This is the sort of thing you plan a summer around. As the sun drops low over the Mediterranean on the evening of 12 August, the Moon slides fully across it and, for a little over a minute, the sky goes dark, the temperature drops, and you can see stars in what should be daylight. Catalonia hasn't had a total eclipse in 121 years, and the next won't come for roughly a century.

Because totality happens with the sun close to the horizon, you want an open view out west: the seafront and beaches are the obvious bet, but expect crowds, so claim your spot early and travel light. Bring proper ISO 12312-2 solar glasses, never ordinary sunglasses. It all falls during Salou's Nits Daurades festivities, so there's plenty going on either side of the main event.