As spectacular as they are ephemeral, astronomical phenomena are usually the object of interest, not only for true astronomy lovers, but also for the rest of the people. Although perhaps the unusual nature of eclipses makes them the most eagerly awaited, supermoons also arouse passions whenever they can be sighted from Barcelona. The city was one of the places in the world from which the “Strawberry Supermoon” could be observed last June, and tonight will be joined by the “Deer Supermoon”, two occasions in which the satellite looks bigger and brighter than usual due to its position closer to the Earth.
However, the light pollution typical of this and other large cities makes it difficult to observe the sky from urban spaces. To remedy this inconvenience and ensure that you enjoy both supermoons and meteor showers and eclipses to the fullest, we bring you a list of 5 places in Barcelona from which the stars shine even brighter.
Bunkers of Carmel
If in normal conditions it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city, its views are even more impressive with the moon illuminating the sky. It is a very popular place among both locals and tourists, so we recommend you to go with time.
The beach
Perhaps the most obvious option, but not the least successful. Although going to the beach is already a plan in itself, it never hurts to top off a summer day by staying to watch the sunset and, of course, also the spectacle that the moon has to offer. For this, in Barcelona there are plenty of options, including Sant Sebastià or Barceloneta. And if the metropolitan sandy beaches are full to overflowing, there is always Sitges or one of the small towns of the Maresme, such as Vilassar de Mar, Calella or Mataró.
Tibidabo Park
Any high point is ideal for contemplating the moon and if it is free of pollution, even better. Located more than 500 meters above sea level, one of these urban oases is the Tibidano Park, in the Collserola mountain range. Once at the top, we recommend both the Collserola Tower and any of the attractions of the park, the oldest in Spain that is still in operation.
Fabra Observatory
What better place to admire the supermoon in Barcelona than a specialized place for it? Also on the Tibidabo mountain, although at a lower altitude, Barcelona has this astronomical observatory. With its more than 115 years of history, it is the fourth oldest in the world that is still active.
Montsec mountain range (Lleida)
It may not be as close at hand as the rest of the places we have recommended, but if you are really looking for a magical environment to enjoy the supermoon, then this is the right place for the quality of its clear skies. It is, in fact, one of the best for it both in Catalonia and in Spain. In the town of Àger is the Parc Astronòmic del Montsec, which has the most important scientific telescope in the community and an observatory with a planetarium.
Collserola
Quick getaway to the mountain range that dominates Barcelona, picinic in some viewpoint and hope that the wild boars do not assault us. Few places like Collserola to escape quickly from the excess of Barcelona light and sit and watch the meteor showers.
Terraces and rooftops
Hotels have opened their terraces to the city so that anyone can enjoy them. We know that going up to them is not the most usual plan, but a day is a day, and a supermoon is worth the escape, pay for a drink on a luxury terrace and dream of so many things while watching a giant pink star rising over our heads.
If you are seduced by the plan, take a look at our list of rooftops in Barcelona, and choose your favorite to spend these nights.
Make the route of the viewpoint
Barcelona is full of viewpoints, some more known, others more unknown, others, with a little luck, on the terrace of a friend. Look for one in our list of viewpoints and browse them to see which one is your favorite.
Serralada de la Marina
The Serralada de Marina Park, next to Badalona, is one of the best natural viewpoints near Barcelona to enjoy a star shower. A few minutes by car or public transport from the city center, this protected area offers high points such as the Turó de Céllecs or the surroundings of the monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, from where you can see a much darker sky than the metropolitan area. Away from the most intense light pollution and surrounded by Mediterranean forest, the park becomes an ideal place to lie down in silence and marvel at the fleeting passage of meteors.