The La Palma Island Council Secures Renewal of Starlight Certifications for Four More Years

La Palma Island, through The Cabildo of La Palma ands its Tourism Department, has successfully renewed the Starlight Reserve and Starlight Tourist Destination certifications for another four years. These awards, granted by the Starlight Foundation, promote the protection of the night sky as a natural, scientific, and cultural heritage. This distinction, in effect on the island since December 2012, reaffirms La Palma’s status as one of the world’s premier destinations for astronomical observation.

Raquel Rebollo, the Island Cabildo’s Tourism Councilor, emphasizes that this renewal is “yet another testament to the quality of our skies, among the best in the world for astronomy,” highlighting the island’s firm commitment to astrotourism as a driver of economic and social development, grounded in a sustainable model that respects the environment and local communities.

Antonia Varela, CEO of the Starlight Foundation, notes that this renewal strengthens the Council’s and local municipalities’ dedication to preserving the night sky and promoting its heritage and scientific value.

For more than a decade, La Palma has been a pioneer in implementing specific policies to protect the night sky, including regulations against light pollution, the promotion of astrotourism-friendly accommodations and services, and specialized training for guides and tourism professionals.

With this renewal, La Palma remains among the few places in the world to continuously hold both certifications. Its track record demonstrates that it is possible to develop high-quality tourism with a unique identity while remaining in harmony with the natural and cultural environment.

The Starlight Foundation congratulates the La Palma Island Council, the involved municipalities, and the entire Palmarian community for this collective achievement. This renewal recognizes their ongoing efforts to preserve a sky that belongs to everyone and serves as an international example of how astrotourism can drive sustainable development.

A Benchmark in Night Sky Protection

La Palma’s designation as a Starlight Reserve in 2012 protected a vast area that includes the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory, part of the natural surroundings of Caldera de Taburiente National Park, the entire mountain massif, and adjacent areas, extending even into nearby maritime zones. This exceptionally high-quality natural sky has since been a cornerstone of the island’s commitment to astronomical observation and scientific outreach.