Epic adventures don’t end when the sun dips below the horizon. In fact, a whole new world comes alive after dark. Noctourism is set to take over 2025, with a recent Booking.com survey revealing that 60% of travelers are planning celestial-themed trips. Noctourism offers a unique way to experience familiar landscapes, which can feel completely transformed at night. Whether you’re camping beneath the Milky Way or taking in a total lunar eclipse, 2025 is the perfect year to experience travel after dark.
So, what exactly is noctourism?
Nocturnal tourism, or ‘noctourism’ is all about visiting destinations and attractions at night, with a particular focus on astronomical experiences. Activities like photographing a full moon as it illuminates the dark sky, observing a meteor shower, or witnessing the magic of the northern lights are just a few noctourism events people are chasing. It also includes anything from midnight museum visits to nighttime wildlife watching and moonlit kayaking.
Why noctourism is trending in 2025
- Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds: Beat the heat and the tourist rush by exploring top attractions after sunset. Think a quiet Sydney Opera House at night or moonlit hikes through national trails all to yourself.
- A cosmic connection: As space travel inches closer to reality, our curiosity about the cosmos grows. Iconic spots like Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles attract over a million stargazers each year—that’s no small thing.
- A sustainable way to explore: Stargazing, night safaris, and eco-lodging are low-impact ways to immerse yourself in nature while minimizing your environmental footprint.
- Off the grid experiences: The stillness of nighttime travel brings a whole new level of adventure and serenity. Imagine standing alone in the Sahara Desert with nothing but the stars for company.
Top travel destinations for noctourism
Certified dark sky locations
These remote destinations offer some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies on Earth.
Desengano State Park | Brazil
- Best time to visit: May to August
- The star attraction: Surrounded by dense forest, valleys, and vegetation, the calming atmosphere makes for a magical viewing experience of the Milky Way.
- Where to stay: Make the most of your adventure by staying at The Hotel Girassol da Serra where telescopes are on hand to enhance your stargazing experience.
Kozushima Dark Sky Island | Japan
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- The star attraction: With only one town and minimal streetlights, the stars shine even brighter across this island. Explore on foot, savor authentic Japanese bakery treats, and catch sight of thousands of shooting stars.
- Where to stay: Stay at a cozy family-run bed and breakfast where you can connect with locals for a truly authentic experience.
National parks for stargazing
Teide National Park | Canary Islands, Spain
- Best time to visit: December to March
- The star attraction: With volcanic landscapes and 83 out of 88 constellations visible, there’s no question that this is an incredible place to stargaze. Watch the sunset and prepare to be dazzled by phenomena like 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 is a prime location to explore lush tropical scenery by day and celestial wonders by night.
Kejimkujik National Park | Canada
- Best time to visit: May to October
- The star attraction: 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 ultimate relaxation.
The best deserts for stargazing
The Atacama Desert | Chile
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- The star attraction: With some of the clearest skies in the world, this is a can’t miss destination. It’s the perfect place for astronomical photography thanks to the mars-like landscape and dramatic shadows from the towering rock formations.
- Where to stay: Tierra Atacama Resort & Spa blends chic architecture with breathtaking mountain views and opportunities to spot llamas, flamingoes and more in the area.
Sahara Desert | North Africa
- Best time to visit: March to May
- The star attraction: Go on a majestic camel riding trek across Morocco’s rolling dunes, then camp out under a canopy of stars.
- Where to stay: The remote location of the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp ensures low light pollution, making it perfect for chasing the stars.
Observatories for a front-row seat to the cosmos
Gornergrat Observatory | Switzerland
- Best time to visit: January to April
- The star attraction: Dine at the observatory’s gourmet restaurant and take in an unforgettable panoramic view of the stars, set against the Matterhorn mountain.
- Where to stay: Perched at an altitude of 10,135 feet, Gornergrat Kulm Hotel offers spectacular views of the stars and the Swiss Alps, just steps away from the observatory.
Perth Observatory | Australia
- Best time to visit: Year-round.
- The star attraction: Educational and family friendly tours that showcase a collection of impressive telescopes and the opportunity to take a frame-worthy 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 soothing sounds of the ocean to lull you to sleep.
Mark your calendar: 2025’s biggest astronomical events
2025 is set to be a year of breathtaking astronomical events. From meteor showers to eclipses and Northern lights, take note of 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: Visible from North & South America
- September 7: Visible from Australia, Asia, Africa, & Europe
Northern lights
- July: Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Churchill, Canada, Alaska, USA
Must-haves for your stargazing adventure
- A red light flashlight– Protects your night vision and without spooking the wildlife
- Warm layers & a thermos of something hot – Nights get cold, even in the desert
- A cozy blanket & reclining chair – Comfort is key when waiting for the perfect celestial moment
- An astronomy app – Stay updated on real-time solar activity and celestial events
Ready to connect with the universe?
There’s something indescribable about seeing the northern lights dance across the sky or witnessing a meteor shower with your own eyes. Your next extraordinary journey may be written in the stars–make sure it’s protected with Faye.
These activities, accommodations and websites are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with them. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration for noctourism.
