{"id":137050,"date":"2025-10-21T23:24:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/137050\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T23:24:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:24:23","slug":"the-ultimate-adventurers-guide-to-the-next-total-solar-eclipse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/137050\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Adventurer’s Guide to the Next Total Solar Eclipse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated October 21, 2025 10:28AM<\/p>\n

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will travel south through eastern Greenland, across the western edge of Iceland, and over northern Spain. For the uninitiated, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly over the sun, briefly bringing viewers on earth into complete darkness as a ring of light appears in the sky. This spectacle occurs on average every 18 months<\/a>, but only strikes a particular destination around once every 360 years<\/a>. The first total eclipse to visit mainland Europe since 1999 may seem distant in both time and space. But anyone who\u2019s traveled to view this rare celestial phenomenon before knows that early planning pays off.<\/p>\n

This is a lesson I learned in 2017, during the Great American Eclipse. As Americans and travelers flocked to destinations on the path of the total eclipse (known as the \u201cpath of totality\u201d), hotels sold out and heavy traffic ensued. Unable to find any good campsites, Airbnbs, or lodging in Rexwell, Idaho, my friends and I booked a \u201ccampsite\u201d in a shade-less municipal park. That was nothing, however, compared to the four additional hours of traffic we encountered on the drive back to Utah. Did I mention I was eight months pregnant and had to pee every 30 minutes?<\/p>\n

By the time a total eclipse rolled through North America again last year, I was ready. I reserved an Airbnb over a year in advance\u2014before property owners thought to raise rates for the occasion. I booked flights and rented a car six months ahead. And I created travel buffer days around the eclipse to avoid all traffic. As a result, my 2024 eclipse experience went infinitely more smoothly than my first time around. This isn\u2019t just my take, however. Others, like travel news outlet Skift<\/a>, agree that planning a total eclipse trip well in advance is a good idea.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re interested in taking a trip to catch the 2026 total eclipse, the time to start planning is now.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the Outside guide to planning your 2026 total solar eclipse trip, from the best destinations for adventurous eclipse chasers, to tips for making the most of this rare celestial event.<\/p>\n

The Best Places to Watch the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse<\/p>\n

On August 12,\u00a0the moon will eclipse the sun first in northern Russia. From there, the path of totality<\/a>, which is the arc across earth that experiences a total eclipse,\u00a0leads north over the Arctic Ocean, then down through the eastern edge of Greenland. It kisses western Iceland before descending through Spain.<\/p>\n

So where to watch? First of all, it\u2019s important to be in the path of totality. The locations in this path experience a total eclipse, while destinations outside the path of totality experience only a partial eclipse. The difference between a partial eclipse and a total eclipse is, well, like day and night. Quite literally. During a partial eclipse, you can use eclipse glasses to watch as the moon passes over the sun, but since it won\u2019t totally eclipse the sun, the sky will remain bright. You also won\u2019t be able to see the \u201cring of fire\u201d (i.e., the corona) when the moon is perfectly positioned over the sun. The eerie moments of darkness by day and the awe-inspiring sight of the corona are what make a total eclipse experience so incredible.<\/p>\n

\"MayaAuthor Maya Silver watching the Great American Eclipse in 2017. (Photo: Courtesy of Maya Silver)
\nPortugal and Greenland? Think Again.<\/p>\n

You may have heard that the 2026 total solar eclipse passes through Portugal. While the smallest sliver of northeastern Portugal just barely touches the path of totality, the eclipse time here is minimal. There also aren\u2019t any established towns or cities in this sliver of Portugal to watch from. All of Portugal is in the path of the partial eclipse, but it\u2019s not a viable total eclipse destination.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get excited about an Arctic-themed eclipse, either. The eastern half of Greenland\u2014and much of the country, is uninhabitable<\/a>. To the east, in the path of totality, you\u2019ll find only military bases, frozen tundra, and polar bears. For the same reasons, I wouldn\u2019t recommend a Siberian solar eclipse trip in Russia\u00a0 either.<\/p>\n

