Under the Same Stars: How Rural Villages Are Turning Astro-Tourism into a Sustainable Future
Far from the glare of city lights, small rural villages across the globe are quietly making a big impact — not just in tourism, but in sustainability, education, and community well-being.
Recognized under the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, these destinations are proving that looking up at the night sky can also mean looking forward to a better future.
By embracing astro-tourism, they are protecting dark skies, reducing light pollution, and preserving cultural heritage — all while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Cumeada, Portugal – A Village That Speaks the Language of Stars
Cumeada is home to the world’s first certified Starlight Tourist Destination and the Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory. Old spaces here have found new life — transformed into hubs for astro-tourism and community training.
With minimal light pollution and deep-rooted local pride, Cumeada is a model for “sky-friendly” tourism where economic growth walks hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.
AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia – Desert Silence Meets Celestial Storytelling
Under AlUla’s vast desert skies, silence is not empty — it’s filled with stories. Here, astronomy blends seamlessly with Bedouin traditions, turning stargazing into an immersive cultural experience.
Visitors learn about constellations the same way ancestors did centuries ago, keeping alive the bond between the land, its people, and the cosmos.
Rupit, Spain – Protecting Silence, Preserving Stars
Rupit’s recognition as a ‘Quality Night Sky Site’ didn’t happen by chance. The village has made deliberate choices — limiting traffic, cutting light pollution, and valuing silence as part of its identity. For Rupit, the stars are not just a view; they’re a heritage worth protecting for generations.
San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay – Where Rivers, Heritage, and Astronomy Meet
This riverside village combines Jesuit history with the wonders of astronomy. The Buenaventura Suárez Planetarium connects visitors to both science and local culture, while community-led associations create stargazing experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and rooted in place.
Anogeia, Greece – A ‘School of Stars’ in the Mountains
High in Crete’s mountains, Anogeia is home to the Skinakas Observatory and a new School of Stars. Astronomy here isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s an educational mission, inspiring curiosity among local children and visitors alike. The result is a tourism model that celebrates rural pride while nurturing future scientists.
Pisco Elqui, Chile – A Global Hub for Star Seekers
Known as Chile’s capital of astro-tourism, Pisco Elqui offers much more than telescopes. Visitors can join night hikes, enjoy astronomical dinners, and experience the cosmos through both indigenous cultural narratives and cutting-edge science.
The village has also led the way in light pollution regulation compliance, ensuring its skies remain pristine. Workshops in telescope operation, astro-tourism English, and stargazing techniques are helping locals build careers in this growing field.
Why Astro-Tourism Matters for Sustainability
These villages show that sustainability isn’t just about protecting landscapes — it’s also about safeguarding the skyscape. By reducing light pollution, they help maintain biodiversity, support cultural traditions, and offer a rare commodity in our modern world: unfiltered access to the stars.
In the process, they are proving that rural communities can be global leaders in sustainable tourism — one constellation at a time.
