Ana Castañeda: A Lifetime Dedicated to Astrotourism in La Palma

The history of astrotourism in La Palma is the story of people who believed that our island’s night sky could become much more than a scientific and natural resource. It could also offer an opportunity to share scientific knowledge, create jobs and develop a different kind of tourism.

And one name stands out in that story: Ana Castañeda.

For many years, through her work in the Tourism Department of the La Palma Island Council (Cabildo de La Palma), Ana was one of the driving forces behind a project that has become part of our island’s tourism identity. But those of us who had the privilege of working with her know that her contribution went far beyond her professional responsibilities.

How Astrotourism Began in La Palma

La Palma has a long astronomical tradition. The inauguration of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in 1985, the introduction of the Sky Law in 1988 and the International Starlight Conference in 2007 were important milestones in recognising and protecting one of our island’s most valuable resources: the quality of its night sky.

However, having one of the best skies in the world did not automatically mean having a tourism industry built around astronomy.

That had to be created.

In 2009, the Mesa del Turismo de Estrellas (Stargazing Tourism Working Group) was established. Later, the Volcanes bajo Estrellas (Volcanoes under the Stars) project helped develop astronomical viewpoints, train specialist guides and create new experiences that made astronomy accessible to the general public.

The first specialist companies also emerged during those years. Astrotour, which ceased operating in 2015, was one of the pioneers. In 2012, AstroLaPalma, founded by astrophysicist Ana García, began offering astronomy outreach activities, stargazing experiences and guided visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.

Today, AstroLaPalma continues to offer these experiences through LaPalmaStars.com, maintaining its commitment to scientifically rigorous, engaging and accessible astronomy for everyone.

Those early years were not easy. There was no established market. We had to explain what astrotourism was, develop experiences, train professionals and, above all, learn how to work together.

Ana Castañeda: The Person Who Brought Everyone Together

Ana understood that astrotourism could not be developed by public institutions alone, nor solely by private companies.

It had to be a shared project.

Through her work at the Island Council, she helped build bridges between national and international institutions, scientific organisations and tourism professionals, including the Starlight Foundation. She contributed to the development of tourism initiatives and projects such as AstroFest La Palma, bringing astronomy closer to both residents and visitors.

But perhaps her greatest contribution was her ability to connect people. Ana knew how to build networks, find common ground and keep an idea alive for years, even when difficulties arose or progress seemed slow.

Without seeking the spotlight, she became a leader to many of us.

Recognition of a Collective Effort

The work carried out during those early years received important national recognition.

In 2014, La Palma was awarded the Tourism Merit Plaque for Emerging Destinations by the Spanish Government. In 2018, La Palma’s astrotourism initiative received an award at FITUR for Best Active Tourism Product.

These were not individual awards, but the result of the collective efforts of public institutions, businesses and professionals who believed in a new approach to tourism.

And that is precisely why they reflect what Ana stood for: the belief that great projects are built together.

Her commitment also extended far beyond tourism, particularly through Padisbalta, an organisation to which she devoted a significant part of her life and where she served as president.

Ana, My Friend

“I met Ana 18 years ago. Interestingly, it had nothing to do with astronomy or astrotourism.

We didn’t become friends straight away. With Ana, you had to peel back the layers of an onion, one by one, before you could enter her circle of trust. And not everyone got in. You had to earn your place.

But once you did, you discovered an extraordinary woman.

Ana was the matriarch and the glue that held together her family, the Padisbalta family in all its different forms, her friends and that other family we built around astrotourism.

Professionally, she was one of the people who gave me that first push I needed to move forward. And I have never forgotten it.

I miss her terribly. We all do.

I am sure that for many years to come, we will continue to remember her and honour everything she achieved. And it will probably never be enough.

Because some people’s legacies cannot be captured by a plaque or a tribute.

Her legacy lives on in the people she brought together, the projects she helped create and the opportunities she opened up for others.

Ana was the one who kept the flame of astrotourism alive for so many years. Now it is up to us to keep it burning.”

Thank you, Ana. For everything.

Ana García Suárez
Astrophysicist and founder of AstroLaPalma — LaPalmaStars.com