Prepare to experience one of the most fascinating natural spectacles of the year, guided by the Dark Sky® Alqueva Guides. The Perseid meteor shower on the nights of 11 and 12 August, together with a Partial Solar Eclipse at sunset on the afternoon of 12 August, with 95% obscuration, creates a rare opportunity to witness two of the most remarkable astronomical phenomena of the celestial calendar within the same territory.
At Dark Sky® Alqueva, one of the most well-preserved night skies in Europe, observing the universe becomes a deeply immersive experience. On the night of 11 August, the Perseids, one of the most famous meteor showers of the year, produced by debris from Comet Swift–Tuttle, will illuminate the sky with bright streaks of “shooting stars.” Far from light pollution and beneath wide, unobstructed horizons, it will be possible to observe dozens of meteors per hour, while the Dark Sky® Alqueva Guides lead the interpretation of the sky, revealing constellations, mythology, and the dynamics of the cosmos.
On the afternoon of 12 August 2026, the Dark Sky® Alqueva territory will offer a privileged setting to follow a Partial Solar Eclipse with around 95% obscuration in Reguengos de Monsaraz. As the Sun descends toward the horizon, the sudden dimming of sunlight will create a rare and atmospheric moment, transforming the Alentejo landscape into a natural stage for this celestial event. The observation will be carried out using telescopes equipped with certified solar filters, allowing the eclipse to be followed in complete safety while understanding the celestial mechanics behind this alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
When night returns, the sky will reveal a second spectacle. The Perseids will once again streak across the celestial vault in the early hours of 13 August, offering moments of quiet contemplation beneath one of Europe’s most impressive firmaments. Between science, nature, and the serenity that characterises the Alentejo landscape—surrounded by the largest artificial lake in Europe, the Great Lake Alqueva (located about 2 km from the event site)—these two nights invite participants of all ages to experience something truly unique, where the cosmos reveals itself with rare clarity and where each meteor, each star, and each shadow of the eclipse reminds us of the profound connection between Earth and the universe.
BOOK YOUR PLACE
Programme
August 11
August 12
Guest reception: 21:00
Dinner: 21:30
Late supper: 1:30
Night sky observation with telescopes: 22.30 – 00:00
Perseid meteor observation with the naked eye: 00:00 – 3:00 (early morning of 12 August))
Price: 110 € per person
Children (5-9 years old, under 5 free): 50 € per child
Partial Solar Eclipse (95%) – Schedule
Start: 18:40:44
Maximum: 19:36:27
End: 20:29:29
Guest reception with welcome cocktail: 17:00
Solar observation: 17:30 – 20:29
Relaxation break: 20:30 – 21:30
Dinner: 21:30
Night sky observation with telescopes: 22:30 – 00:00
Late supper: 01:30 (early morning of 13 August)
Perseid meteor observation with the naked eye: 00:00 – 03:00 (early morning of 13 August)
Price: 150,00 € per person
Children (5-9 years old, under 5 free): 60 € per child
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.
Menu
Dinner
Starters
Regional bread | Olives
Pork cracklings | Croquettes | Rissoles | Pork in vinaigrette | Eggs with farinheira sausage
Salt cod fritters | Chickpeas with salt cod
Cured goat cheese | Sheep cheese
Russian salad | Oven-roasted mushrooms (vegan) | Roasted peppers (vegan) | Hummus with toast
Hot Dishes
Dogfish soup | Alentejo-style tomato soup | Vegetable cream soup (vegan)
Migas with pork | Duck rice | Oven-roasted pork trotter | Pork Alentejo style
Chickpea and vegetable curry with basmati rice (vegan)
Spinach, ricotta and mushroom lasagna (vegetarian)
Cuttlefish bean stew | Squid stew | Codfish with cream
Desserts
Encharcada (traditional egg dessert)
Creme celeste
Chocolate mousse
House dessert
Milk pudding
Rice pudding
Seasonal fruit
Drinks Included Throughout the Event
House wine | Beer | Sangria
Water | Sparkling water | Soft drinks
Coffee
(Spirits and liqueurs not included)
Late Supper
Hot Dishes
Caldo verde
Vegetable soup (vegan)
Savoury bites
Mini sandwiches with cheese and tomato
Spinach puff pastries
Cheese and ham puff pastries
Vegan mini sandwiches
Vegan quiche
Vegetarian quiche
Sweets
Assorted cakes
Fresh fruit
Drinks
Tea | Milk | Almond milk
Welcome Drink (only 12 August)
Bread and olives | Croquettes
Hummus with toast | Vegetable samosas
Toasts with goat cheese, honey and walnuts
Nuts | Fresh fruit