Where to see the Perseids meteor shower, Costa del Sol

As August begins to zip before our eyes, the night sky is about to come alive with one of the year’s most anticipated astronomical events: the Perseids meteor shower, also known as the Tears of San Lorenzo.

The spectacular annual display, which peaks on the night of August 11-12, fills the sky with brilliant streaks of light as meteors travel at 100s of kilometres per hour, burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. While visible from mid-July to late August, the shower’s peak offers the best viewing opportunity, despite some interference from the waxing crescent moon this year. For the best experience, seek out dark, elevated locations away from the streetlights with unobstructed views of the sky. The Costa del Sol offers several excellent spots to witness this celestial celebration.

What are the Perseids?

The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus from which they appear to originate, are one of the easiest meteor showers to observe and loved for their bright meteors and lingering trails. Historically documented across cultures, the shower’s nickname, Tears of San Lorenzo, ties to the Christian martyr’s feast day on August 10. According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the Perseids are active from July 17 to around August 24, with the most intense activity between August 11 and 13.

Where are the best spots for watching Perseids in the Costa del Sol?

To fully appreciate the Perseids, head to locations with minimal light pollution and expansive sky views. Here are some of the best places in the Costa del Sol, as recommended by Andalucía’s official tourism website and local sources:

• Manilva: On the night of August 12 you have a date in Manilva at the viewpoint “Bésame en el Mar” (Kiss me in the Sea) of the beaches of the Manilva Ecological Reserve, where they usually carry out activities from 8.30pm, although we are awaiting firm confirmation.
• Estepona: The best place in Estepona to witness this phenomenon is in Sierra Bermeja, in the area of Los Reales.
• Marbella and Ojén: The Mirador del Macho Montés, in the Refugio del Juanar, is the best place to witness this summer’s shower of stars.
• Casares: In Casares, the Mirador del Castillo is the best place to go to see the Perseids, in addition to the beautiful image of the town of white houses that this place provides.
• Torremolinos: The municipality has a magnificent natural setting a few minutes from the centre of the town. The most prominent enclave is La Cañada del Lobo, a perfect place to know the environmental richness that surrounds the municipality and, therefore, enjoy a beautiful shower of stars.
• Benahavís: Torre de Leoneras Park is the favourite place for the locals in this village when there is little light pollution and a wonderful natural silence to see the event.
• Benalmadena: Take the cable car, which will be open late especially for people to witness the phenomena, and probably the best viewpoint of all.

For the best experience, plan to visit these locations on the night of August 11-12, when the Perseids are at their peak. Bring a blanket to lay back on (there’s a lot of looking up), find a dark spot, and look toward the constellation Perseus for a dazzling display of nature’s fireworks.