That said, if you have your heart set on a polar eclipse experience, several companies are offering eclipse-centered cruises through the Arctic. The company Eclipse Travel is running a whopping 17 different 2026 eclipse cruises and tours<\/a>, including several that travel through the Arctic Ocean. Albatros Expeditions<\/a> also has an Arctic expedition cruise available. These multi-day voyages are quite pricey (starting at around $8,550 per person), but they do let you take in the eclipse at sea, and some even allow you to visit isolated Eastern Greenland.<\/p>\n

Iceland vs. Spain<\/p>\n

With trips to Greenland so logistically challenging (and pricey), Iceland and Spain are the top destinations for 2026 eclipse travelers.\u00a0In choosing between the two countries, NASA recommends<\/a> considering the weather, since overcast skies can all but wreck an eclipse experience. Iceland typically sees moderate temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-August. But Reykjavik usually only experiences around 40 sunny days<\/a> a year. With an annual average of five sunny days in August, Iceland runs the risk of cloudy skies on August 12. You\u2019ll also want to consider that Iceland experiences only a few hours of darkness in mid-August<\/a>\u2014this might be a pro or con, depending on your sleep preferences.<\/p>\n

Compared to Iceland, bluebird skies are far more likely in Spain. But it will also be hot\u2014August is usually Spain\u2019s most sweltering month<\/a>, with daytime temperatures ranging from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You\u2019ll usually\u00a0find cooler temperatures on the coast or islands, or up in the mountains.<\/p>\n

With that in mind, here are a few specific spots in both countries that are on our list for maximum totality time and proximity to adventure.<\/p>\n

Iceland 2026 Eclipse Destinations and Events<\/p>\n

A total solar eclipse hasn\u2019t graced Iceland since 1954\u2014and one won\u2019t return for well over a century, until 2196. For the 2026 event in the Land of Fire and Ice, the moon eclipses the sun in the evening, around a quarter before 6 P.M. But don\u2019t expect a sunset soon after, since the sun doesn\u2019t set in mid-August until nearly 10 P.M. This time of year, the annual month-long Perseid Meteor Shower is peaking, so once the sun does finally set, gaze upward again to see a flurry of shooting stars.<\/p>\n

Reykjavik, Iceland<\/p>\n

The capital may not have the longest totality time. But what it lacks in eclipse length, it makes up for in convenience and cultural vibes, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re searching for.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>1 minute, 1 second<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch:<\/b> From the rooftop bar atop the Reykjavik EDITION Hotel<\/a>, where you can take in 360-degree views of the surrounding sea and mountains. No events have been announced here yet, but rooftop bars in the path of totality often host parties for guests and others to watch the show in the sky.<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Plunge into the frigid Atlantic from 33 feet (10 meters) up at Hoppland<\/a>, then warm back up at Hvammsv\u00edk Hot Springs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Grindavik, Iceland<\/p>\n

Home to the Blue Lagoon<\/a>, Grindavik is a fishing village on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Active volcanoes and lava fields nearby create a stunning landscape\u2014but also mean you could be evacuated at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>1 minute, 37 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch: <\/b>Straight from a geothermal pool. I can only imagine how majestic and eerie an eclipse appears from within the water.<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Stroll over to the nearby Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson shipwreck, marooned on the peninsula\u2019s shores. Or take a guided hike<\/a> to Fagradalsfjall, an active volcano just a few miles away.<\/p>\n

\"ARNARSTAPIThe sun starts to set after midnight in Hellnar, an ancient fishing village near Arnarstapi on the westernmost part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula in Iceland. (Photo: Photo by Karly Domb Sadof\/The Washington Post via Getty Images))
\nArnarstapi, Iceland<\/p>\n

