The majestic Mt Teide, the highest peak in Spain, is one of the top three places in the world for stargazing - Hawaii and Chile being the other two - and the very comfortable Parador hotel, located in the vast crater at the foot of the summit, is the ideal base for your out-of-this-world adventure.

The sheer number of stars visible from this deserted location, completely free of light pollution, is awe-inspiring. With a professionally qualified guide, complete with his own state-of-the-art telescope, we were able to see the rings around Saturn, star clusters and distant constellations. As we caught a glimpse of not one, two, three or four, but five shooting stars wizz past, it felt like all our wishes had come true at once.

Having arrived at the Parador hotel after dark the night before, it was only when opening the curtains the following morning to sweeping views of Mt Teide National Park, that I realised what a special place this was. Breakfast is served with views towards the sun-drenched summit of Mt Teide. We were lucky to also have a sungazing experience afterwards, using a different specialist telescope. Seeing the sun as a pulsating red ball, sunspots and all, with even two solar flares visible, grounded us for the epic day ahead exploring the stunning volcanic landscape.

The Parador offers a stargazing session to guests every Friday night but if you are there any other evening, please contact the Kirker Concierge if you'd like to arrange a professional guide to meet you there: it's an experience you'll never forget.