Spain is preparing for an extraordinary celestial spectacle. On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will pass over large parts of the country. Northern Spain, in particular, will offer the opportunity to witness the moment when the Moon completely blocks out the Sun.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
For a few minutes, the sky there will become noticeably darker as the Sun disappears behind the Moon. The rare event is expected to draw large numbers of people outdoors. The eclipse will also be visible in other parts of Europe, but conditions in Spain are particularly favourable.
Beginning at around 7:30 pm
In Spain, the partial phase of the solar eclipse will begin in the evening. The event will become visible across the Iberian Peninsula at around 7:30 pm. The Moon will then gradually move further across the Sun’s disc.
The eclipse will reach its peak in many parts of Spain at around 8:30 pm. The exact timing will depend on the location. In Madrid, for example, the maximum will occur at around 8:32 pm.
The Balearic Islands will also be able to observe the event. In Palma, according to published calculations, the eclipse will begin at around 7:38 pm, with the maximum also occurring at around 8:32 pm.
The Sun will not disappear completely everywhere
How spectacular the solar eclipse will be depends largely on the location. The path of totality will cross parts of northern Spain, including regions such as Galicia, Asturias and Castile and León, as well as other areas in the north and east of the country.
The central line of the eclipse will pass near places including Avilés, Oviedo, Aranda de Duero, Soria, Peñíscola and Palma de Mallorca. These locations could experience particularly long periods of totality.
Further south, however, the solar eclipse will only be visible as a partial eclipse. There, the Moon will cover only part of the Sun’s disc.
Why location is crucial
Anyone hoping to observe the solar eclipse should pay attention to more than just the time. As the event takes place in the evening, the Sun will already be relatively low on the horizon.
A clear view towards the sunset is therefore essential. Buildings, mountains or trees can significantly obstruct the view.
The Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) has therefore provided tools that allow users to check the exact timings and viewing conditions for individual locations. It points out that actual visibility depends heavily on the specific location.
A rare event for Spain
The solar eclipse is particularly extraordinary for Spain. A total eclipse of this kind has not been visible from the Iberian Peninsula for more than a century. As a result, interest among astronomy enthusiasts and the general public is expected to be high.
During totality, the Sun’s disc disappears completely behind the Moon. This can plunge the surrounding area into an unusual twilight for a short time. Under favourable weather conditions, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, may also become visible.
Caution when looking at the Sun
Despite the fascination, it is important to remember that the Sun must never be viewed without suitable eye protection during the partial phase.
Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection. Specially designed and appropriately certified eclipse glasses or solar filters must be used for safe viewing. Experts warn that failure to do so can result in serious and potentially irreversible eye damage.
