Spain's total solar eclipse 2026: where and when to see it

On Wednesday, 12th August 2026, the Sun will set very differently over Spain. For the first time in more than a century, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Spanish mainland, turning day to twilight for a couple of unforgettable minutes in the north. 

It is the kind of once‑in‑a‑lifetime event that usually means a long‑haul flight, but in 2026, it is happening right on Europe’s doorstep.

What is a solar eclipse?

PxHere

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon slots perfectly between Earth and the Sun. It completely covers the solar disc, revealing the delicate solar corona that is usually drowned out by daylight.

The path of totality is the narrow band on Earth where this perfect alignment is visible and where day briefly turns into night. This will lead to a full plunge into twilight and the appearance of the corona. Outside that band, places experience a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon hides most, but not all, of the Sun, so the light dims without full darkness.

Spanish astronomers describe the 2026 event as a once‑in‑a‑century moment for the country, because it is the first total eclipse visible from the mainland in more than a hundred years. Plus, it even lines up with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower that same night.

Path of totality and solar eclipse 2026 map for Spain

Sociedad Española de Astrología (SEA).

It helps to picture the eclipse as a travelling shadow that sweeps across the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the afternoon. 

Acording to the IGN, The solar eclipse 2026 path of totality will enter Spain over Galicia at around 19:30, then move east across the northern half of the peninsula before reaching Castellón and the Balearic Islands just after 20:30. Within that band, totality will last between a few seconds and just under two minutes, depending on how close you are to the centre of the shadow. 

Cities and regions in Spain on the 2026 eclipse path

Northern cities such as A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Vitoria‑Gasteiz, Burgos and Zaragoza sit under or very close to the totality band. In the Mediterranean, cities such as Castellón de la Plana, València and Palma are good spots, as long as you have a clear view of the western horizon.

Where the 2026 eclipse will be partial in Spain

Most of the rest of Spain will see a partial solar eclipse with very high coverage of the Sun. In central areas such as Madrid and parts of Castilla‑La Mancha, and in much of Andalucía, the Moon will hide a large fraction of the solar disc. This will lead to an eerie, dimmed light and very sharp, crescent‑shaped shadows without full darkness. 

Best places in Spain to see the 2026 total solar eclipse

Once you know where the shadow falls, it is really about picking spots that mix good skies with straightforward logistics. The best places to witness the solar eclipse lie within the path of totality, have an unobstructed view to the west and are fairly easy to reach in mid‑August.

According to the IGN, the total eclipse will begin on the Cantabrian coast at 20:27. idealista/news

Good viewing places usually share a few traits:

• A clear western horizon, without tall buildings, hills or trees hiding the low Sun.
• Decent chances of clear weather, accepting that coasts can cloud over in the evening, while inland areas tend to be hotter but more stable.
• Sensible access to accommodation, transport and basic services, so arriving and leaving is not a nightmare.

Northern Spain hotspots on the path of totality

At 20:29, the total eclipse will reach the northern third of the peninsula idealista/news

Northern Spain is where the eclipse really shows off, and the timing at sunset only adds to the drama. Along the Cantabrian coast, places like A Coruña, Santander and Bilbao see the partial phase start at roughly 19:30, with totality arriving a little after 20:26 and lasting between about half a minute and just over a minute.

Inland cities such as Vitoria‑Gasteiz, Burgos and Zaragoza are also well placed. Burgos is expected to get around 105 seconds of totality, while Zaragoza should enjoy around 85 seconds.

Mallorca eclipse 2026 and the Balearic Islands

At 20:31, total darkness will occur from Castile and León to the Castellón coasts and the Balearic Islands idealista/news

You are still within the path of totality around Palma and parts of the islands. The partial phase begins at roughly 19:37, and totality hits around 20:31 for about a minute and a half. 

The Sun will be low over the western horizon, so elevated coastal viewpoints, miradores and clifftop walks come into their own. If you already had a Balearic beach break in mind, catching the eclipse in the evening and then staying out for the Perseid meteors later that night is a very tempting combo.

Valencia eclipse 2026 and the Mediterranean coast

The total eclipse will move south at 20:32, finally reaching the coast of Valencia. idealista/news

Along the Valencia and Castellón section of the Mediterranean coast, the 2026 eclipse turns into a kind of “sunset blackout” over the sea. In Castellón de la Plana, for example, the partial eclipse should begin a little before 19:40, with totality arriving just after 20:31. 

Further south, around València, you are close enough to the path that, in or near the city, you can still catch totality as the shadow sweeps off the peninsula. Here, the Sun will be very low, so a flat seafront promenade, a beach with a clear western view or a rooftop terrace without taller buildings in front of you makes a big difference. 

Local eclipse timetable for key Spanish locations

Looking at specific examples gives you a feel for how the timings and durations change across Spain. Times are approximate and in local time.

Partial solar eclipse Pixabay

• A Coruña: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:30. Totality: ~20:27. Duration of totality: ~74 seconds
• Santander: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:31. Totality: ~20:26:51. Duration of totality: ~64 seconds
• Bilbao: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:31.. Totality: ~20:27:17. Duration of totality: just over 30 seconds
• Vitoria‑Gasteiz: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:32. Totality: ~20:27:37. Duration of totality: ~65 seconds
• Burgos: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:33. Totality: ~20:28. Duration of totality: ~105 seconds
• Castellón de la Plana: Partial eclipse begins: ~19:37. Totality: ~20:31:14. Duration of totality: ~94 seconds
• Palma (Mallorca): Partial eclipse begins: ~19:37: Totality: ~20:31. Duration of totality: ~96 seconds

Visibility of the 2026 eclipse in the UK and across Europe

The 2026 solar eclipse will put on a partial show across the whole of the UK and most of Europe, even outside the path of totality. In Britain, the Sun will sit relatively low in the sky during the event, with a large bite taken out of it. The change in light should feel very obvious as long as clouds stay out of the way.

Spain stands out, though, because it combines that sweeping sunset path of totality with generally reliable August weather and straightforward travel options for people hopping over from the UK or elsewhere in Europe.

How to watch the 2026 eclipse safely in Spain

Enjoying the eclipse safely is essential, especially with the strong summer sun and the temptation to stare straight at the drama. The rule of thumb is that any time even a sliver of the Sun is visible, your eyes need proper protection.

Gafas especiales para ver un eclipse Pixabay

Basic safety points to keep in mind:

• Use certified eclipse glasses or proper solar filters designed for direct Sun viewing, and avoid using ordinary sunglasses or DIY solutions.
• Only during the brief total phase, when the Sun is completely covered, is it safe to look directly at the sky without filters.
• Simple projection tricks, like using a pinhole or projecting the Sun’s image through binoculars onto a card, are a good way to let kids and more nervous friends enjoy it without looking up.