Observers need clear, unobstructed views towards the west to experience the event fully. Photo credit: YashRK/Shutterstock

On August 12 2026, Spain will have its first total solar eclipse for the first time since 1905, The eclipse will sweep across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with Spain uniquely positioned to observe the event in full. The Moon will completely cover the Sun along a narrow path of totality that crosses the country from the northwest towards the southeast, allowing observers to witness a rare period of daytime darkness and the appearance of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

This eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999 and represents a significant astronomical event for Spain. In areas located within the path of totality, the Sun will be fully obscured for several minutes, creating a dramatic contrast with the partial eclipses more commonly observed across Europe.

Path of totality across Spain
Geography and viewing zones

The path of totality will cross northern and central regions of Spain before reaching the Mediterranean, including the Balearic Islands. Areas expected to experience totality include parts of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Aragón, Castile and León, La Rioja, Navarra, sections of Castilla-La Mancha, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands.

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Cities such as A Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia and Palma are among those likely to witness the Moon completely covering the Sun. In contrast, major cities located just outside the path of totality, including Madrid and Barcelona, will experience a very deep partial eclipse, with more than 99 per cent of the Sun obscured but without reaching full totality.

Because the peak of the eclipse will occur in the late afternoon and early evening, the Sun will be relatively low on the horizon. Observers will therefore need clear, unobstructed views towards the west to experience the event fully.

A global and historical perspective
Why the 2026 eclipse is exceptional

While the total solar eclipse will also be visible from sparsely populated areas of Greenland and parts of Iceland, Spain stands out as the only country in Europe where large numbers of people will be able to observe totality from accessible towns and cities. In neighbouring countries such as Portugal, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, the eclipse will be visible only as a partial event.

Astronomers note that this eclipse forms part of a rare sequence of significant eclipses expected between 2026 and 2028. However, the 2026 event is particularly notable due to the length of totality and the number of populated areas located within its path. The last total solar eclipse visible from Spain occurred more than a century ago, underlining the rarity of the phenomenon.

Impact and preparation
Scientific interest and public attention

Total solar eclipses are of major scientific interest, as they allow researchers to study the Sun’s corona and test astronomical instruments under unique conditions. The event also offers an important opportunity for public engagement with science, as interest in astronomy tends to surge around such rare celestial phenomena.

Local authorities and tourism organisations in regions along the eclipse path are already preparing for increased visitor numbers. With the eclipse taking place in mid-summer, demand for accommodation and viewing locations is expected to rise, particularly in open landscapes that offer clear views of the horizon.

Summary of the 2026 total solar eclipse

  • A total solar eclipse will take place on 12 August 2026.
  • Spain will be one of the very few accessible land locations where totality can be observed.
  • The path of totality will cross northern and central Spain and the Balearic Islands.
  • Areas outside the path will still experience a deep partial eclipse.

A landmark astronomical event

Anticipation is building among scientists, amateur astronomers and the general public. The eclipse is expected to be both a scientific milestone and a major cultural event, drawing attention from across Europe and beyond.

For many observers, the 2026 total solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most striking astronomical spectacles from Spanish soil, you can see at what time to watch the eclipse from your location here.