Nighttime tourism making a bright impact in 2025, captivating travelers under starlit skies
Turn night into your playground with noctourism
Embrace the magical world that unfolds after the sun sinks below the horizon. Noctourism, the new adventure of travel, is set to dominate 2025 with a whopping 60% of travelers planning trips under the celestial glow. This unique form of tourism invites you to experience familiar landscapes in an entirely new light. Get ready to capture the full moon, watch meteor showers, or witness the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. 2025 is your chance to embark on a nocturnal adventure like never before.
What is noctourism?
Noctourism, or nocturnal tourism, comes to life at night, focusing on enchanting astronomical experiences. Imagine clicking photographs of a full moon illuminating the dark sky, observing meteor showers, or marveling at the northern lights. Noctourism also includes activities like nocturnal wildlife watching, midnight museum visits, and moonlit kayaking, taking you far from the mundane daytime escapades.
The rise of noctourism in 2025
Chill vibes and fewer crowds
Beat the heat and avoid the tourist rush by exploring top attractions after sunset. Imagine a quiet Sydney Opera House at night or a moonlit hike through national trails, all to yourself.
Connecting with the cosmos
As the possibility of space travel draws near, our fascination with the cosmos soars. Who wouldn't be curious about the mysteries of the universe? Iconic spots like the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles attract over a million stargazers each year.
The eco-friendly way to travel
Stargazing, night safaris, and eco-lodging offer low-impact ways to immerse yourself in nature while keeping your carbon footprint minimal.
Extraordinary off-grid experiences
Feel the thrill of standing alone in the Sahara Desert, surrounded by nothing but the stars. Noctourism brings a whole new level of adventure and tranquility to your travel experiences.
Stargaze your way through these top destinations
Certified dark sky locations
These out-of-the-way destinations boast some of the clearest and most awe-inspiring night skies on Earth.
Desengano State Park | Brazil
- Best time: May to August
- Why visit? Surrounded by dense forest, valleys, and vegetation, Desengano State Park offers an idyllic setting for stargazing. The calming atmosphere makes for a magical viewing experience of the Milky Way.
- Where to stay: Soak up the adventure at The Hotel Girassol da Serra, where telescopes are available to enhance your stargazing experience.
Kozushima Dark Sky Island | Japan
- Best time: Year-round
- Why visit? With only one town and minimal streetlights, the stars shine even brighter across this island. Explore, taste delicious Japanese bakery treats, and catch a glimpse of thousands of shooting stars.
- Where to stay: Enjoy a cozy and authentic stay at a family-run bed and breakfast.
National parks for stargazing
Teide National Park | Canary Islands, Spain
- Best time: December to March
- Why visit? With volcanic landscapes and 83 out of 88 constellations visible, Teide National Park is a marvel for stargazing. Take in the breathtaking sights of Saturn's rings, nebulae, and the craters of the moon.
- Where to stay: Nestled in the heart of the park, Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide offers easy access to incredible sights and celestial wonders.
Kejimkujik National Park | Canada
- Best time: May to October
- Why visit? The twinkling stars of this certified dark sky location have shaped thousands of years of songs and legends in indigenous Mi'kmaw culture. For an enchanting experience, canoe under a blanket of stars and hear traditional stories from a skilled guide.
- Where to stay: Escape to a chalet set in a secluded forest along the Mersey River for relaxation under the Milky Way.
The best destinations for stargazing in the deserts
The Atacama Desert | Chile
- Best time: Year-round
- Why visit? With some of the clearest skies in the world, the Atacama Desert is a must-visit destination for astrophotography enthusiasts. The desert's dramatic Mars-like landscape and shadows from the towering rock formations create stunning visuals.
- Where to stay: Tierra Atacama Resort & Spa offers a blend of chic architecture, mountain views, and opportunities to spot llamas, flamingoes, and more in the area.
Sahara Desert | North Africa
- Best time: March to May
- Why visit? Go on a majestic camel riding trek through Morocco's rolling dunes, then camp out under the stars for a truly unforgettable experience.
- Where to stay: The remote location of the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp ensures low light pollution, perfect for starry nights.
Observatories for a front-row seat to the cosmos
Gornergrat Observatory | Switzerland
- Best time: January to April
- Why visit? Dine at the observatory's gourmet restaurant and marvel at a breathtaking panoramic view of the stars, set against the Matterhorn mountain.
- Where to stay: Gornergrat Kulm Hotel, located at an altitude of 10,135 feet, offers the advantage of close proximity to the observatory and stunning mountain views.
Perth Observatory | Australia
- Best time: Year-round
- Why visit? Join educational and family-friendly tours to check out the observatory's impressive telescopes and snap a memorable picture of the moon.
- Where to stay: Camp out in the eco-luxury tents at Sal Sails for uninterrupted views of the Milky Way and the gentle lullaby of the ocean.
Mark your calendar for 2025's biggest astronomical events
2025 promises an exciting year of astronomical phenomena. From meteor showers to eclipses and northern lights, don't miss out on these key dates:
Meteor showers and where to watch
- Lyrid: April 16 to April 25 | Atacama Desert, Chile
- Perseids: Aug. 12 | La Palma,Canary Islands, Spain
- Orionids: October 20-21 | Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, and Atacama Desert, Chile
- Geminids: Dec. 13-14 | Equi Valley, Chile
Total lunar eclipses
- March 14: North and South America
- September 7: Australia, Asia, Africa, & Europe
Northern lights
- July: Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Churchill, Canada, Alaska, USA
Prepare for your cosmic journey
- Red light flashlight: Protect your night vision and prevent spooking wildlife
- Warm layers and a thermos of something hot: Nights can get chilly, even in the desert
- Comfortable blanket and reclining chair: Cozy up and relax as you wait for your ephemeral celestial moment
- Astronomy app: Stay updated on real-time solar activity and celestial events
Step into the cosmos, adventure awaits!
Ready to witness the northern lights dance across the sky or marvel at a meteor shower with your own eyes? Your next incredible journey may be written in the stars. Just remember to protect your trip!
- In the enchanting world of noctourism, travelers can expect to engage in activities such as observing meteor showers, stargazing, night safaris, and sleeping in eco-lodges, all while keeping their carbon footprint minimal.
- For an extraordinary stargazing experience, consider visiting Desengano State Park in Brazil, where the dense forest, valleys, and vegetation surround you, offering a peaceful setting for viewing the Milky Way.
- In 2025, travelers eager to embrace noctourism have the opportunity to witness numerous astronomical events like meteor showers, total lunar eclipses, and northern lights at various destinations across the globe.
- Don't forget essential items for your stargazing adventure, including a red light flashlight to protect your night vision, warm layers, a thermos of something hot, and a comfortable blanket and reclining chair to ensure maximum comfort during your celestial explorations.
