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Spain
Spain’s Eclipse Trio
How this country in southwestern Europe is about to become “
The Eclipse Capital of the World”
By Mark Stachiew
You can scroll through endless eclipse photos online, but nothing compares to the moment when the moon slides in front of the sun, and reveals its fiery corona as day briefly turns into night. Over the next three years, there may be no better place on Earth to witness this unforgettable celestial spectacle than Spain.
That’s because if you head to Spain, you’ll have the chance to experience an unheard-of trio of eclipses in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Perhaps Spaniards are being rewarded for having had to wait over a century since the Iberian Peninsula last experienced a total eclipse back in 1912.
2026: The Sunset Eclipse
The first of the trio arrives on August 12, when much of the northern half of Spain will fall under the shadow of a total solar eclipse. Observers will experience this natural wonder in Galicia in the west, as the path of totality races southeast across the country before exiting near the Balearic Islands.
As you watch the moon slowly covering the sun, daylight fades, temperatures drop and the sky darkens until the brief moment of totality—when the sun’s corona blazes into view. The experience lasts only briefly, but those seconds will leave you in awe. If you’ve never witnessed the phenomenon before, you’ll soon understand why eclipse chasers travel the world to witness this incredible spectacle.
Where you stand within the moon’s shadow makes a difference. The path of totality will be roughly 290-kilometres wide, and the closer to the middle you are, the longer your experience will be. Prime viewing locations include Avilés and Oviedo in Asturias, Aranda de Duero
and Soria in Castilla León, Peñíscola in the Valencia region and Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Because the eclipse occurs close to sunset, you’ll want to find a clear observation site away from tall buildings and other obstacles. For fantastic photographic opportunities, head to beaches, hilltops and open countrysides.
“Beyond its scientific significance and visual beauty, an eclipse is also a deeply human experience, something people often share collectively,” says Dr. Antonia Varela, an astronomer and Managing Director of the Starlight Foundation, an international non-profit which promotes the protection of dark skies.
2027: The Morning Eclipse
Less than a year later on the morning of August 2, another total eclipse will cross southern Spain. This time the path of totality will travel eastward across the Strait of Gibraltar, covering much of the provinces of Cádiz, and Málaga and parts of Granada and Almería.
Most total eclipses last only two or three minutes, but this event will be remembered for its exceptional duration. Some parts of southern Spain like the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla could experience four minutes of darkness.
In the days leading up to the eclipse, consider a stargazing side-trip to Sierra Morena in Andalusia, home to the world’s largest Starlight Reserve. (See our stargazing story).
2028: The Ring of Fire Eclipse
The trilogy concludes on January 26, with an annular solar eclipse, creating a spectacular “Ring of Fire” around the sun. Unlike a total eclipse, the moon sits slightly further from Earth and doesn’t fully cover the sun.
The moon’s shadow will cross from the southwest to the northeast of the country, meaning lucky residents of Cádiz, Málaga and Tarifa will get to see their second major eclipse in just under six months. Other notable destinations include Sevilla and Catalonia, though die-hard astronomy buffs should consider observing from the Montsec Astronomy Park in Lleida, which features one of Europe’s most advanced multimedia planetariums.
Did You Know?
Eclipse chasers call themselves umbraphiles, from the Latin umbra (shadow) combined with the suffix -phile, which indicates a love for something.
Ready, Set, Go!
Demand for these celestial events will be enormous, so book your hotels and flights early. You may also want to consider tour operators who have secured private viewing locations with the best views.
And remember: never look directly at the sun or at any partial or annular eclipse without proper eye protection so safety glasses with certified solar filters are essential.
Travel Planner
For more information about Spain’s eclipse trio, visit spain.info/en/eclipses