Located on the Sn\u00e6felsnes Peninsula, the village of Arnarstapi is one of the host destinations of the Iceland Eclipse Festival<\/a> (more about this below). Tickets are limited, but even if you can\u2019t snag a ticket, Arnarstapi\u2014and the peninsula where it\u2019s located\u2014remain an awesome spot to catch the show in the sky.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>2 minutes, 3 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch:<\/b> On the beach along the coast of the Greenland Sea<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Arnarstapi sits less than an hour\u2019s drive from Sn\u00e6fellsj\u00f6kull National Park<\/a>, which has\u00a0dozens of hiking trails. Trek along the H\u00f3lah\u00f3lar ancient craters, or take a guided descent into Vatnshellir Cave, a lava tube accessible via a spiral staircase.<\/p>\n

Patreksfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur. Iceland<\/p>\n

The most remote location on this list, Patreksfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur may feel small, but it\u2019s the largest community in the southern part of the Westfjords, Iceland\u2019s northwesternmost peninsula. Since Patreksfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is the furthest town to the west, it boasts the longest totality time across Iceland.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>2 minutes, 4 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch:<\/b> On the rare red sand beach of Rau\u00f0asandur along the Greenland Sea<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Go birdwatching on the L\u00e1trabjarg cliffs to catch a glimpse of a rare puffin, or take a 15-minute hike to what\u2019s arguably Iceland\u2019s most beautiful waterfall: Dynjandi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Iceland Eclipse Festivals<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re an extroverted eclipse-goer who wants to watch in good company and chase the experience with live music, the main event is the Iceland Eclipse Festival<\/a>. Staged on Sn\u00e6felsnes Peninsula, the festival has dozens of musicians and speakers lined up. Running from August 12-15, the festival offers live electronic and Icelandic music and talks with scientists. The festival is currently in its second round of ticket sales\u2014you can buy a pass here<\/a>, or if it\u2019s sold out, you can add your name to a waiting list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Spain 2026 Eclipse Destinations<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been well over a century since an eclipse graced Spain. But those in Spain won\u2019t need to wait another 100 years for another solar hurrah.The country will see another total solar eclipse in 2027, as well as an annular solar eclipse\u2014wherein the moon doesn\u2019t totally cover the sun, creating a ring of fire in the sky\u2014in 2028. To manage what will surely be a busy three years of astrotourism, Spain even established Eclipse262728<\/a>, a dedicated organization. In Spain, what the country has dubbed \u201cThe Grand Spanish Eclipse\u201d reaches totality around 8:30 P.M., followed soon after by sunset.<\/p>\n

Ibiza, Spain<\/p>\n

The 2026 total eclipse will grace three Spanish islands: Mallorca, Menorca to the north, and Ibiza, to the south. If you\u2019d like your eclipse experience with a side of stunning beaches, world-class yoga classes, and rowdy nightlife, Ibiza is the place to be.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>1 minute, 4 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch: <\/b>The Cala S\u2019Illlot d\u2019en Rencli<\/a> is a lesser known beach with clear, jade-hued waters in northern Ibiza, where the totality time will be just a hair longer than to the south.<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Go SCUBA diving<\/a> at a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not SCUBA certified? Enroll in an intro dive course, go snorkeling, or take a boat out to explore the island\u2019s remote caves and beaches.<\/p>\n

Porto Cristo, Mallorca, Spain<\/p>\n

The island of Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) sits dead center on the path of totality. Stay along the coast for the best access to beaches, legendary local climbing, and seaside views of the eclipse.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>1 minute, 34 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch:<\/b> From a boat on the Balearic Sea, or one of the island\u2019s white sand beaches like Cala Varques or Sa Coma<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures: <\/b>Experience the Mallorca\u2019s world-famous deep water soloing with a local guide<\/a>, or explore the \u201cdragon caves\u201d (Cuevas del Drach<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Pe\u00f1\u00edscola, Spain<\/p>\n

For a coastal experience on mainland Spain, consider the seaside town of Pe\u00f1\u00edscola, which sits right along the east coast. This historic town is also close to Serra d\u2019Irta National Park<\/a>, which preserves a coastal mountain range of the same name.<\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time: <\/b>1 minute, 39 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch:<\/b> From along a cliff or on a rock beach at Serra d\u2019Irta National Park<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures:<\/b> Go for a bike tour of the region. The national park offers several suggested routes<\/a>, ranging from 16km (10 miles) to 25.6km (16 miles). Rent a ride from a local shop in town like Multimarcas Motos<\/a>, which offers road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for kids and adults alike.<\/p>\n

