Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint stands on a hilltop beside the FV-605 road in the municipality of Pájara, Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands. It was laid out for stargazing: a sundial and a vertical clock stand at the top, and information boards explain astronomy and the constellations visible overhead. By day the summit gives a 360-degree panorama over the island's bare mountains; after dark it serves as an observation point for the night sky on an island with Starlight Reserve status.
Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint
Local name: Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre
Hilltop astronomical viewpoint with a sundial, constellation boards and 360-degree mountain views.
- Entrance
- Free; open-air viewpoint.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible: the path from the car park climbs over uneven ground, with a rope on the last stretch.
- Parking
- Free asphalt car park about 240 m away in a straight line, with room for around 20 cars; a second free parking area at a similar distance.
- Difficulty
- Uphill walk from the car park on an uneven path, with a rope to hold on the last stretch; wear proper shoes.
- Transport
- No stop at the viewpoint; the nearest bus stop is about 2.4 km away in a straight line.
- Advance booking
- Not needed.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- FV-605, 35628 Pájara, Las Palmas, Spain
What makes it special
The view goes all the way round. From the top, the bare ridges of the island's interior fold away in every direction, and the only sound is usually the wind.
The viewpoint was built for the hours after dark, though. A sundial and a vertical clock stand on the summit, and the boards beside them explain astronomy and map the constellations of the sky overhead, so once your eyes adjust you can match the panels to the stars. Late afternoon is the other good hour, when the low sun picks out every fold in the hills.
Good to know
- Wind: the summit is exposed and the wind can be very strong. Bring long sleeves or a jacket, even on a warm day.
- Shoes: the path up is uneven, with a rope to hold on the last stretch. Leave the flip-flops in the car.
- No facilities: there are no toilets and no drinking water at the viewpoint or nearby, so bring water with you.
- After dark: bring a torch for the path, and give your eyes time to adjust before reading the sky.
- Children: keep small children close when the wind is up.
Getting there
You arrive by car on the FV-605, and the drive up is easy to follow. A free asphalt car park sits about 240 m away in a straight line, with room for around 20 cars, and a second free parking area lies at a similar distance.
From the car park a path climbs uphill to the viewing point. The ground is uneven, and a rope helps on the last stretch. The nearest bus stop is about 2.4 km away in a straight line, with none closer.
Best time to visit
Best: clear, moonless nights for the stars, and late afternoon for the panorama.
Avoid: the middle of a hot day, and nights around the full moon.
The bare summit has no shade at midday, and a bright moon washes out the fainter stars the boards point you to.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint on the map
The hilltop is exposed and takes strong gusts. Keep hold of small children, and watch your footing on the uneven final stretch, using the rope.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Sicasumbre Astronomical Viewpoint at night?
Yes. The viewpoint is open around the clock, and the night sky is what it was laid out for: boards at the top explain astronomy and the constellations.Where do you park?
In a free asphalt car park about 240 m away in a straight line, with room for around 20 cars. From there it is an uphill walk on uneven ground.Is the viewpoint accessible by wheelchair?
No. The path up is uneven, and a rope helps visitors over the last stretch.Are there toilets or water?
No. There are no toilets and no drinking water at the viewpoint or nearby, so bring water with you.What should you wear?
Proper shoes for the uneven path, and long sleeves or a jacket: the hilltop is often very windy.