The 2026 total solar eclipse over Spain: the complete guide

On 12 August 2026, the Moon’s shadow sweeps across Spain and, for a minute or two, day turns to night. It is the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in over a century — and because it happens with the Sun very low in the sky, where you stand decides whether you see it at all. This guide pulls together the essentials.

When and where is it?

The eclipse is on the evening of 12 August 2026, close to sunset. The path of totality — the band where the eclipse is total — crosses the north and east of Spain: from Galicia and Asturias, across Castilla y León, La Rioja, Navarra and Aragón, down to the Valencia coast and the Balearic Islands. Maximum over the centre of the path (around Zaragoza) is about 20:29 CEST.

Outside that band you still get a deep partial eclipse, but not the total phase. Importantly, Madrid and Barcelona are partial, not total — the path passes north of them.

Want the exact second for your spot? Use the eclipse calculator or browse the per-town guides.

How long does totality last?

Not long — this is a grazing, end-of-path eclipse. Totality runs from a few seconds up to roughly 1–2 minutes depending on how close you are to the centre line. For example, totality lasts about 111 seconds in Oviedo and 87 seconds in Zaragoza. Every second counts, so arrive early and settle in.

The one thing that decides everything: a clear horizon

Here is what almost no one tells you. Because the eclipse happens near sunset, the Sun sits very low — only about 2–12° above the horizon during totality. At that height, a hill, a row of trees or a single building to the west-northwest can hide the whole event.

So the decision is not just which town — it is which exact spot with an open west-northwest view. A coastline, a west-facing ridge or an open plain beats a great town with a blocked horizon.

Safety: glasses are mandatory

Looking at the Sun without protection causes permanent eye damage. Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during all the partial phases. You may remove them only during totality itself, and only if you are inside the path — the moment the Sun’s edge reappears, glasses go back on. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.

A rare triad: 2026, 2027, 2028

Spain is extraordinarily lucky right now. After 12 August 2026 come another total eclipse on 2 August 2027 (favouring southern Spain) and an annular eclipse on 26 January 2028. Learn to chase the shadow once and you are set for all three.

How to plan

• Pick your spot, not just your town. Check the calculator for the exact time and Sun altitude, then scout a location with a clear west-northwest horizon.
• Arrive early. Roads near the centre line will be busy; totality won’t wait.
• Have a weather plan B. Cloud cover decides everything on the day. AEMET forecasts firm up in the days before; a mobile plan to drive to clearer skies is worth having.
• Bring certified glasses for everyone, plus a phone tripod if you want photos of the low Sun.

Start with the calculator and your town guide — then go find your clear horizon.

Times and figures here are guidance computed with astronomy-engine. Always confirm with the IGN and check AEMET for weather before you travel.