The Menorca night sky is perfect for night photography or just for casual stargazing, with clear, dark skies that make it easy to see constellations even with the naked eye.
In fact, in 2019, Menorca became a Starlight Reserve and Starlight Destination, these are official designations awarded by the Starlight Foundation that recognize places where natural night skies are exceptionally clear and well-preserved.
Appreciating Menorca as a stargazing destination
When we think of Menorca, we think of summer vacations with wild coves and turquoise waters. But the Menorca night sky is so spectacular that it’s becoming a reason on its own to visit the island (with the added bonus of spending the day at the beach, of course).
The Menorca night sky is relatively free of light pollution and ideal for astronomical observation. This means in many parts of the island you can see constellations, planets and the Milky Way without needing telescopes or specialised equipment.
As it starts getting more and more attention, stargazing in Menorca is also supporting sustainable tourism, as local guides, small businesses, and conservation projects benefit from more activity throughout the year, instead of summer tourism exclusively.
Photography tips for the Menorca night sky
If you want to photograph the Menorca night sky, some basic gear and settings can get the best result. Using a camera that allows manual control of ISO, shutter speed and focus will make a considerable difference.
In short, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture, a high ISO (e.g., 1600-3200) and a shutter speed of around 15-25 seconds can give good results without too much star trailing (unless, of course, trailing is the effect you are going for, like in this other photo).
A steady tripod is essential for long exposures, and it’s worth remembering that shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility when editing later.
Best spots to photograph the Menorca night sky
I took these two photos at the Favàritx Lighthouse, built in 1922. During the day the place looks like the surface of the Moon, but the view starts to get even more impressive during the night, especially when you can clearly see the Milky Way spanning over the rocky coast.
Other quiet and clear locations around the island include Cala Macarella or stretches of coastline toward Cavalleria, as these are dark sky areas where northern or southern views of the stars are unobstructed. Monte Toro, as the highest point of the island, is also a popular location for stargazing.
