On 12 August 2026, one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena that we will be able to observe in Europe in many years will take place: a total solar eclipse visible from Spain.
This event will not only attract astronomers and space enthusiasts from all over the world, but also thousands of travellers who want to witness a unique moment in the sky.
At Sènia campsites, we are preparing special activities during the days leading up to the event so we can enjoy it together. You can find more information on our page about the solar eclipse event on 12 August 2026.
What is a solar eclipse and what types are there?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the sunlight for a few minutes.
Depending on how the three celestial bodies align, different types of eclipse can occur:
- Total eclipse: the Moon completely covers the Sun for a few minutes.
- Partial eclipse: only part of the Sun is covered because the three bodies are not perfectly aligned.
- Annular eclipse: the bodies are aligned, but the Moon is further away from the Earth and does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a visible “ring of fire”.
During a total eclipse, the sky can darken as if it were sunset, the temperature may drop slightly and some animals even change their behaviour.
Why is the 2026 solar eclipse so special in Spain?
Solar eclipses occur several times a year somewhere on the planet, but seeing one from a specific location is very rare.
For example:
- The last major total solar eclipse visible from Europe occurred in 1999.
- The last total eclipse visible from Spain was in 1959 from the Canary Islands, and in 1912 from the mainland.
For this reason, the 2026 eclipse will be considered one of the most important astronomical events of the decade in Europe.
In addition, this phenomenon is part of an exceptional series of eclipses visible from the Iberian Peninsula:
- 12 August 2026: total solar eclipse
- 2 August 2027: total solar eclipse
- 26 January 2028: annular solar eclipse
Where to see the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 in Spain
The total eclipse on 12 August 2026 will follow a specific path across the planet known as the path of totality, where the Sun will be completely covered by the Moon for a few minutes.
This path will cross:
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Northern Spain
In Spain, the zone of totality will pass through the following autonomous communities (not always the entire region): Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, La Rioja, Castile and León, Community of Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Balearic Islands.
Map of the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 in Spain
You can consult the solar eclipse 2026 map in Spain to check whether your location is within the path of totality or in a partial eclipse zone.
Source: Observatorio Astronómico Nacional - IGN, https://astronomia.ign.es/web/guest/eclipses-de-sol-y-luna/eclipse-total-sol-de-12-de-agosto-2026
Watching the 2026 solar eclipse in the provinces of Girona and Barcelona
In the provinces of Girona and Barcelona, the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be visible with a very high percentage of obscuration, close to 95% across most of the territory and reaching up to 98–99% in some areas.
Although totality will not occur, the spectacle will still be impressive: the light will become dimmer, the sky will take on a special tone and the atmosphere will noticeably change at the moment of maximum coverage.
What does the percentage of an eclipse mean?
When it is said that an eclipse will be seen at 90% or 95%, it refers to the percentage of the Sun that will be covered by the Moon.
For example:
- 50%: half of the Sun is covered
- 90%: only a small part of the Sun remains visible
- 100%: total eclipse
Even with very high percentages, the experience is not exactly the same as totality, but it is still an impressive spectacle.
Time of the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 in Spain
The eclipse on 12 August 2026 will take place in the late afternoon, close to sunset in Spain.
According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN):
- Start of the eclipse: around 19:30
- Maximum point: around 20:30
- End of the eclipse: around 21:00
The exact time of totality, as well as its duration, will vary depending on the location.
The fact that it occurs close to sunset can create a particularly spectacular landscape, with the Sun very low on the horizon.
How to observe a solar eclipse safely
Observing a solar eclipse without proper protection can cause serious and irreversible damage to your eyesight. It is therefore essential to follow these recommendations:
- Use special eclipse glasses certified with ISO 12312-2. They are the only safe way to look directly at the Sun.
- Do not use regular sunglasses, as they do not provide sufficient protection against solar radiation.
- Do not observe the eclipse with cameras, binoculars or telescopes without approved solar filters, as the lenses concentrate the light and can damage both your eyes and the devices.
- Avoid using your phone to look directly at the Sun, even if it has a filter, as you may expose yourself without realising it.
- Use indirect observation methods, such as projection through a small hole in a sheet of paper (pinhole camera), ideal for doing with children as well.
You can find a simple tutorial on the NASA website to create your own viewer; you can also download their printable template here.
Experience the 2026 solar eclipse from our campsites in Catalonia
The solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 is a unique opportunity to enjoy an exceptional astronomical phenomenon in the heart of nature.
From Catalonia, you will be able to observe a very high percentage of obscuration depending on the area, between 95% and 100%. At Sènia campsites, this value will reach between 98% and 99%, allowing for an especially intense experience. As it takes place in the late afternoon, the eclipse will coincide with the Sun very low on the horizon, creating a unique atmosphere.
During the days leading up to the event, from 1 to 8 August, we are preparing a series of travelling activities for the whole family across Sènia campsites in Catalonia: children’s space-themed workshops, a mobile planetarium with educational projections, and informative activities adapted to different age groups. It will be the perfect opportunity to learn more about astronomy and get ready for the long-awaited eclipse observation on 12 August.
If you are looking for where to see the solar eclipse 2026 in Spain, now is the perfect time to plan your stay.
Discover all the details and book here.
