THE ECLIPSE
2026
The Moon will completely cover the Sun over Catalonia. Total darkness in the middle of summer. The next total eclipse visible from here will be in the year 2180.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon sits exactly between the Earth and the Sun, hiding it completely for a few minutes. At that moment the sky darkens, day turns into night, and the solar corona appears — the halo of light surrounding the Sun, invisible under any other circumstance.
Although a total eclipse happens somewhere in the world roughly every year and a half, the band where it is visible is so narrow that from any single point on Earth it can only be seen about once every 350 years. Catalonia has the extraordinary luck of hosting the next one on August 12, 2026.
visible in Catalonia
August 30
are waiting for
August 12
visible in Catalonia
November 17
2180
More than two centuries later
What will
happen exactly?
The Moon will cover the Sun 100%
Not 99%. The full 100% makes the sky darken like night, the stars appear, and the solar corona becomes visible to the naked eye. The difference is total and absolute.
Up to 98 seconds of totality
Depending on where you are within the band. La Sénia and Alcanar have the longest duration. Every second in the right spot is irreplaceable — there won't be another chance until 2180.
August 12, 2026 · ~8:30 PM
At dusk, with the Sun near the horizon. A sunset you won't forget. Always wear ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the entire eclipse, without exception.
Are you
in the path?
The path of totality, about 200 km wide (IEEC), crosses southern Catalonia diagonally, from northwest to southeast. Lleida is at the northern edge. Barcelona is outside. The Terres de l'Ebre have the longest duration. Any point inside the path with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) is astronomically valid.
Barcelona (~93% coverage) and Girona (~91%) will see a spectacular partial eclipse but NOT totality. Without totality there is no solar corona, no Baily's beads, no diamond ring, and the sky does not fully darken. The difference between 99% and 100% is absolute — they are completely different phenomena.
If you can travel, it's worth it. The 2180 eclipse is more than 150 years away. See where to stay →
ⓘ The Generalitat has set up 18 logistical points to manage public turnout. Astronomically, any place inside the path with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) is equally valid. Explore all the points →
Sources: IGN · ServiAstro / UB · IEEC / Generalitat
Will you see the Sun from
your observation spot?
Being inside the path is not enough: the Sun will be about 5° above the horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°, IGN data), and any mountain, building or tree in that direction can block it. This map shows the official IEEC visibility calculation, point by point: gold = you'll see the Sun during totality · grey = the terrain will block it.
Search for the municipality where you'll be staying or where you planned to go: even if it's inside the path, the terrain may make it unsuitable for observation. Find out here and secure your spot before the event.
Shadow map and official points: IEEC / Generalitat de Catalunya (Jul 2026, ~145 m resolution) · Durations: IGN · Base cartography OpenStreetMap / CARTO · Original work eclipsi26.com
~93% partial coverage
✗ No diamond ring · ✗ No total darkness
An interesting visual spectacle, but not comparable to totality. If you can travel, do it. Just 1-2h by car to the path.
See where to stay →~91% partial coverage
✗ No diamond ring · ✗ No total darkness
91% sounds like a lot, but the remaining 9% changes everything. The next real chance will be in 2180.
See where to stay →ⓘ The eclipse will be 100% total only in Lleida and Tarragona — the only Catalan provinces inside the path of totality. See full guide →
MAP
2026
Official data: Instituto Geográfico Nacional · Observatorio Astronómico Nacional →
DOWNLOAD
THE FREE MAP
The 221 municipalities of Catalonia where the eclipse will be 100% total, with exact totality times, schedules and safety tips. Official data from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional. A PDF to print or save on your phone.
They all receive totality, but with the Sun at 5° or less not all are suitable for observing it: make sure you have a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°).
Instant download when you complete the form
Remember this
moment forever
Available now72 full-color pages. Science, mythology, natural history and the eclipse's energies over animals, seas and people. Includes activities for children, an eclipse diary and a keepsake section to preserve the memory of your unique experience. Free shipping within Spain.
OFFER YOUR
SPACE TO THE
ECLIPSE
Hotels, apartments and rural houses in the path are practically sold out. Thousands of people are looking for a place to stay for the eclipse on August 12. You can be the solution.
No extra cost · Direct owner–visitor management
Traditional platforms no longer have availability in the area. Eclipsi26.com is the alternative for those seeking authentic spaces beyond the usual channels. The eclipse lasts only a few minutes — the opportunity for owners is now.
Everything you
are wondering
Yes, always and at all times. The glasses must be ISO 12312-2 certified. Regular sunglasses do not protect you and can cause permanent eye damage in seconds. They must be worn throughout the entire eclipse without exception.
No. Barcelona will see a partial eclipse of about 93% solar coverage — no solar corona, no Baily's beads, no diamond ring and no total darkness. The difference between 99% and 100% is absolute: they are completely different phenomena. To experience totality you need to travel to the province of Tarragona or Lleida, just 1-2h away by car. If you have the chance to travel, do it — the next one won't come until 2180.
The partial eclipse begins around 7:32 PM. Totality occurs between roughly 8:28 PM and 8:31 PM, depending on the municipality. The eclipse ends around 9:15 PM. It happens at dusk: the Sun will be about 5° above the horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°, IGN data). You need a clear horizon in that direction, with no mountains, buildings or trees.
The eclipse still happens, but you won't be able to see the solar corona. You will notice the sudden darkness and the drop in temperature. Check the weather forecast in the days before and consider moving to a clearer area within the path of totality if needed.
The last one was on August 30, 1905. That was 121 years ago. The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in Catalonia won't happen until November 17, 2180. After that you'd have to wait more than two centuries: the next will be in 2433. These dates explain why the eclipse of August 12, 2026 is the astronomical event of our generation.
The solar corona is the Sun's outer atmosphere, normally invisible because the Sun's brightness hides it completely. The seconds of totality are the only moment it can be seen with the naked eye: a halo of white, iridescent light around the Moon. Extraordinarily beautiful and unrepeatable. Only visible if you are inside the path of totality.
On August 12, thousands of people will decide here where to watch the eclipse. Your brand can be in front of them.
Limited inventory
Glasses
always
on
Looking at the Sun without protection can cause permanent blindness in seconds. Wear ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the entire eclipse, at all times, without exception.
Glasses with certified ISO 12312-2 approval
Certified solar filters for telescope or camera
Conventional sunglasses — no level of protection
X-rays, smoked glass or homemade filters
ISO 12312-2 certified packs · Amazon
Ideal for a small family or couple
View on Amazon → Pack of 12 eclipse glassesFor groups of friends or families
View on Amazon → ⭐ Pack of 12 kids glassesSize and filter adapted for children
View on Amazon → Pack of 25 eclipse glassesFor families, classes or school groups
View on Amazon → Pack of 50 eclipse glassesFor large families, organizations and clubs
View on Amazon → Pack of 100 eclipse glassesFor large groups of spectators
View on Amazon →* Affiliate link. No extra cost to you.