Skinakas Observatory Announces Summer 2026 Public Stargazing Nights

Sunday, 10 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

The Skinakas Observatory, located in the mountains of central Crete, has announced its public stargazing evenings for summer 2026. Situated at approximately 1,750 meters altitude on Mount Ida (Psiloritis), the observatory opens its doors to visitors on selected evenings, offering guided telescope sessions and astronomy presentations. The University of Crete's Student Astronomy Group also participates, bringing additional telescopes to enhance the experience. These public nights are a rare opportunity to observe the night sky from one of Greece's premier astronomical sites, far from coastal light pollution. Specific dates have been scheduled throughout the summer season; visitors are advised to check the observatory's official channels to confirm exact evenings and any reservation requirements. The mountain road requires a reliable vehicle, and temperatures at altitude can drop significantly even in summer, so bring a warm layer.