The Perseids from Monfragüe: stars, scents, and nocturnal life

Every summer, the skies above Monfragüe National Park transform into a majestic stage. The Perseid meteor shower, also known as the “Tears of Saint Lawrence,” turns August nights into the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the cosmos. In 2025, despite the presence of the Moon, this celestial event remains unmissable—especially from a privileged location like ours: Hotel Rural Las Corchuelas.

When to see the perseids in 2025?

• Peak activity: Night of August 12th to 13th
• Overall activity: July 17th to August 24th
• Recommended alternative: Night of August 16th to 17th, with fewer meteors but better visibility thanks to reduced moonlight.

At the peak, you may see between 50 and 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. This year, the waning gibbous Moon (83% illuminated) will rise around 10:56 p.m., slightly brightening the sky. Even so, the brightest meteors will still be visible, especially after midnight, when the radiant, located in the constellation Perseus, climbs higher above the horizon.

What are the Perseids?

The Perseids originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Each year, as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by this comet’s orbit, tiny particles—no larger than a grain of rice—enter our atmosphere at speeds of up to 60 km/s. The friction heats them, making them glow, creating the phenomenon we know as a “shooting star.”

The popular name “Tears of Saint Lawrence” comes from a tradition linking the shower to the martyrdom of the saint on August 10th, close to the peak of the meteor display.

Observation conditions in Monfragüe

The surroundings of Hotel Rural Las Corchuelas, nestled in the heart of Monfragüe National Park, are perfect for stargazing. We’re located in one of the darkest sky areas in Europe, and our rural hotel is Starlight-certified, guaranteeing ideal conditions for observing celestial events.

Key factors for 2025:

• The Moon: Its brightness will obscure fainter meteors, but the brightest ones will still be visible. Avoid looking directly at it to preserve your night vision.
• Weather: August is typically dry in this region, favouring clear skies. Checking the local forecast near the date is still recommended.
• Radiant location: The constellation Perseus rises from the northeast. For the best viewing, look about 30° around the radiant rather than directly at it.
• Avoiding artificial lights: At Las Corchuelas, you’ll find spaces specifically prepared for unobstructed nighttime observation.

What else can you see during the Perseids?

Although the Perseids are best enjoyed with the naked eye, a small telescope or binoculars will let you explore other stunning objects visible those nights:

• Saturn: Visible from 11:00 p.m., with its rings clearly discernible.
• Mars: Observable until 11:03 p.m., easy to spot by its reddish hue.
• Andromeda Galaxy (M31): Visible all night, even without instruments, as a faint diffuse patch.
• Double Cluster in Perseus (NGC 869 & NGC 884): A stunning sight for telescopes, located near the radiant.
• Sagittarius region: Rich in clusters, nebulae, and stars, adding depth to any night of observation.

Experiences at Las Corchuelas

Watching the Perseids here is more than just looking at the sky, it’s immersing yourself in a full sensory experience, where nature and the universe intertwine. Book your stay at Las Corchuelas and witness the meteor shower under one of Europe’s most breathtaking skies.