A rare total solar eclipse will be visible from some parts of Spain on August 12th 2026. It’s been more than 100 years since the last one was seen in Spain, so why not turn the occasion into a memorable holiday? Here’s all the inspiration you need.
The total solar eclipse in Spain will be a major event as the last total solar eclipse which could be seen from much of mainland occurred all the way back on August 30th, 1905.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, perfectly aligning to completely obscure the Sun, casting a dark shadow across the Earth.
The event may be around five months away, but many are already planning their trips and accommodation is booking up fast.
Spanish tourism officials have revealed they also expect an increase in overnight stays in August, in addition to the regular summer holidaymakers.
August is also the time when most Spaniards take their holidays, so accommodation is already booked well in advance in many popular coastal locations.
So, where you should you travel to if you want the best viewing conditions?
The total solar eclipse is due to pass over 40 percent of Spain, so the good news is that there are many places to choose from.
The regions that the eclipse will pass through are Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, the Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarre, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
One hundred percent of the total solar eclipse will not be visible from all parts of these regions though, you will have to be specific about where you travel to in order to get the best view.
For example, in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, only 99 percent of the solar eclipse will be seen, but from Tarragona, further south, visitors will be able to see 100 percent.
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A Coruña and the northern Galician coast
The first places in Spain that will be able to see the eclipse will be the Galician city of A Coruña and the northern Galician coast. This will include places such as Ferrol, Valdoviño, Cedeira and Cariño. Most of the latter are small towns and villages with limited accommodation. According to Hotels.com, hotel searches for Northern Spain between August 12th and 13th are up 125 percent year-on-year, and A Coruña has already seen a 435 percent rise in total bookings, the highest of anywhere in the path of the eclipse.
Asturias
The total solar eclipse will be 100 percent visible from the whole of Asturias, making it an excellent choice. You could opt for the capital of Oviedo with its many cider houses, the coastal city of Gijón or even the Picos de Europa mountains. According to Leonor Ana Hernández, from the AstroHita Foundation, “The best view will be in Gijón, with the sea as a witness, and it will last longer”.
Cantabria
Cantabria will be another good option with 100 percent of the eclipse seen from most of the region too. The capital of Santander could provide lots of culture as well as the chance to see the eclipse, while the interior of the region will be a great option for fans of adventure sports and rural tourism.
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Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz
The eclipse won’t be able to be seen 100 percent from all of the Basque Country. For example, San Sebastián is just out of the path of the total eclipse, but it will be able to be seen from the region’s other big cities – Bilbao and Vitoria i Gasteiz, giving the opportunity to combine gastronomy and astrology. You could also choose more rural destinations such as the Gorbeia Natural Park.
Headphonesshe and León
Like the Basque Country, the total eclipse won’t be seen from all of Castilla y León, but there are several great destinations from where it will be seen. These include the cities of León, Burgos, Valladolid and Zamora. Each place offers slightly different historic attractions and excellent food such as the Bario Húmedo in León. “Palencia and Burgos will see it spectacularly” confirmed Hernández.
Rioja
Almost the entire region of La Rioja will also be in the path of the total eclipse. You could choose the foodie capital of Logroño or combine it with a wine tasting trip to the many vineyards in the area such as in the town of Haro.
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Zaragoza
The capital of the region of Aragón is another good option, where you can see the eclipse whilst also visiting impressive sights such as the Aljafería Palace and the Cathedaral Basílica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It will also be visible from almost the entire province of Teruel and parts of Huesca.
Northern Valencia
The eclipse will only be visible from certain places in the region of Valencia. Valencia city is one of these, as is Castelló de la Plana. Go to Valencia for culture, history, paellas and beaches or Castelló de la Plana if you want laidback alternative and primary beach destination.
Southern Catalonia
Southern Catalonia will be the place to be this August. Forget Barcelona, it will be Tarragona, the Costa Daurada down towards Valencia and the River Ebro Delta where all the attention will be during the eclipse. This is ideal for combining beach breaks with an astrological phenomenon. Be aware though, as these areas are already very popular in August, you will need to book well in advance.
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Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands will be a unique place to see the eclipse, where it can be viewed over the Mediterranean Sea. It will be visible from all the islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, with Mallorca being directly in its path. Again, the Balearic Islands are very popular summer holiday destinations, so they will be busy during this time of year.
