Solar eclipse in Spain: how and where to see it by region

On August 12, 2026, we will experience a solar eclipse at sunset . The Sun will be very low, so choose a clear western horizon (sea, plains, or clear viewpoints). Arrive 60–75 minutes before peak to secure a spot and enjoy the changing light.

Recommended schedule by community (reference city)

Approximate times of maximum eclipse. Peninsula and Balearic Islands: CEST (UTC+2). Canary Islands: WEST (UTC+1).

• Galicia — A Coruña: ~20:44 CEST (total)
• Asturias — Oviedo/Gijón: ~20:42 CEST (total)
• Cantabria — Santander: ~20:40 CEST (total)
• Basque Country — Bilbao: ~20:39 CEST (total)
• Navarra — Pamplona: ~20:37 CEST (total)
• La Rioja — Logrono: ~20:36 CEST (total)
• Aragon — Zaragoza: ~20:36 CEST (total)
• Catalonia — Tarragona / Barcelona: Tarragona ~20:35 (total) · Barcelona ~20:32–20:33 (partial >90%)
• C. Valenciana — València / Castelló: València ~20:34 (total) · Castelló ~20:33 (total)
• Community of Madrid — Madrid: ~20:35 (partial >90%)
• Castile and León — Valladolid / León / Burgos: ~20:38–20:41 (total)
• Castilla-La Mancha — Toledo / Albacete: ~20:33–20:36 (partial high; the total band touches the NE of the region)
• Extremadura — Badajoz / Cáceres: ~20:33–20:35 (high partial)
• Andalusia — Seville: ~20:32 (partial)
• Region of Murcia — Murcia: ~20:31–20:32 (partial)
• Balearic Islands — Palma / Ibiza: ~20:37–20:39 (total)
• Canary Islands — Las Palmas / Santa Cruz de Tenerife (WEST): ~19:28–19:35 (partial)
• Working tip: If your city is not listed, use the nearest capital city and add ±3–6 minutes.

Where to see it well (3 places per community, with good West)

Galicia

• Cape Fisterra (Finisterre)
• Mount of San Pedro (A Coruña)
• Cape Touriñán (Muxía)

Asturias

• Cape Peñas
• Providence Viewpoint (Gijón)
• Cape Vidio (Cudillero)

Cantabria

• Cabo Mayor / Mataleñas Park (Santander)
• Broken Coast (Liencres)
• Cape Garlic

the Basque Country

• La Galea Cliffs (Getxo)
• Mount Igueldo (Donostia/San Sebastián)
• Barrika / Barrika Beach (Barrinatxe)

Navarre

• Bardenas Reales (flat areas)
• Stop of Forgiveness
• Pilate's Balcony (Urbasa Mountains)

Rioja

• La Grajera Viewpoint (Logroño)
• Clavijo Castle
• Moncalvillo Mountains (viewpoints)

Aragon

• The Muela (Zaragoza)
• San Caprasio (Sierra de Alcubierre)
• Stone Bridge / Plaza del Pilar (urban setting to the West)

Catalonia

• Delta de l'Ebre (Trabucador Beach)
• Cap de Creus (viewpoints towards the W/SW)
• Carmel Bunkers (Barcelona)

Valencian Community

• Albufera Natural Park (Gola de Pujol / de l'Olla)
• Garbí Viewpoint (Sierra Calderona)
• Desert de les Palmes (Benicàssim)

Community of Madrid

• Temple of Debod
• Uncle Pio Hill (Seven Tits Park)
• Casa de Campo Lake (west-facing shores)

Castile and León

• Castle Viewpoint (Burgos)
• Park of the Contests (Valladolid)
• La Candamia (León)

Castile-La Mancha

• Burujón Ravines (Toledo)
• Muela Peak – Miralrío (Guadalajara)
• Campo de Criptana Mills (open plain)

Estremadura

• Mérida: Guadiana riverbank / Roman Bridge area
• Trujillo Castle (terraces to the W)
• Gypsy Falls (Monfragüe Park)

Andalusia

• Trafalgar Lighthouse / Caños de Meca (Cádiz)
• Tinto Dock (Huelva)
• Cape Roche (Conil)

Region of Murcia

• Roldán Viewpoint (Cartagena)
• Cape Tiñoso / La Azohía
• West shore of the Mar Menor (Monte Blanco / Puerto Tomás Maestre area)

Balearic Islands

• Mallorca: Sa Foradada
• Menorca: Punta Nati
• Ibiza: viewpoints towards Es Vedrà (attention to access and private areas)

Canary Islands

• Tenerife: Punta de Teno (regulated access; provide shuttle bus)
• Gran Canaria: Dunes / Maspalomas Viewpoint
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Las Canteras Beach (western end)

Key tips for choosing the right location

• Western Horizon: Visit the chosen spot a few days before around 8:30 p.m. (peninsular time) and check if there are any mountains or buildings blocking the low sun.
• Plan A/B: Some lighthouses and viewpoints have restricted capacity or access ; always bring a nearby alternative.
• Traffic and parking: Arrive early; many coastal spots become congested at dusk.
• Weather: If there is orographic cloudiness in mountainous areas, move to the coast or plains.

Eye safety (non-negotiable)

• Use approved EclipSafe glasses (ISO 12312-2) in all phases except the entire phase (only in the areas where it can be reached).
• Do not use damaged, scratched, or old glasses; if the filter is damaged, discard them.
• Do not look through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes with eclipse glasses: they require specific solar filters for optics.
  Supervise minors at all times.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions .
  
  

Preliminary (quick) checklist

• West view confirmed in situ
• Plan B nearby in case of cloudiness/capacity
• ISO 12312-2 glasses in good condition (one per person)
• Maximum time noted and arrival with 75' margin
• Water, cap, sunscreen, light jacket (breeze at dusk)
• Camera/mobile ready (without looking at the sun through the viewfinder)
  

Frequently Asked Questions

• What places do you recommend to see it in my community?
  In the guide, we list three spots per community with unobstructed views to the west (coasts, open viewpoints, or plains). Prioritize: low horizon, easy access, and an exit plan. Avoid steep valleys and mountainous areas to the west.
• Can I watch without glasses at some point?
  Only during totality and only if your location is within the path of totality. Outside of that path (or before/after totality), always wear sunglasses . Even if the sun is low, it's still dangerous to look at it without protection.
• What do I do if there are clouds, wind, or access is restricted?
  Have a Plan B ≤20–30 minutes from the main spot (another beach/flat/viewpoint with a clear west face). Arrive early due to potential capacity/parking . Check the weather forecast for the day and avoid areas of orographic cloud cover (mountains) if there are alternatives on the coast or plain.

• How do I check if the sun will be blocked by mountains or buildings from a specific point?
  Make a test visit one or two days before at the same time as the maximum. If you can't:

  • Use a sun position app to see the azimuth (~West) and height of the Sun at maximum.
  • Using a 3D map/terrain profile , check that the relief to the West does not exceed that height.
  • In the city, align yourself with west-facing avenues/walkways and avoid tall buildings.
    If in doubt, move a few hundred meters to more open or elevated areas with a view of the sea/plains.