros. Pure sky and sea

This look-out point, on one of the most spectacular cliffs in the Canary Islands, is recommended for days when the sea is calm, when the fury of the waves poses no risk. However, if the conditions are right, Los Hervideros is the perfect place to enjoy elemental nature in all its intensity.

The sea crashes against the coast creating sea foam that is forced through the volcanic grottoes. This is the music that will accompany your cosmic experience at this viewpoint, perhaps the most immersive of all Lanzarote’s natural locations. If you are looking for inspiration to create your own personal New Year’s Eve universe, this is the place.

 Location: Take the LZ-2 road from Yaiza towards Salinas del Janubio, from where the LZ-703 road leads to Los Hervideros. Free parking.

Some recommendations

• Turn off your car headlights and remain silent to better enjoy the experience.
• Don’t forget your binoculars and some warm clothes.
• Ensure your physical safety by following all the recommendations posted on the information boards.
• And remember, enjoying an experience in nature requires full respect for the environment and the life that thrives in the location:
  • Avoid dropping cigarette butts, food waste or any other debris in the area. These all pose a threat to wildlife.
  • Do not disturb or feed the animals or pick flowers or plants.
  • Do not touch or move stones or any other element of the natural environment.