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The peak of visibility is on August 12 and 13 in 2025

One of the most invariable events in the Costa Cálida every summer is the chance to lie on your back and gaze at the stars as the middle of August nears, with eyes inevitably drawn skywards as the Perseid meteor showers leaves a trail of shooting stars in the heavens.

The stars are also known as the “lágrimas de San Lorenzo” (the tears of Saint Lawrence) as they more or less coincide with his Feast Day. He was martyred on 10^th August in the year 258, and the traditional account of his death is that he was roasted on a griddle in Rome (although many scholars now believe that this story grew as the result of a transcription error in early accounts, and that he was probably decapitated).

Leaving this grizzly tale aside, and in keeping with the anticipation which the Perseid meteor shower brings every year, the Region of Murcia tourist board offers the following suggestions for a special night of stargazing in mid-August, all taking advantage of the clearer night skies on higher ground and/or away from town and city centres:

(NOTE: It goes without saying that cloudless skies cannot be guaranteed in advance!!)

 

An astronomical evening in the coastal park of Calblanque (Cartagena)

The Física Society, which is devoted to encouraging scientific learning, is holding a special evening of astronomy on 12^th August in the Parque de las Cobaticas, within the Regional Park of Calblanque (a protected area with very little light pollution, making it perfect for observing the night sky).

High-spec telescopes, binoculars, a virtual projector and other astronomic instrumentation provide a complete experience of this natural phenomenon, and at the start of the event there is a talk explaining the Perseids, their origin, their development and other aspects of interest.

Bookings must be made beforehand by telephone on +34 601 173302) and those joining in are advised to make sure they are dressed for the cooler night air and to bring drinking water and a mat or blanket to lie down comfortably.

 

Stargazing and wine in Bullas

Another attractive way to enjoy the night sky in summer is taking place in the Aceniche valley in the countryside of Bullas, although this is a little earlier on 1^st August and starts at 20.30. The event is organized by the Wine Route of Bullas and Astroversia, and combines Nature, wine-tasting and astronomy in a truly beautiful setting.

The package includes:

• A guided tour in the vineyards of the Valle del Aceniche
• Tasting of 3 wines together with 3 paired tapas made from locally sourced produce
• Astronomical observation and explanations of the night sky

Price: 38 €

Bookings: WhatsApp: 621 402800, payment by Bizum 648 702412 (please state your name and “Aceniche 1 agosto”)

 

Perseids Night at Lorca castle (family pack)

A very special night at the Fortress of the Sun, designed especially for families with young children. The evening includes animation, story-telling and guided stargazing, making for an easily accessible introduction to the world of astronomy:

20.30: The doors open and picnic dinners are collected (optional)

21.00: Storytelling for children with an astronomical theme

21.30: Observation of the stars with the Asociación de Astronomía de Murcia

23.00: End

Price of the activities: 8.75€ ages 5-12, 10.85€ ages 12-16, 12.75€ adults

Price activities + picnic: 17.75€ ages 5-12, 17.75€ ages 12-16, 22.75€ adults

Booking is available online here.

 

Other recommended locations

There are also plenty of other events taking place around the dates of the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, but if all you want to do is enjoy the sounds and clear air of nature while contemplating the heavens, the tourist board recommends the following areas:

• Sierra Espuña
• La MuelaCabo Tiñoso
• Campo de Ricote
• Caravaca and Moratalla

Get in touch with local tourist boards to find out more or follow the English-language agenda of the regional tourist board here!

 

Alternatively, why not download the guide of “26 sensory experiences in Nature in the Region of Murcia”!

 

Source: ITREM

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