Total solar eclipse in Spain, 12 August 2026: where and how to see it
On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse sweeps across northern Spain and Mallorca — the country's first since 1905. Here's where to be, when, and how to watch it safely.
On the late afternoon of 12 August 2026, the Moon's shadow will race across Spain and, for a minute or two, turn day into night. It is the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain since 1905 — and it happens at the height of the holiday season, which makes 2026 a genuinely special summer to be here.
Where the total eclipse is visible
Totality — the brief, jaw-dropping phase when the Sun is completely covered — falls along a band crossing northern and eastern Spain and, crucially for holidaymakers, the island of Mallorca. Cities and areas in or very near the path of totality include parts of Galicia, the north coast, Zaragoza, Valencia province and the Balearics. Everywhere else in Spain — including the rest of the costas — will see a deep partial eclipse, which is still well worth watching, but only inside the narrow path do you get the full effect.
Mallorca is the standout choice for British visitors: easy to reach, set up for tourists, and squarely in the path, with well over a minute of totality. See our companion guide, Watching the eclipse from Mallorca, for the island's best spots and exact local timings.
When it happens
The eclipse occurs in the early evening, with the Sun low in the western sky. That low angle is part of the drama — but it also means you need a viewing spot with a clear, unobstructed western horizon, away from hills or tall buildings. Exact times vary by location; we list them for key spots in the regional guides.
How to watch it safely
This matters: never look at the partially eclipsed Sun without proper protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough.
- Use certified eclipse glasses (marked to the ISO 12312-2 standard). Buy them in advance from a reputable source — they sell out before big eclipses.
- Only during the brief moment of totality itself, when the Sun is fully covered, is it safe to look with the naked eye. The instant the bright edge returns, glasses go back on.
- For phones and cameras, you need a proper solar filter — pointing an unfiltered lens at the Sun can damage it.
Planning your trip
Demand for accommodation in the path of totality — Mallorca included — is already strong for these dates, and prices reflect it. Book early. If you're staying elsewhere on the costas and want to chase totality, a hire car is essential: eclipse-chasers move to get clear skies, and you'll want the freedom to relocate on the day. Compare car hire deals well ahead of August.
It's a rare, once-in-several-generations event in a glorious holiday setting. If you can be in Spain — and ideally Mallorca — on 12 August 2026, do everything you can to make it happen.