The Croatian island of Hvar is home to the first International Dark Sky Community in southern Europe.
The International Dark-Sky Association has designated 195 places around the world as pristine stargazing spots. Towns that are committed to diminishing light pollution are also recognized by the association.
Where are the best places to see stars?
The first town in Croatia and southern Europe to be regonized as such is the quaint harbor town of Jelsa, the second-largest town in Hvar.
The town has some of the best opportunities for astronomy in this part of the world, and it opens the door for future events such as night sky safaris, full moon hikes, and astronomy festivals.
This did not happen overnight. The Croatian Astromonical Union has been working with the town to make public lighting more eco-friendly. It engaged with the public by hosting talks and events on the issue of light pollution and installed a permanent meteor observation point which led to the discovery of a new meteor system in October of 2021.
The town is dark at night due to the pine forest and lavender and Rosemary fields surrounding it. Wildlife is safer, energy consumption is lower and people now have first-class seats to view the stars.
I'm very happy that Jelsa got the International Dark Sky Community designation and hope that this will lead to us branding Jelsa as a dark sky friendly tourist destination.
15 of the International Dark Sky Communities are in the US, with others in Canada, Germany, Scotland, and the UK.
These are some places to visit in Croatia.
You can also hike the two tallest mountains in Hvar. The Greek fortress of Bur, built in the 4th-century BC, and the 17th-century Baroque chapel of St Mary are both located in Jelsa. Jelsa is a popular wine tourism destination with tours and wine tasting available through its vineyards.
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