Next total solar eclipse will turn the afternoon of August 12 into an unforgettable scene for half of Europe. Moon It will align with the Sun and cast its shadow over Greenland, Iceland and, at sunset, northern Spain, leaving a few minutes of darkness in the middle of the summer day.
In our country, the phenomenon will arrive with the sun very low, almost touching the horizon. Therefore, it is advisable to look for a place with clear visibility to the west, plan ahead and have the right materials on hand. Demand is already being felt in many destinations, with accommodations who report reservations well in advance.
Date, route and visibility in Europe and Spain
Totality will begin at high latitudes and descend from the Arctic across eastern Greenland, will graze the western end of Iceland and will enter the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula. Being within the band of totality makes the difference: outside of it the eclipse will be partial, without the dark sky or the solar corona in sight.
According to IGN, in Spain the show will start in the late afternoon. The whole show will advance from A Coruna (around 20:27) until Palma de Mallorca (around 20:32 p.m.), about a quarter of an hour before sunset. The image of the sun's disc hidden so close to the horizon promises to be especially photogenic.
There will also be very deep partials far from the total range. In MadridFor example, the eclipse will begin around 19:37 and end around 21:24, with a maximum around 20:32 p.m. and a coverage level that will clearly exceed 99%.
Other countries in the region will only have partial. In PortugalOnly a very small portion of the northeast will experience totality for a very short time; the rest of the country will see a significant partial storm. Areas of western France and much of Europe will also experience partial storms, with varying intensity.
Key reminder: during the totality you can see the solar corona At first glance, but during the partial phases, you should always protect your eyes. This is when the landscape becomes strange, temperatures drop a few degrees, and the wildlife behaves as if it's nightfall.
Key areas in Spain: duration and best places
The band of totality will cross the northern peninsula from west to east and will also reach the Balearic Islands. On the continent, cities and provinces such as To Coruña, Oviedo, León, Bilbao or Zaragoza are among the leading candidates. In the Mediterranean, the area of Valencia It is located as a nearby point for those traveling from the southeast of the peninsula.
- Oviedo (Asturias): one of the longest durations in Spain, around 1 minute and 49 seconds; the Mount Naranco offers open views towards the west.
- Peniscola (Castellon): coastal environment and cliffs of the Serra d'Irta Natural Park; duration approximately 1 minute and 39 seconds.
- Mallorca (Porto Cristo): in the heart of the strip over the Balearic Islands, with about 1 minute and 34 seconds; good options in beaches or boat.
- Ibiza: shorter totalities (approx. 1 minute and 4 seconds), but with northern coves facing the horizon suitable.
In all cases, it is advisable to choose viewpoints, coasts or peaks with the clear western horizon, as the sun will be very low. If the sky is good, the atmosphere will be picture-postcard. In addition, the rain Perseids It is at its peak around this time, which adds incentive to extend the nighttime observation.
What if you miss the whole thing? There are intense partials that are worth it. In the MurciaFor example, the dimming will be around 97–99% depending on the area, with very high values ​​in the Altiplano; the metropolitan area of Valencia It is the closest option to going to 100% darkness. Even in partial darkness, always remember to use approved glasses.
Time, observation time and practical recommendations
Weather matters: in Spain August is generally stable, although the heat is intense; the coasts and mountains moderate temperatures and offer frequently clear skies. Iceland the risk of cloudiness is higher despite its unique landscapes, a factor that organizations such as NASA recommend evaluating when choosing a destination.
Since it occurs near the sunsetEverything is compressed into a short time and with grazing light. Avoid last-minute improvisations: arrive early at the observation point, plan parking, and don't plan long trips on the same day to avoid jams and setbacks.
- Book early: Flights, rental cars, accommodations, and, if applicable, event tickets are selling out and increasing in price.
- Meteorological Plan B: Have two or three alternative locations located within a few hours.
- Eye safety: certified glasses ISO 12312-2 For partial phases, never look at the sun with normal sunglasses.
- Team: chairs or blanket, water, sunscreen and, if you take photos, a specific solar filter for your camera or telescope.
- Avoid moving During and immediately after: Extend your stay by one or two days to enjoy it without rushing and avoid the check-out process.
To fine-tune your plan, consult the maps of the IGN, interactive tools such as those from independent experts (e.g., high-precision totality maps) or databases such as Time and date with schedules by municipality. These are useful resources for planning minutes and journeys retail.
Astrotourism and organization: what's in the works
The pull of the phenomenon is driving the astrotourism nationwide. Galicia Tourism and other administrations coordinate actions to make the experience safe, attractive and sustainable, reinforcing the stay of visitors in rural and coastal areas with distinctive Starlight.
En Soria, the International Starlight Meeting has brought together institutions and experts to address opportunities and risks. The National Astronomical Observatory emphasizes that the eclipse can project an excellent international image if it is plan well, although poor traffic or safety management could tarnish the outcome.
The private sector is also moving: the ASETUR promotes training and certification of rural accommodations to host observers with quality standards. At the same time, local groups organize informative talks, such as the one on Fora d'Ã’rbita in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, with guidelines on location, horizon and visual protection.
At the international level, Iceland prepares meetings and festivals in enclaves such as the Snæfellsnes peninsula (August 12–15), with music and scientific outreach, while some polar routes and Cruise Expeditions offer deep-sea observation. These are attractive proposals, although they involve demanding logistics and a high price.
With the triad of eclipses that arrive in Spain between 2026, 2027 (also total) and 2028 (annular), the country strengthens its position as a European astronomical destination, with specific coordination initiatives such as eclipse262728.
Whoever fine-tunes the preparation - a place with a clear western horizon, controlled schedules, eye safety and a flexible plan—you'll experience a moment rarely repeated in the same place. Spain and much of Europe have a unique opportunity to enjoy the sky in silence, without rushing, and with everything ready.