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There are plenty of exciting events happening across the world this year, but one of the rarest and most surreal is undoubtedly the upcoming solar eclipse, set to submerge swathes of western and northern Europe into darkness next month.
While it’s undeniably cool to glimpse the striking haloed moon – particularly if you’re lucky enough to be somewhere along the path of totality – the magic of an eclipse doesn’t end there. The darkening of the sky not only plunges affected areas into cooler temperatures, it also significantly enhances our view of the stars and the planets.
Sounds rather magical, doesn’t it? That’s why we’ve compiled a guide telling you everything you need to know about exactly where and when to be when the eclipse ensues. Read on.
When is the total solar eclipse in Europe?
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 12. While solar eclipses occur roughly every 18 months somewhere on the planet, the same spot is only graced with total darkness between every 360-410 years.
Where will the eclipse happen?
The path of totality (where you get the full, moon-blocking-sun experience) for the upcoming solar eclipse traverses parts of Portugal, northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland.
If you’re a sucker for astrotourism, excellent eclipse views are expected around western Iceland, particularly in Reykjavík, Reykjanes, Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords. There’s even a four-day Iceland Eclipse music festival happening to celebrate the phenomenon, which we named one of the very best things to do in the world for 2026.
In August, it’s likely we’ll be blessed with clear skies, and Iceland’s sparse population means light pollution levels are low, which will enhance the view. Head to Visit Iceland’s official website for an interactive map that shows precisely whether the path of totality falls, and what time each region will be eclipsed.
However, Spain is set to be the best place due to the eclipse happening right around sunset (and more reliably clear weather conditions). It will be visible from across the country, but below is a detailed list of each and every spot where the most eclipsing views are expected, according to the European Space Agency.
Totality
- A Coruña
- Bilbao
- Zaragoza
- Valencia
- Castellón de la Plana
- Soller, Mallorca
- Ibiza town
- León
- Burgos
- Santander
- Cuenca
- Oviedo
Partial eclipse
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Cordoba
- The Canary Islands
What time will it be visible?
In Iceland, Time and Date estimates the eclipse will begin at 4.42pm, reach totality at 5.43pm and last for three minutes, and end completely at 6.49pm.
The first destination in Spain to be blanketed in darkness will be Santander at 8.26pm, which will last for an hour and 48 minutes. The final city is Cuenca, where it will start at 8.32pm and last an hour and 46 minutes.
To find out what time the eclipse is expected at each destination, head directly to Spain’s Instituto Geografico Nacional website.
🌎 Read our entire collection of the very best new things to do in the world in 2026.
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