The Rare Magic of Spain's 'Sunset Eclipse'—And How to See It in August

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Northern Spain for the first time in more than 100 years. Tracing a path from the tip of the Iberian Peninsula in Galicia, across the wide plains of central Spain, through to the Mediterranean, and across the Balearics, the eclipse’s path of totality will cover approximately 40% of Spain—making the country one of the best places to view this eclipse. Cities like A Coruña, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Valencia will experience complete totality, while Madrid and Barcelona will have a partial eclipse of 99%. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the earth and sun, fully blocking the sun’s light and darkening the sky during the “moment of totality” before the sun reappears. Complete solar eclipses are rare and viewing conditions affect visibility. With the 2026 eclipse occurring in August—Spain’s second sunniest month—the chances are high for clear skies and optimal viewing conditions. Here's what to know. What makes this eclipse different from others—like the 2024 North American eclipse—is its timing. Rather than taking place overhead at midday, Spain’s eclipse will arrive around sunset, w