Northern Spain was plunged into darkness on Thursday evening as a total solar eclipse crossed the region, with spectators describing the rare spectacle in awe. The path of totality stretched from west to east, covering areas including A Coruna, Leon, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia, while the southern part of the country saw a partial eclipse.
Totality lasts 90 seconds in Miranda de Ebro
In Miranda de Ebro, the eclipse began at around 7.33pm local time, with totality arriving shortly after 8.28pm and lasting for around 90 seconds. Almost the entire northern half of mainland Spain experienced totality, according to reports.
Deputy Travel Editor Milo Boyd was among those watching from Miranda de Ebro, 27 years after experiencing the 1999 eclipse as a seven-year-old in Devon. That earlier attempt was spoiled by clouds, but this time the skies stayed clear.
Spectator recalls 1999 disappointment
Recalling his first experience, Milo said: “I still faintly remember the 1999 eclipse. Aged seven, my memories are of hours of traffic getting into Devon, a shockingly early morning to get to the cliff tops and an anxious wait as clouds refused to shift.
“It was amazing seeing the flash bulbs of analogue cameras twinkling across the coastline as the morning fell into darkness, even if tinged by frustration that the weather hadn’t played ball.”
‘Glorious’ verdict on 2026 spectacle
This time, everything fell into place. Milo described the approach to totality: “The approach to totality is slow. First the Moon takes a nibble out of the Sun, then turns it into PAC Man, before half is gone, three quarters, a slither, and then darkness.
“The Sun holds on for a long time - just the outermost edges of a Jaffa Cake visible, and it’s still bathing us in evening light. In its near absence, its power is impossible to miss.” As totality arrived, those gathered on the hilltop could be seen staring towards the sky before breaking into applause.
Milo added: “When completely gone, the hilltop I was sat on in Miranda de Ebro didn’t exactly erupt, but broke into low whistles, ohh and ahs. Together, the Sun and Moon looked liked they’d poked a black hole into the sky. But just for 90 seconds. A tiny slither of Sun, and the day was back.” Giving his verdict, he said: “Glorious.”
Spain will not have to wait long for another chance to experience totality. A second total solar eclipse will cross the southern tip of the country on August 2, 2027.