\"ScenicScenic view of the sky during sunset in Oviedo, Principado de Asturias, Spain. (Photo: Getty)
\nOviedo, Spain<\/p>\n

Prefer the mountains to the coast? This city in northern Spain has the longest totality time of our top eclipse destinations in Spain. Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains, Oviedo is also close to several national parks and reserves for day trips or longer adventures during your eclipse trip. A few of these parks include Picos de Europa<\/a>, Parque Natural de Redes<\/a>, and Parque Natural Las Ubi\u00f1as-La Mesa.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2600\ufe0f\ud83c\udf1aTotality time:<\/b> 1 minute, 49 seconds<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccdWhere to watch: <\/b>From atop Mount Naranco<\/a>, which you can hike to from the city center within an hour and a half. More of a large hill than a mountain, Naranco delivers bird\u2019s eye views of the city and surrounding peaks.<\/p>\n

\u26f0\ufe0fLocal adventures:<\/b> Hike or mountain bike through the Cantabrian Mountains on the Picos de Europa trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Spain Eclipse Festivals<\/p>\n

While the solar eclipse festival of Iceland is already sold out, several eclipse festivals will celebrate the 2026 event across Spain,\u00a0<\/strong>and some have yet to release lineups and tickets. A rustic viewing event<\/a> will take over a historic castle. The Astralplane Eclipse Festival<\/a> promises to transport attendees to \u201canother dimension.\u201d And the vibe-centric SolEclipse festival<\/a>, boasts artwork, dancing, hypnotic rituals, and \u201cradical expression\u201d (lineup and more details forthcoming).<\/p>\n

2026 Eclipse Trip Tips<\/p>\n

Picking the perfect spot is half the battle. Based on my two eclipse trip experiences, here are some planning pointers to be prepared, avoid crowds, and maximize your trip.<\/p>\n

Book everything early<\/p>\n

Eclipses have been known to create sellouts and shortages. Flights, lodging, and rental cars all saw a surge in demand and rates, for example, during the 2024 eclipse, according to Matador Network<\/a>. As soon as you lock down your trip dates, it\u2019s time to book flights, rent a vehicle (if you need one), and reserve lodging right away. If there\u2019s an eclipse festival or event you have your eye on, the same logic applies when it comes to ticket purchases. Book whatever you can well ahead, from guides for adventures, to restaurant reservations.<\/p>\n

Avoid travel the day of the eclipse<\/p>\n

Unless you want to experience traffic that will all but kill your eclipse buzz, park yourself in your viewing destination at least a day or two before the event. And don\u2019t plan to head out right after the eclipse occurs, or early the next morning. If you want to watch the eclipse from a scenic spot that\u2019s a bit of a drive from where you\u2019re staying, give yourself plenty of time to get situated so you don\u2019t miss the show. Also, show up to your viewing site prepared with your eclipse glasses, a blanket or camp chairs if you\u2019re watching in nature, sun protection, water, and plenty of snacks.<\/p>\n

Stay a while<\/p>\n

Another eclipse killjoy? Having to rush out of the country to board an airplane. Don\u2019t plan to battle traffic the night of or the morning after the eclipse. If you can, stay put for at least a day or two to give yourself time to process the experience. For some, eclipses can be quite emotional, triggering unexpected feelings. Viewing a total eclipse can even be life-changing, as one astronomy professor explains<\/a>. My first total eclipse certainly was\u2014it turned me into a total umbraphile (the term for someone who chases total eclipses). Years later, I got an eclipse-inspired tattoo with a friend with whom I\u2019d witnessed two total eclipses. So give yourself a buffer to process the experience\u2014and avoid the rush out of the path of totality.<\/p>\n

Eclipse Planning Resources<\/p>\n

Since 2017, online resources for eclipse planners have proliferated. Here are a few I\u2019ve found helpful:<\/p>\n