The solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 will cross Spain from west to east and will leave a path of totality that will traverse a good part of the northern and eastern peninsula until reaching the Balearic Islands. Outside of it, the eclipse will be partial. Choosing the right place will be essential because the phenomenon will coincide with sunset and the Sun will be very close to the horizon. These are some of the best places to see the eclipse in each province of Spain.
The position of Spain makes the country one of the privileged places to contemplate it, but there is an added difficulty: the eclipse will take place at the end of the afternoon and the Sun will be very low over the western horizon. In some areas, especially the Balearic Islands, totality will occur practically during sunset.
That is why it is not enough to go to a high place. To see the eclipse of August 12 it will be especially important to have a clear western horizon, without buildings, trees, mountains, or other obstacles that may hide the Sun during the last minutes of the phenomenon.
Where to see the eclipse in Andalusia
- Almería: Cabo de Gata, Mirador de las Amatistas, and Playa de Mónsul.
- Cádiz: Cabo de Trafalgar, Playa de Bolonia, and Castillo de Castellar.
- Córdoba: surroundings of Las Ermitas, Castillo de Almodóvar del Río, and surroundings of the Iznájar reservoir.
- Granada: Llano de la Perdiz, Mirador de San Miguel Alto, and surroundings of the Puerto de la Ragua.
- Huelva: Muelle del Tinto, Playa de Matalascañas, and surroundings of Mazagón.
- Jaén: Castillo de Santa Catalina, surroundings of Chiclana de Segura, and Tranco reservoir.
- Málaga: Montes de Málaga, Mirador de Gibralfaro, and surroundings of the Torcal de Antequera.
- Sevilla: Aljarafe sevillano, surroundings of Sanlúcar la Mayor, and Corredor Verde del Guadiamar.
Andalusia is outside the path of totality, so from its eight provinces a very deep partial eclipse can be observed, but the Moon will not completely cover the solar disk.
In this community, having a clear western horizon is even more important. Elevated points and certain coastal areas can facilitate the observation of the last phases of the eclipse as the Sun approaches the horizon.
Where to see the eclipse in Aragon
- Huesca: surroundings of Los Monegros, Castillo de Montearagón, and Sierra de Alcubierre.
- Teruel: surroundings of Javalambre, Laguna de Gallocanta, and Castillo de Peracense.
- Zaragoza: Montes de Castejón, surroundings of Belchite, and Fuendetodos.
Aragón will be one of the leading communities of the total solar eclipse on August 12. An important part of its territory is crossed by the path of totality and also has large areas where it is relatively easy to find clear horizons.
Especially interesting are the open areas of Zaragoza and Teruel. Before traveling, it will be advisable to check the special arrangements established for the day, as some points may have traffic, parking, or access restrictions due to the high expected influx.
Where to see the eclipse in Asturias
- Asturias: Cabo Busto, Luarca, and Monte Naranco.
The Principality will be one of the privileged territories to observe the total eclipse in Spain. The path of totality crosses Asturias and in places like Luarca, the complete obscuration of the Sun will last nearly two minutes.
The western coast also presents an important advantage: the possibility of having a wide view towards the west. Therefore, points like Cabo Busto and the surroundings of Luarca are among the most interesting locations to contemplate the phenomenon.
However, the weather conditions will be decisive. The presence of clouds in the Cantabrian coast can completely alter the observation possibilities, so it will be advisable to check the forecast before traveling.
Where to see the eclipse in the Balearic Islands
- Majorca: Cap de Formentor, Mirador de Ricardo Roca, and the western coast of the Serra de Tramuntana.
- Menorca: Punta Nati, Pont d'en Gil, and Cala Morell.
- Ibiza and Formentera: Cala d'Hort, the surroundings of Torre des Savinar, and Cap de Barbaria.
The Balearic Islands will experience one of the most spectacular and also most complicated scenarios of the eclipse on August 12, 2026. The archipelago is within the path of totality, but the phenomenon will arrive with the Sun extraordinarily low.
