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Cycling and astronomy in the Sierra de Guara. A journey combining the celestial with the earthly. Two activities that bring together sky and earth in the paradise of the Sierra and the Guara Canyons. Three locations where you can combine two passions: cycling and stargazing. Cycling and astro-tourism are two of the main attractions of this region of clear skies and secluded trails, touched by the magic wand of a unique natural landscape. I invite you to cycle through these magical spots for stargazing, so you can enjoy Guara day and night.
DAYS OF ADVENTURE, NIGHTS OF STARGAZING
Cycling and stargazing are two activities that are attracting more and more people to Guara every day. In the Somontano region, where most of the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park is located, efforts have been underway for some time to turn this area into a ‘Starlight’ destination. In other words: an ideal place for stargazing. Find out more about Starlight destinations here: https://www.fundacionstarlight.org/
Over the summer, it has become something of a tradition for dozens of stargazing events to take place across the region, so now that winter is behind us, the best days of the year are approaching for lying back and, with or without a guide, enjoying our skies.
And if we’re in a place criss-crossed with trails and paths steeped in history, whilst also enjoying clear skies free from any kind of light pollution, why not combine two of the most popular activities in Guara right now into a single outing? No sooner said than done. Today, I’d like to suggest three incredible spots for stargazing, which you can reach after a delightful day out on two wheels.
LAS ALMUNIAS DE RODELLAR ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
Las Almunias de Rodellar is a village within the municipality of Bierge, currently home to around twenty people, although it boasts a large number of tourist businesses. It is situated right at the heart of the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park, meaning there is no pollution of any kind, including light pollution.
At the Las Almunias de Rodellar Astronomical Observatory, you’ll find deckchairs for observing the sky with the naked eye (you’ll be glad you brought a mat), space for telescopes and, above all, a place free from artificial light that might obstruct your view of the night sky.
We’ll combine the two-wheeled adventure with my favourite route in this area: the Tour de la Peonera. It’s a route you can start in Bierge, as shown on the map I’ll share shortly, although you can also start and finish in the village of Las Almunias de Rodellar itself. It covers a total of 34.6 km and has a cumulative elevation gain of just over 800 metres. The route is mostly on tracks, although it requires a high level of cycling skill. Physically speaking, if you’re not in good shape, you might find yourself nodding off whilst gazing at the stars. That wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
MONUMENT TO THE 20TH CENTURY IN ABIEGO
Another exceptional spot for stargazing is the 20th Century Monument, located in Abiego. It is a contemporary monument created by the German artist Ulrich Rükriem. You can reach it by turning off at kilometre 8 of the road between Abiego and Peraltilla, 1.5 km from Abiego, onto a well-maintained track that branches off to the right of the road. Zero light pollution for stargazing. Here, you’ll need to bring a chair, sun lounger or hammock to enjoy the view in comfort. It’s a unique and uncrowded spot. In short, perfect for what we’re after.
For those of you heading to Abiego with the intention of cycling, this route offers a fine panoramic view of the surrounding area, in this case by road bike. You can start in Alquézar and use Abiego as a stopover, or you can set off from Abiego. And here there are two options: a short route of around 23 km, passing through Lascellas, Peraltilla, Azara, Azlor and back to Abiego; or, once you’ve completed this loop, carry on towards Adahuesca, Alquézar, Radiquero, Alberuela de la Liena, Bierge and back to Abiego, covering a total of 59 kilometres with a cumulative elevation gain of 900 metres. It all depends on how much energy you have.
A SUNDIAL AMONG THE OLIVE TREES
In Buera, very close to Santa María de Dulcis, there is a remarkable place – one might even say it is unique in the world: it is a sundial whose shadow casts the time onto each of the olive trees surrounding the gnomon.
You’ll find that it’s also right next to the Olive Grove, a collection of 20 ancient olive trees, each of a different variety. This idyllic setting, with its skies free from pollution and bright lights, is the perfect spot for stargazing. Here you’ll be surrounded by nature, amidst the olive groves and just a stone’s throw from the Sanctuary of Santa María de Dulcis, which is also well worth a visit.
To really soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this place, I suggest the most peaceful route of all: the one linking Buera and Colungo, a round trip of less than 19 kilometres with no technical difficulties, mostly along well-maintained paths and with a short half-kilometre stretch on tarmac. The route I’m sharing starts in Colungo, but as it’s a circular route, you can start wherever suits you best, including from the sanctuary of Santa María de Dulcis.
Its panoramic views, running alongside walls of dry stone that delimit the fields of almond trees and olive trees dating back centuries will give you will provide a touch of tranquillity and harmony with nature perfect for a night of stargazing of stars.
And you, do you know of any other great spots for stargazing that you can reach by bike? We’d love to hear about your favourite spots in the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park.
