Are you looking forward to the total solar eclipse in Spain on August 12, 2026? We certainly are, and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared. Get ready to witness this celestial event as the path of totality sweeps across the country. But why stop there? Let us be your guide to not only experiencing the eclipse but also exploring Spain’s top attractions. From destination recommendations to accommodation tips and suggested itineraries, we’ve got you covered for a truly magical Spanish vacation. So, grab your eclipse glasses, and read our best travel tips for planning your trip to Spain!
Understanding the Spain Total Solar Eclipse
On August 12, 2026, the path of totality covers a massive part of the country, 40% of Spain, and begins roughly around 8:30 pm, very close to sunset. According to NASA, the eclipse path runs diagonally through Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, Castilla y Leon, Basque country, Navarra, y La Rioja, Aragón, Madrid (the autonomous community), Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia, parts of Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands (Palma, Mallorca, and Ibiza).
First, let’s discuss the influencing factors for viewing an eclipse on that day. Based on this Eclipsophile analysis, the best conditions include being in the path of totality, having clear skies, and having no terrain or obstructions like mountains or buildings blocking your view. The latter is a challenge because the sun will be between 2 and 11 degrees above the horizon. The sun will be very low!
Sky and Telescope recommend seeing the eclipse from Mallorca for clear, direct views or inland Spain for darker skies and fewer crowds. Ideal viewing spots are high or flat places without obstacles. They suggest staying away from the Mediterranean east coast due to mass tourists and light pollution.
But we advise you to do your research from expert sources to find the best eclipse-viewing spot. After doing our thorough research, we’ve identified some incredible cities and regions within the path of totality that also make for fantastic vacation spots. Read on to help you plan your Spain total eclipse trip!
Best Viewing Locations for the Eclipse
Green Northern Spain Coast
According to Eclipsophile, the “north coast along the Bay of Biscay is an uninviting destination for eclipse viewing” because of its typical cloudy conditions. This area includes Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and a small part of Pais Vasco.
We wouldn’t recommend this area and have you risk missing the eclipse – even if it’s in the path of totality. But this is a destination we would recommend to complement your trip!
You’ll be amazed by Galicia‘s beautiful windswept coastline and the dramatic Picos de Europa mountains in Asturias. Pais Vasco entices with a wealth of Michelin-starred restaurants and Bilbao’s Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Cantabria has lush, green landscapes, prehistoric caves, and colorful fishing ports.
Burgos
The solar eclipse hits Burgos, a medieval city in inland Spain, situated in the region called Castilla y Leon. This is the perfect place to view the eclipse because it’s in the Meseta Central, terrain that is relatively flat with nothing blocking your view. Burgos is known for its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its well-preserved historic Old Town of medieval lanes.
Many eclipse chasers will be heading to the small town of Lerma, located 40 kilometers south of Burgos. Many will be viewing the eclipse from the grand Ducal Palace, a beauty of Spanish Renaissance architecture, and explore aimlessly through the town’s narrow alleys.
While you’re in the area, visit the Rioja Wine Region, about 1.5 hours east of Burgos, where you can indulge in wine tastings at prestigious wineries, stroll through picturesque vineyards, and savor delicious regional cuisine paired with exquisite local wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore charming wine villages like Haro and Laguardia.
Valladolid
Valladolid is about 1.5 hours south of Palencia and is a great viewing spot and vacation base. Visit the large and lively Plaza Mayor lined with elegant Renaissance buildings, the majestic Cathedral, and the historic Casa de Cervantes, where famous writer Miguel de Cervantes once lived.
The surrounding countryside of Valladolid is also a great place to relax. Explore the famous Ribera del Duero wine region or go hiking and cycling in its bucolic landscapes.
For optimal eclipse viewing, consider the Mirador de la Dehesa or Castillo de Montealegre de Campos, high viewpoints that can give unobstructed views. Or, take a scenic drive to nearby landmarks such as Castillo de la Mota or Castillo de Íscar, which sit atop elevated hills, where you might have a good vista of the total eclipse.