In Palma, for example, the maximum will occur with the Sun positioned approximately two degrees above the horizon. Therefore, a relatively small obstacle can prevent witnessing the most awaited moment.
The best strategy on the islands will be to seek maritime horizon towards the west, avoiding areas where mountains, buildings, or vegetation may block the sunset.
Where to see the eclipse in the Canary Islands
- Las Palmas: Mirador del Balcón, Agaete and surroundings of Tejeda.
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Mirador de Chipeque, authorized areas of the Teide surroundings with western horizon and coast of Buenavista del Norte.
Canary Islands is outside the totality band of the eclipse of 2026. The archipelago will be able to observe the phenomenon as partial eclipse, so the solar disk will not completely disappear behind the Moon.
The islands have, however, numerous places traditionally used for astronomical observation. Before going to protected natural spaces, it will be essential to check the possible access restrictions established for the day.
Where to see the eclipse in Cantabria
- Cantabria: Cabo Mayor, surroundings of Santoña and coast of San Vicente de la Barquera.
Cantabria is within the totality strip, which will allow for the complete disappearance of the solar disk as long as the observer is in a suitable location.
The coast offers a particularly interesting advantage by allowing for wide horizons. Points with western orientation will be preferable to avoid the relief hiding the Sun prematurely.
As happens in Asturias and Galicia, the weather will be one of the main factors to watch during the hours leading up to the eclipse.
Where to see the eclipse in Castilla-La Mancha
- Albacete: surroundings of the Sierra del Segura, Chinchilla de Montearagón and Lagunas de Ruidera.
- Ciudad Real: Cabañeros National Park, surroundings of the Castle of Calatrava la Nueva and Campo de Montiel.
- Cuenca: northern sector of the Serranía de Cuenca, surroundings of Beteta and conquense area of Alto Tajo.
- Guadalajara: surroundings of Molina de Aragón, Señorío de Molina and Alto Tajo.
- Toledo: Barrancas de Burujón, Cigarrales de Toledo and surroundings of Consuegra.
The situation varies considerably within Castilla-La Mancha. Certain areas of Guadalajara and Cuenca are within the totality strip, while Toledo, Ciudad Real and Albacete will observe the eclipse as partial.
That is why it will be especially important to check the exact location before traveling. A few kilometers can make the difference between observing an extremely deep partial eclipse and experiencing totality.
Where to see the eclipse in Castilla y León
- Ávila: Sierra de Ávila, Castro de Ulaca and the surroundings of the Las Cogotas reservoir.
- Burgos: surroundings of the Burgos Castle, Atapuerca and the plateaus of the province.
- León: surroundings of Las Lomas, Sahagún and the plateaus of southeastern León.
- Palencia: Cristo del Otero, Canal de Castilla and Tierra de Campos.
- Salamanca: Peña de Francia, surroundings of Ciudad Rodrigo and Campo Charro.
- Segovia: surroundings of Sepúlveda, Hoces del Duratón and northeastern provincial area.
- Soria: Monte del Castillo, surroundings of Garray and Numancia and Altos de Barahona.
- Valladolid: Cerro de San Cristóbal, Montes Torozos and Tierra de Campos.
- Zamora: surroundings of Lake Sanabria, Sierra de la Culebra and the area of Benavente.
Castilla y León will be one of the communities with the greatest prominence during the total eclipse of 2026 in Spain. A large part of its territory is crossed by the band and the abundance of plateaus and open land offers numerous alternatives to find the western horizon.
Burgos stands out especially. In the capital, a totality of around 104 seconds is expected, with the Sun positioned approximately eight degrees above the horizon.
However, not the entire community will enjoy the same conditions. In provinces located further south, such as Salamanca or Ávila, it will be essential to check the exact point to determine whether it is within or outside the totality band.
