Stargazing at the COAA observatory

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COAA Observatory in the Algarve: Stargazing through a telescope near Portimão

Since the Algarve is not so densely populated and there is little light pollution, you can enjoy excellent stargazing here at night! You can of course do this with your own eyes while lying on one of the many excellent beaches, but also at a real observatory. The COAA (Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve ) is an observation post just outside Portimão where you can make an appointment to take a look through one of the telescopes. The enthusiastic and experienced astronomers will be more than happy to tell you which formations you can see and how the technology works.

Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve

Come stargazing at COAA Observatory near Portimão

Most summer nights in the Algarve are free of cloud, so you can gaze through a telescope at the many celestial bodies almost every evening. Below you will find practical information for your visit:

A visit must be booked in advance and lasts approximately two hours.

Of course it has to be dark, so sessions in the summer don’t start until around 22:30; in the fall 20:00.

The costs are €25.00 per person, with children accompanied by an adult free of charge.

According to the website, the sessions are only held when there is no cloud cover and the moon is absent.

If you would like to visit the observatory, please send them an email at info@coaa.pt

COAA Observatory in the Algarve: Stargazing through a telescope near Portimão

Timelapse of passing meteors

A nice tool on the COAA website is a timelapse of the previous night where you can see meteors and satellites flying by at a rapid pace. This find it here.