Eclipse on the Horizon, Meteors at the Zenith – Two Unforgettable Nights beneath the Skies of Dark Sky® Alqueva | 11 and 12 August 2026

Reservations: info@darkskyalqueva.com | Contact: +351 913 103 540

Note: Participants who wish to enjoy the full experience by attending both days of the event will receive a 10% discount on the total price.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What to Bring

In addition to the guided observation led by the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Guides, one of the most magical ways to enjoy the Perseids is simply to lie back and watch the sky with the naked eye. For this reason, if you wish, we suggest bringing comfortable clothing and a blanket, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the celestial spectacle.

The surrounding area is spacious and peaceful, ideal for settling comfortably and observing the sky throughout the night. We also recommend bringing a light jacket, as temperatures may drop slightly during the early hours of the morning.

Restaurant/ Dinner/ Late Supper

Meals will be served buffet-style, according to the previously announced menu, allowing each participant to enjoy the moment at their own pace.

As this is a special event rather than a regular restaurant service, seating will be organized on a first-come, first-served basis, with tables filled according to their capacity. We have chosen not to use long communal tables, in order to facilitate circulation between guests and create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

We kindly thank you in advance for your understanding and spirit of sharing in this collective experience. A member of our team will be present at the beginning of the event to assist with the organization and welcome participants.

Perseid Meteor Observation

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most beautiful spectacles of the summer sky and is best observed with the naked eye, especially later in the night when the sky becomes darker and meteor activity tends to intensify.

To ensure that participants can fully enjoy the exceptional quality of our night sky, Dark Sky® Alqueva Guides will be present from 22:30, leading astronomical observation sessions throughout the night. These sessions will include: A guided naked-eye tour of the night sky, revealing constellations, stories and celestial navigation; Telescopic observation of several celestial objects.

There will be one guide dedicated to Portuguese and another to English.

Partial Solar Eclipse Observation (95%)

The observation of the Partial Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026, with approximately 95% solar obscuration in Reguengos de Monsaraz, will be conducted with all the necessary safety conditions and scientific guidance.

During the event, participants will have access to telescopes equipped with certified solar filters, allowing them to observe the Sun safely and follow the progressive passage of the Moon across the solar disc in detail.
Throughout the session, Dark Sky® Alqueva Guides will be present to guide the observation, explain the different phases of the phenomenon, and interpret the celestial mechanics that produce eclipses.

To ensure a safe and accessible experience for everyone, certified solar observation glasses will also be provided. These glasses allow direct observation of the eclipse safely with the naked eye.
Important: The Sun must never be observed directly without these certified glasses, as doing so may cause irreversible damage to the retina.

The moment of maximum eclipse, when the Sun will be approximately 95% obscured, will be experienced collectively using these protective glasses. At this point, daylight will suddenly soften near the horizon, creating a rare atmosphere that transforms the Alentejo landscape into a unique setting for astronomical contemplation.

Through telescopes, guided explanations and direct observation, participants will be able to experience and understand one of the most remarkable celestial alignments between the Sun, Moon and Earth.

Camera and Tripod Area

During the event, a dedicated open space near Monte de Palaios will be available for participants who wish to photograph the celestial phenomena.
This area will allow photographers to set up cameras and tripods comfortably, offering excellent conditions to capture both:
the Partial Solar Eclipse at sunset on 12 August;
the Perseid meteor shower on the nights of 11 and 12 August.
With wide horizons and the exceptional sky quality characteristic of the Dark Sky® Alqueva territory, this will be a privileged location for photographing both the sky and the Alentejo landscape.