Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve Earns Starlight Reserve Certification for the Excellence of Its Night Sky

The Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve has been officially recognized as a Starlight Reserve, the most demanding category awarded by the Starlight Foundation in terms of night sky protection. This certification confirms that the territory meets the highest standards of natural darkness, responsible lighting management, and the preservation of environmental, cultural, and astronomical values.

The certification process was promoted by the Alto Turia Commonwealth (Mancomunidad del Alto Turia), which in recent years has worked to consolidate a sustainable development model that integrates the conservation of the night landscape as one of its core pillars

A Territory with Exceptional Conditions for Observing the Sky

Situated at the crossroads between the Valencian Community and Castilla–La Mancha, Alto Turia encompasses a group of inland municipalities characterized by low population density, the absence of large urban centers, and the presence of well-preserved natural areas. These conditions contribute to an exceptionally high-quality night sky, with very low levels of light pollution and excellent astronomical visibility throughout much of the year.

The region extends across a mountainous landscape shaped by forests, river canyons, and mid-altitude valleys, creating a privileged setting for stargazing. Among its most distinctive features is the course of the Turia River, which gives the territory its name and flows through deep gorges surrounded by pine forests, juniper woodlands, and unique geological formations.

What It Means to Be a Starlight Reserve

Becoming a Starlight Reserve requires meeting strict criteria not only in terms of sky quality, but also through a management model that guarantees the long-term protection of the night environment.

According to the official definition of the Starlight Foundation, “a Starlight Reserve is a protected natural area where a commitment is established to defend the quality of the night sky and access to starlight. Its purpose is to preserve night sky quality and the various associated values, whether cultural, scientific, astronomical, landscape-related, or natural. At the 2009 meeting of the Starlight Initiative, the ‘Working Group on Reserves and World Heritage’ developed the concept of a ‘Starlight Reserve’.”

This certification goes beyond evaluating sky darkness alone. It also assesses aspects such as territorial planning, public lighting efficiency, environmental education, and the integration of the night sky into tourism and cultural development strategies.

A Destination That Brings Together Nature, Heritage, and Authenticity

In addition to its night sky, Alto Turia offers a wealth of natural, cultural, and tourism assets that position it as a leading inland destination. The territory features an extensive network of trails and routes, ranging from traditional paths to itineraries linking viewpoints, river areas, historic villages, and sites of high scenic value.

Its cultural heritage includes towns with traditional architecture, medieval quarters, archaeological sites, and local museums that preserve the region’s ethnographic memory. Municipalities such as Chelva, Tuéjar, Titaguas, and Aras de los Olmos stand out among them

Local gastronomy is another highlight, characterized by seasonal, locally sourced products such as honey, olive oil, truffles, artisanal cured meats, and traditional pastries, adding significant value to the visitor experience.

Institutional Commitment and Sustainable Development

The granting of the Starlight Reserve certification reflects the coordinated efforts of the Alto Turia Commonwealth and its municipalities to reduce light pollution and promote an environmentally respectful tourism model. In recent years, the entity has implemented public lighting efficiency measures, awareness-raising programs, and projects aimed at enhancing the value of the night sky as a scientific, educational, and tourism resource.

With this certification, Alto Turia is consolidated as an exemplary territory in night sky protection and as a benchmark for integrating astrotourism into a sustainable territorial development model.

From the Starlight Foundation, we congratulate all the institutions involved in this certification and celebrate the commitment of this territory to protecting natural darkness as an environmental, cultural, and scientific resource of high value for society

Tourism Alto Turia:
https://visitaltoturia.info