Night of St. Lawrence: the best locations for watching shooting stars in Sicily

The night of San Lorenzo, August 10, is one of the most anticipated moments of summer in Sicily and around the world. In the days close to this date, one can witness the spectacular phenomenon of the Perseids, also known as the tears of San Lorenzo, which, every year, make the warm August nights magical. This fascinating astronomical event brings together many Sicilians each year, eager to enjoy the fascinating sight of shooting stars illuminating the firmament.
Although the night of St. Lawrence falls exactly on August 10, actually the best time to observe shooting stars is between August 11 and 13. During this time, the Earth transits near the orbit of comet Swift-Tuttle, where rich clouds of dust and debris are present, and the concentration of meteors can reach a zenithal hourly rate (ZHR) of more than 100, meaning that, under the best conditions, it will be possible to admire even more than 100 meteors per hour.
No special equipment or advanced astronomical knowledge is required to fully enjoy this magical experience. Just find a dark space, away from artificial light sources, and you will be able to admire more stars and meteors.
Sicily, with its unique and evocative landscapes, offers a variety of locations where you can admire this extraordinary phenomenon. Here are some of the best locations in Sicily to have an unforgettable experience on the night of San Lorenzo:
- Monte Pellegrino, Palermo
- Riserva di Capo Gallo, Palermo
- Isnello, Palermo
- Ustica
- Altopiano dell’Argimusco, Messina
- Spiaggia di Letojanni, Messina
- Dinnammare, Messina
- Lago Maulazzo, Messina
- Alicudi, Aeolian Islands
- Spiaggia di Riposto, Catania
- Spiaggia di Fondachello, Catania
- Etna Osservatorio Astrofisico Serra la Nave, Catania
- Riserva dello Zingaro, Trapani
- Saline di Marsala, Trapani
- Pantelleria
- Riserva naturale Monte Cammarata, Agrigento
- Riserva di Torre Salsa, Agrigento
- Fiume Ciane, Siracusa
- Riserva di Vendicari, Siracusa
- Spiaggia di Marianelli, Siracusa
- Troina, Enna
- Lago Ancipa, Enna
- Spiaggia di Randello, Ragusa
- Osservatorio Astronomico Di Montedoro, Caltanissetta