Where to see the eclipse in Catalonia
- Barcelona: Tibidabo, Observatori Fabra and Montjuïc.
- Girona: Cap de Creus, Santuari dels Àngels and Rocacorba.
- Lleida: south of the province, surroundings of La Granadella and open areas of Segrià.
- Tarragona: Terres de l'Ebre, Serra de Cardó-Boix and surroundings of Tortosa.
The totality will not cross Catalonia uniformly. The best opportunities are concentrated mainly in the southern areas, so Tarragona and the south of Lleida have an advantage over Barcelona and Girona.
In areas located outside the band, a very deep partial eclipse can be observed. As in the rest of Spain, it will be necessary to use approved protection during all partial phases.
Where to see the eclipse in the Valencian Community
- Alicante: Cabo de Santa Pola, Sierra de Aitana and Castillo de Santa Bárbara.
- Castellón: Castillo de las 300 Torres de Onda, surroundings of Morella and Desert de les Palmes.
- Valencia: north of the province, surroundings of Sagunto and elevated areas of Camp de Morvedre.
The Valencian Community will be another of the key territories to observe the phenomenon. Castellón is in a particularly favorable position within the totality band, while in Valencia it will depend on the chosen point and Alicante will be outside of it.
One of the most notable places is the Castle of the 300 Towers of Onda, included among the observation points prepared for the eclipse. A specific activity is planned there during the afternoon of August 12.
The main challenge will again be the height of the Sun. Since it will be quite late in the afternoon when the shadow reaches the Mediterranean, it will be essential to have a clear western line of sight.
Where to see the eclipse in Extremadura
- Badajoz: Castle of Alburquerque, Alcazaba of Badajoz, and the surroundings of Olivenza.
- Cáceres: Sanctuary of the Mountain, Monfragüe National Park, and the surroundings of Alcántara.
Extremadura is outside the totality band. From Cáceres and Badajoz, a partial eclipse of great magnitude can be observed, but the Moon will not completely cover the Sun.
The choice of elevated points and open spaces will improve visibility towards the horizon during the final phases of the phenomenon.
Where to see the eclipse in Galicia
- A Coruña: Mount San Pedro, Fiestra to the Atlantic, and Mera Lighthouse.
- Lugo: A Mariña coast, surroundings of Ribadeo, and coast of Viveiro.
- Ourense: Montealegre Botanical Park, Serra de San Mamede, and surroundings of A Veiga.
- Pontevedra: Mount do Facho, Mount de Santa Trega, and coast of Oia.
Galicia will be the gateway to the total eclipse in Spain. However, not the entire community is within the band: the best conditions to experience totality are especially concentrated in the north.
Lugo and the north of A Coruña are among the most interesting areas. The coast also allows for finding points with a good view towards the western horizon, an important advantage considering the time of the phenomenon.
In Ourense and Pontevedra, the situation will be different and the eclipse will be partial. Additionally, throughout Galicia, special attention will need to be paid to cloud cover forecasts.
Where to see the eclipse in Madrid
- Madrid: Puerto de Somosierra, surroundings of Buitrago del Lozoya, and Sierra Norte.
Those who want to see the total eclipse without leaving the Community of Madrid will have to head towards the northernmost point. The capital of Madrid is practically on the edge of the band and does not offer the same conditions as the northern towns.
Somosierra and the surroundings of the Sierra Norte are starting as the most interesting alternatives, although it will be necessary to check the exact point with the official maps before traveling.
This detail is fundamental because even a partial eclipse greater than 99% does not produce the same effects as a total eclipse. To experience totality, one must be within the path of the lunar shadow.
Where to see the eclipse in Murcia
- Murcia: Castillo de Lorca, Sierra Espuña, and the surroundings of Cabezo de la Fuente.
The Region of Murcia will observe the phenomenon as a partial eclipse, as it is located south of the totality strip.
Elevated places with good western visibility will be the most interesting options, always respecting any restrictions that may be established in natural spaces.