Palencia
Palencia is a mid-sized city situated in the northern part of Spain’s plain in what’s called the Tierra de Campos (“Land of Fields”), where flat terrain, open spaces, and relatively clear skies make it a fantastic eclipse viewing point.
While you’re in Palencia, visit the charming old town with the gorgeous Palencia Cathedral and the San Miguel Church, while the Canal de Castilla, a 200-kilometer waterway makes for a pleasant strolling area along its banks.
Get a glimpse of old Spain in the nearby fascinating medieval villages of Aguilar de Campoo, Fuentes de Valdepero, or Ampudia.
Smaller Cities like Guadalajara or Siguenza
Southeast of Palencia are the small cities of Guadalajara and Sigüenza in Castile-La Mancha. They are increasingly gaining popularity as eclipse hot spots as they’re perched at higher elevations.
Sigüenza shines with its 12th-century Moorish castle and impressive Romanesque cathedral. These landmarks are both captivating focal points during sunset and are sure to be popular spots for eclipse-watching.
Meanwhile, Guadalajara shows remnants of Renaissance opulence. It’s also the capital of the Mendoza family, an important noble family with significant lineage in Spain for centuries and played pivotal roles in the kingdom’s affairs. Their influence is evident in the decorative Palacio de los Duques del Infantado. Other fascinating sites are the Iglesia de Santiago which has a Gothic-Plateresque chapel and the 15th-century Iglesia de San Francisco, home to the Mendoza family mausoleum.
The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera)
The Islands’ coastal areas on the west side facing the setting sun have the best chances of having clear skies for eclipse viewing. Mallorca has numerous miradores (lookout points) that you can hike to such as Mirador de en Ricardo Roca, La Trapa, or the lighthouse, the Far des Cap Gros. Ibiza has dozens of coves and beaches like Sa Punta Galera or Cala Comte for an unforgettable eclipse moment.
Other Places to View the Eclipse
Luckily, the path of totality is wide, and it hits other fascinating towns like Segovia, Cuenca, Soria, Zaragoza, and small pueblos like Alcañiz and Almazán. Stay tuned – as we’ll be publishing a blog post about our top destinations! Of course, as we mentioned earlier, do your own independent research to find the exact eclipse spot that sounds the most promising to you!
Spain’s Unique Accommodations: Beyond Traditional Hotels
The most typical lodging is a hotel, and you’ll find an abundant number of choices in Mallorca and Ibiza and larger cities like La Coruña, Bilbao, or Oviedo. Spain also has unique accommodations like these below.
Parador
A parador is a luxury chain of accommodations, government-owned by the Paradores de Turismo de España. It’s typically a historical building like a monastery, castle, or manor house transformed into an elegant and inviting lodging. Imagine a 17th-century convent with original iron candle sconces and ornate Baroque windows. Or even a transformed 15th-century palace with a pool and sauna. It’s just tradition and deluxe comfort.
Posada Real (Royal Inn)
For another splurge, stay in an upscale posada real (“royal inn”) in Castile-León, which are independently owned. Posadas reales are historic accommodations situated in ancient palaces and castles, giving you lavish comfort and an immersive Spanish experience. Best of all, you’re surrounded by breathtaking nature, bucolic charm, and a splendid Spanish cultural experience.
Casa Rural (Country Homes)
A casa rural is a converted country home or farmhouse with idyllic beauty in the quiet pastoral landscape. These homes usually have rustic elements like wood beam ceilings or a stone fireplace but can offer fully equipped modern kitchens or possibly a swimming pool. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to escape to green pastures, catch some fresh air, and enjoy total tranquility in the countryside.
Wineries
The La Rioja region is famous for its wine, having over 600 wineries scattered throughout towns like Briones, Haro, Laguardia, or San Vicente de la Sonsierra. And some of these wineries offer lavish lodging amidst its vineyard-studded landscapes. Check out the avant-garde Hotel Viura in Villabuena de Álava or the extravagant Hotel Marques de Riscal in Eltziego.
