For the first time in over a century, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of Spain on August 12. The moon will pass directly between Earth and the sun, completely covering the sun's bright surface. Northern regions like Galicia, Castile and León, and the Balearic Islands will see totality.
What is a solar eclipse?
Jamie Carter, author of the Complete Guide to the Total Solar Eclipse 2026 and eclipse expert for New Scientist Discovery Tours, explains that a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, blocking its light. The precision is possible because the sun and moon appear almost the same size in the sky. Totality lasts only a few minutes.
Carter says it's an 'extraordinary experience': 'Day turns to night in seconds, temperatures drop, and the sun's faint corona — its spiky white outer atmosphere — becomes visible as a halo around the moon's silhouette.'
Best places to see the eclipse
Castile and León, Spain
Castile and León is the best all-round choice, with totality up to about 1 minute and 45 seconds at 8:28 pm CEST. The landlocked region offers wide, open landscapes and generally favourable weather. In Burgos, visitors can see the 13th-century UNESCO cathedral. Palencia features the Canal de Castilla, and Valladolid is known for tapas and wine. Authorities urge caution due to wildfires in northern Spain.
Ebro Delta, Spain
On the east coast, the eclipse at 8:30 pm CEST will last 1 minute 30 seconds. The wetlands and beaches offer uninterrupted views to the northwest. Local dishes include arroz a banda (seafood rice).
S'Arenal Beach, Mallorca
In Mallorca, the eclipse occurs just before sunset at 8:31 pm CEST for 1 minute 36 seconds. Carter recommends S'Arenal beach for a clear view. The Balearic Islands government and AstroMallorca have launched Horizonte Eclipse 2026, a free tool to check totality visibility.
Scoresby Sund, East Greenland
About 15 expedition cruise ships will head to the world's largest fjord system for the eclipse at 4:35 pm EGST, lasting 2 minutes 16 seconds. Wildlife includes whales, walruses, and polar bears. Viewing requires joining a cruise, making it the most expensive option.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland's capital plans viewing areas along the southwest coast. The eclipse at 5:48 pm GMT will last 57 seconds. A one-day festival, Echolalia hosted by Björk, will coincide with the phenomenon at Víðistaðatún sculpture park in Hafnarfjörður.
Why is a solar eclipse special?
A total solar eclipse comes to a location only every few centuries. Carter says: 'That's why so many people are prepared to travel. But also why there's always a lot of confusion.' Eclipse chasing has exploded in popularity after the 2017 and 2024 North American eclipses.
Respecting the eclipse
The Agency for Tourism of the Balearic Islands issued guidance to protect the natural environment: respect signage, stay on paths, and dispose of rubbish properly.
