Thousands of people are expected to look skywards for today’s solar eclipse, but Portugal’s fascination with the night sky is increasingly becoming a year-round tourism business.

Astrotourism is growing across the country, particularly in sparsely populated inland regions where dark skies, low levels of light pollution and investment in observatories are attracting visitors well beyond major astronomical events.

According to a report by ECO, Turismo de Portugal believes Portugal is particularly well placed to capitalise on growing international demand for holidays combining nature, science and more sustainable forms of tourism.

“Although it continues to establish itself as a niche segment, Portugal has very favourable natural conditions for this activity, namely the quality of its night skies, low levels of light pollution in several inland regions and a growing network of operators, accommodation and specialised facilities,” the tourism authority told ECO.

Astrotourism also has the potential to combat seasonality, encourage visitors to stay longer and generate business for hotels, restaurants, tourism operators and shops in less-visited parts of the country.

While there are not yet specific national statistics measuring the sector, Turismo de Portugal has created an astrotourism working group to help structure and monitor its development.

Alqueva leads the way

Portugal’s most established success story is Dark Sky Alqueva.

Created in 2007 and recognised in 2011 as the world’s first Starlight Tourism Destination, the project is recording average annual visitor growth of around 38%, writes ECO.

It now attracts visitors from more than 27 countries, with foreigners accounting for the majority, and estimates that it generates an annual economic impact of €9.3 million in the surrounding region.

Dark Sky Alqueva president Apolónia Rodrigues told ECO that “astrotourism has clearly ceased to be a residual niche”.

More than 50 partners are now involved in the initiative, which Rodrigues estimates has created over 30 direct jobs.

Visitors are also increasingly combining astronomy with food and wine, heritage, photography, water sports, wellness and nature activities.

With around 286 clear nights a year, the Alqueva area has effectively turned darkness into a valuable natural resource capable of generating employment and bringing visitors to the Alentejo throughout the year.

From stargazing to ‘night tourism’

The concept has spread elsewhere in Portugal, with the Aldeias do Xisto and Dark Sky Vale do Tua also certified as Starlight Tourism Destinations.

Demand for astronomy experiences in the Aldeias do Xisto has grown consistently since the Geoscope – Fajão Astronomical Observatory opened in 2024.

The offering now extends beyond telescope observations to night walks, canoeing beneath the stars, astrophotography workshops and nature interpretation.

This has helped develop what the Aldeias do Xisto tourism development agency describes as a broader form of “night tourism”, using the sky as a starting point for exploring local landscapes, culture, food and heritage.

The audience is also broadening. Once dominated by astronomy enthusiasts, activities are increasingly attracting families, couples, nature photographers and tourists seeking less crowded destinations.

In Constância, the Ciência Viva science centre dedicated to astronomy receives between 22,000 and 28,000 visitors annually.

Executive director Lina Canas told ECO that interest in astronomy has been growing, helped by science communication, social media and younger generations accustomed to incorporating science into their leisure activities.

But she warned that light pollution remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges, describing the centre as an “oasis” amid the artificial light that increasingly obscures views of the night sky.

Eclipse provides another boost

Today’s eclipse is expected to provide another major showcase for the sector.

The eclipse-watching session at Dark Sky Alqueva sold out in advance, while around 200 places offered in the Aldeias do Xisto were also quickly snapped up.

More than 600 people are expected in Constância, including around 400 who registered as early as March.

And the eclipse will not be the only reason to stay outside after dark. The Perseid meteor shower is also reaching its peak around the night of August 12 to 13, potentially encouraging eclipse visitors to extend their stays.

For tourism operators, such major astronomical events can serve as an introduction to astrotourism rather than a one-off attraction.

“People come for the eclipse, for the Ciência Viva Centre, but stay for the distinctive offering that our region provides,” Canas told ECO.

The challenge is now to turn the excitement surrounding a phenomenon lasting only a few hours into repeat visits throughout the year – combining Portugal’s dark skies with its landscapes, gastronomy, heritage and culture.

Source: ECO