Itinerary Suggestions for Your Eclipse Trip
After you’ve narrowed down your top destinations. Find out the best itinerary for you!
While Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla are undeniably Spain’s most popular destinations, unfortunately, they lie outside the path of totality. Nonetheless, you can craft an itinerary that includes these cities, each having airports and connectivity to the high-speed AVE train network.
The Madrid Itinerary
Madrid serves as an excellent hub for exploring nearby destinations within the eclipse’s path, including Valladolid, Segovia, and Guadalajara. Both Ávila and Salamanca are also stunning day trips, where you can stroll along Ávila’s old walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or immerse yourself in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor and ancient university.
The Northern Spain Itinerary
For the Northern Spain area, you can start in Bilbao or Santander. Head to San Sebastián, known for its beautiful beaches and delicious pintxos (tapas on a stick). Then explore Basque Country’s charming coastal villages like Getaria, Lekeitio, or Bermeo. Continue westward to the fishing villages of Asturias, such as Cudillero and Lastres. Spend a few days exploring the Picos de Europa National Park, then drive back along the coast, stopping at quiet Cantabrian villages like Santillana del Mar.
Burgos and Valladolid Itinerary
Begin in Burgos with a visit to the awe-inspiring Cathedral and the Monasterio de las Huelgas. Day trips take you to the village of Covarrubias and the Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Silos. Go to Valladolid through its historic center, visiting the historic Plaza Mayor and the National Sculpture Museum. Take a trip to the Peñafiel Castle and taste wine in the Rueda wine region.
La Rioja Itinerary
You can explore La Rioja, starting in Logroño. Explore its old town of lively plazas and busy tapas bars. From Logroño, you can easily access nearby eclipse-viewing locations such as Haro, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, and Calahorra. Imbibe in the “wine towns” of La Rioja, such as Laguardia and Briones. Explore the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mallorca Itinerary
Explore Mallorca’s capital, Palma, starting with the majestic Cathedral of Santa María (La Seu), a beautiful Catalan Gothic architecture, and stroll along the bumpy streets of the Old Town. Soak in the sand at one of the coves, Cala Millor or Cala d’Or. Explore the small villages of Valldemossa and Deià in the Tramuntana Mountains. As the eclipse approaches, head to the island’s west-facing spots like the coves or Mirador de en Ricardo Roca, La Trapa, or the Far des Cap Gros, all with fantastic views of the eclipse.
FAQs
Will Spain see the solar eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse visible from Spain is expected to occur on August 12, 2026. During this event, parts of northern Spain, including regions such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Navarre, La Rioja, Castilla y León, and Aragon, are expected to experience varying degrees of the eclipse, with many areas witnessing totality.
Where is the best place in Spain to see the solar eclipse in 2026?
The best place in Spain to see the total solar eclipse in 2026 depends on various factors such as weather conditions, terrain and obstruction of buildings, accessibility, and personal preferences. However, many convenient Spanish cities and towns are within the eclipse’s path, such as Burgos, Lerma, and Logroño.
Want to plan a solar eclipse trip in 2026, but don’t know where to start? Let us help you! Contact us, and we’ll make sure you’ll have the perfect itinerary for you!
Wonderful information, but overwhelming! We plan on not renting a car and walking to viewing sites. I’ve never been to Spain, so this will be our first visit. Wondering where to stay that in moderate in price.
We would like to be in an area of totality. We do not want to rent a car. We can arrive days before. Suggestions?
Hi, Laurie,
I recommend you use the map in the blog post to see where the area of totality will be and then compare this to a map of the train lines in Spain. From there you can see where the reach of the train will take you. Do some research and find a small town in this area where you could stay and hike to a good viewing site. I hope this helps and I wish you happy trip!
Teresa
Any tips on how early you would want to be at the viewing site such as the lighthouse on the day of the eclipse? Like how crazy are locals about arriving many many hours early and just hanging out there to wait?