August 12, 2026 Solar Eclipse in Spain and the Balearic Islands: Complete Guide
On August 12, 2026, a solar eclipse will be visible across Spain and the Balearic Islands. In much of the peninsula, it will appear as a partial eclipse, but along a wide path stretching from the northwest to the Balearics, the eclipse will reach totality. It will be a unique spectacle at sunset, especially in locations with a clear western horizon, where enthusiasts and experts will be able to watch the Moon progressively cover the Sun and see the solar corona. Another total eclipse will occur in August 2027, and a third, an annular eclipse, in January 2028, both visible from different areas of Spain.
Path of totality on August 12, 2026
The path of totality crosses the Iberian Peninsula from northwest to southeast. Cities such as A Coruña, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, León, Zaragoza, Valencia, and Palma lie within or near this path, offering the full eclipse experience. For the best viewing, it is recommended to choose locations with a clear horizon and low light pollution.
In this animation, you can see how the Moon’s shadow is cast over the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, gradually stretching as the Sun approaches the horizon. This effect makes the path of totality appear visually extended during sunset, allowing observers to enjoy the eclipse with a partially illuminated sky and warm colors on the horizon, enhancing the spectacle of the phenomenon.
Cities and locations with the best visibility for observing the eclipse
The solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will begin in Spain around 7:30 PM, depending on the exact location. During the partial phase, the Moon gradually covers the Sun, dimming its brightness and leading up to the moment of maximum obscuration. This is when the Moon covers the largest portion of the solar disk. Only within the path of totality will the eclipse be seen in its complete form; elsewhere in Spain, the Sun will be partially covered by the Moon, but the phenomenon will still be clearly visible.
The total duration of the eclipse varies by location, averaging 1 to 2 minutes at points within the path of totality. In the Balearic Islands, the total phase occurs at sunset, offering a spectacular visual display as the light softens and the colors of the sky intensify.
Eclipse timing and duration by cities and regions
This table shows the main cities and regions of Spain where the total eclipse will be visible on August 12, 2026. Recommended viewing areas may extend depending on the local geography. The abbreviations W, NW, and SW stand for West, Northwest, and Southwest, respectively.
A Coruña
19:30:52
20:27:37
1 min 14 s
Coastline or sea viewpoints with a W-NW horizon.
Oviedo
19:31:15
20:27:00
1 min 48 s
Hills and high ground to the W-NW. Avoid wooded areas.
Santander
19:31:17
20:26:51
1 min 04 s
Elevated areas with a western horizon. Avoid low-lying beaches.
Lugo
19:31:39
20:28:03
1 min 22 s
Outskirts of the city, in elevated and open areas.
Bilbao
19:31:43
20:27:17
32 s
Elevated viewpoints with a clear view to the W-NW. Avoid wooded areas.
Vitoria
19:32:27
20:27:37
1 min 05 s
Outskirts/elevated parks with W-NW horizon.
León
19:32:39
20:28:15
1 min 44 s
Outskirts of the city. Open plateau to the W-NW of the urban center.
Logroño
19:33:08
20:28:03
1 min 21 s
Ebro Plain. Clear heights to the W-SW.
Burgos
19:33:17
20:28:19
1 min 45 s
Moors and plateaus with a very low western horizon.
Zamora
19:34:36
20:30:50
14 s
Fields and plains to the W-NW of the town center. High rural roads.
Zaragoza
19:34:36
20:28:57
1 min 25 s
Open plain with W-SW horizon. Avoid buildings.
Valencia
19:37:26
20:31:14
1 min 34 s
Beach or points without skyline to the W-SW. Surroundings of l'Albufera.
Balearic Islands
19:37:59
20:31:00
1 min 36 s
Mallorca: Some coastal areas and Tramuntana, high viewpoints W-NW. Rest of the Balearic Islands: Cliffs and beaches W-NW.
Phases of the eclipse in the Balearic Islands
Mallorca will be one of the most spectacular locations to observe this historic solar eclipse. Thanks to its position within the path of totality and the Sun being very low on the horizon, observers will be able to enjoy a unique visual phenomenon: the solar corona will be clearly visible against the sunset sky, while the light filters through the island landscape.
For the best experience, it is recommended to choose spots with a clear western horizon, such as cliffs, open beaches, or elevated viewpoints. Additionally, the combination of totality with the eclipsed Sun at only 2.4 degrees above the horizon makes Mallorca an exceptional setting, a spectacle that will not be repeated on the island for decades.
Best locations to view the eclipse in the Balearic Islands
How does an eclipse occur?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns perfectly and completely covers the Sun’s disk. This only happens during a new moon and near the nodes of its orbit, which is why it is rare.
Within the path of totality, day turns into night for a few minutes and the solar corona becomes visible. Outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse is observed, and during all phases—except totality—it is essential to view the Sun only with certified eclipse glasses.
Transit and lunar shadow
In the following images, you can see a lunar transit and the Moon’s shadow during the total eclipse of 2017. These spectacular sequences help us understand more precisely what happens during an eclipse when observed from outside the Earth.
LUNAR TRANSIT
Credits: NASA / NOAA
On July 16, 2015, a NASA camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), positioned 1.6 million kilometers from Earth, captured a unique moment: the Moon passing in front of the sunlit side of our planet. The images reveal its “dark side” fully illuminated—normally invisible from Earth.
Seen from such a distance, the Moon ceases to be a mystery. Its hidden face comes into view, reminding us that sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective.
MOON SHADOW
Credits: NASA / NOAA
On August 21, 2017, the EPIC camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) recorded a different but equally striking phenomenon: the Moon’s shadow sweeping across Earth’s surface during a total solar eclipse. From 1.6 million kilometers away, the planet appears whole and round, while a dark circle moves over North America, tracing the path of the eclipse with precision.
These images reveal at a glance what, on the ground, is experienced only locally and briefly: how the Moon can darken entire regions of the planet for a few minutes.
How to safely observe the eclipse
To safely enjoy the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, it is essential to follow certain recommendations regarding observation equipment and safety measures.
Eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2:2015 certification
Eclipse glasses are essential to protect your eyes throughout the entire event. You can purchase your glasses in our store.
Solar filters for photography
If you want to capture images of the eclipse with a camera, phone, or drone, make sure to use the proper filters to achieve safe and correct results.
Telescopes or binoculars with appropriate solar filters
Never look through telescopes or binoculars without specific, certified protection designed for solar observation.
Safety tips
- Never look directly at the Sun without certified protective glasses, not even for a few seconds.
- Do not use X-ray films, regular sunglasses, welding filters, or anything that is not officially certified.
- Read the instructions printed on the inside of the glasses before using them.
- Certified protective glasses can be used intermittently to observe the Sun, but never for more than 3 minutes continuously. Take breaks while observing the Sun.
- Check that the eclipse glasses are authentic and in good condition before using them. Avoid using glasses with scratches or holes in the filters. The glasses must be in perfect condition.
- Do not use optical devices (cameras, telescopes, binoculars) without proper solar filters, as they can cause serious eye damage and damage to camera sensors. If you wish to use cameras, telescopes, or binoculars, they must have a special solar filter attached to the front.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
They're the only ones you have.