Where to see the eclipse in Navarra
- Navarra: Sierra de Urbasa, Alto de Loiti, and the surroundings of Tudela and the Bardenas Reales.
Navarra will be another of the communities partially crossed by the total eclipse strip and has prepared different locations to channel the arrival of visitors.
The open territory of certain areas may be especially favorable for finding a suitable horizon towards the west.
The exact location is again decisive: depending on the chosen municipality, one may be inside or outside the totality strip.
Where to see the eclipse in the Basque Country
- Álava: embalse de Ullíbarri-Gamboa, Sierra de Badaia, and Llanada Alavesa.
- Bizkaia: Cabo Matxitxako, Punta Galea, and monte Oiz.
- Gipuzkoa: Monte Igueldo, Jaizkibel, and the surroundings of Cabo Higuer.
The Basque Country is crossed by the total eclipse strip, although the conditions and duration will depend on the specific location.
The coastal points may offer a good line of sight, but the weather forecasts will have a decisive weight due to the possibility of cloudiness.
Before going to mountains, capes, or natural spaces, it will be advisable to check the access restrictions and the special devices established for the eclipse.
Where to see the eclipse in La Rioja
- La Rioja: Sierra de la Demanda, Castillo de Clavijo, and the surroundings of San Vicente de la Sonsierra.
La Rioja is in a privileged position to enjoy the total solar eclipse and has numerous open spaces from which to seek a good western orientation.
In this case, a high place will not always be automatically better. If the relief situated to the west blocks the Sun, an open space at a lower height may provide better conditions.
That is why it is advisable to check in advance the azimuth and solar height expected for the exact observation point.
Where to see the eclipse in Ceuta and Melilla
- Ceuta: Monte Hacho, Mirador de Isabel II and the surroundings of Benzú.
- Melilla: Rostrogordo, the surroundings of Aguadú and open spaces with a western horizon.
Both Ceuta and Melilla are outside the totality strip. From both autonomous cities, the eclipse can be followed partially.
The priority will be to find a location that allows keeping the Sun visible while it descends towards the horizon and to use appropriate eye protection throughout the observation.
The best places in Spain to see the total eclipse
If the goal is to experience the totality of the eclipse on August 12, some of the most interesting areas are located in the north of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, La Rioja, Aragón, Castellón, and the Balearic Islands.
Among the points and areas that stand out are Luarca and Cabo Busto in Asturias, A Mariña in Lugo, Burgos and the Castilian plateaus, Soria, Zaragoza, Teruel, Castellón, and the western coasts of the Balearic Islands.
However, the weather may end up being more important than choosing the theoretically perfect place months in advance. The cloud cover expected for Wednesday afternoon should be checked before making long trips.
How to safely view the solar eclipse
During the partial phases, one should never look directly at the Sun without protection specifically approved for solar observation. Conventional sunglasses are not sufficient, regardless of how dark they are.
It is also necessary to avoid observing it directly through binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without appropriate solar filters. These instruments concentrate radiation and can cause serious eye injuries.
Approved glasses must be worn during the partial phases. Only in places where a real totality occurs can the phenomenon be observed directly during the brief interval in which the solar disk is completely hidden; protection must be put back on before any part of the Sun reappears.
Check the weather and access before traveling
The weather forecast will be the last major factor that determines where to best see the eclipse in Spain. A point located in the center of the totality strip may prove useless if covered by clouds, while another location somewhat farther away may offer perfect observation with a clear sky.
It will also be necessary to check mobility devices. The enormous expectation generated by the eclipse may cause concentrations of vehicles on secondary roads, viewpoints, beaches, and natural spaces.
The places included in this guide are observation proposals and do not imply that all are official venues enabled for the eclipse. Before traveling, it is advisable to consult the indications of municipalities, autonomous communities, and managers of natural spaces, especially if there are limitations on capacity, parking, or access.