Polaris is the name of the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor, the North Star, which helps us to find our north. For Javier Ares, the island of Menorca “has led the way for other territories, the direction (north) to be followed”; in other words, Menorcan society takes action and asserts itself in pursuit of sustainability. Polaris Menorca is an homage to this attitude and the name of the astronomy and ecotourism project of this tireless adventurer who so loves the stars.

After more than 20 years living a nomadic lifestyle in the planet’s most remote and unexplored corners, this Galician-born adventurer has settled in Menorca to continue his life’s work. He was one of the driving forces behind the island’s declaration as a Tourist Destination and Starlight Reserve, and is one of the most active astronomical instructors and educators in Menorca.

As an ecotourism company, Polaris Menorca promotes the values of the Biosphere Reserve in all of its facets. In winter, they work to disseminate the astronomical sciences, and in summer they combine sessions of astrotourism and nocturnal excursions with outings on horseback, hiking, sailing adventures that follow the stars with historical instrumentation or themed dinners based on the island’s history and culture.

And always tackling important questions under a blanket of stars. How does the universe work? How are stars used for navigation? What was the Talayotic sky like?