THE ECLIPSE
2026
The Moon will completely cover the Sun over Catalonia. Total darkness in midsummer. The next total eclipse visible from here will be in 2180.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself exactly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking it for several minutes. At that moment the sky darkens, day turns to night, and the solar corona appears — the halo of light surrounding the Sun, invisible under any other circumstance.
Although a total eclipse occurs somewhere in the world approximately every year and a half, the path where it is visible is so narrow that from any given point on Earth it can only be seen once every 350 years or so. Catalonia has the extraordinary luck of receiving the next one on August 12, 2026.
visible in Catalonia
August 30
have been waiting for
August 12
visible in Catalonia
November 17
More than two
centuries later
What will happen
exactly?
The Moon will cover the Sun 100%
Not 99%. The 100% makes the sky darken like night, 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 in the path. La Sénia and Alcanar have the longest duration. Every second in the right spot is irreplaceable — there will be no other chance until 2180.
August 12, 2026 · ~8:30 PM
At sunset, with the Sun close to the horizon. A dusk you will never forget. Always use ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the entire eclipse, without exception.
Are you
in the path?
The totality path is 112 km wide and crosses Catalonia from northwest to southeast. Lleida sits at the northern edge. Barcelona is outside. The Terres de l'Ebre region has the longest duration. Any point within the path with a clear horizon to the southwest 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 effect, the sky does not go fully dark. The difference between 99% and 100% is absolute — they are completely different phenomena.
If you can travel, it is worth it. The 2180 eclipse is more than 150 years away. See where to stay →
ⓘ The Catalan government has set up 20 logistical points to manage visitor flow. Astronomically, any location within the 112km path with a clear horizon to the southwest is equally valid. Explore all viewing points →
Fuentes: Xavier M. Jubier (xjubier.free.fr) · NASA Goddard Space Flight Center · IGN · ServiAstro / UB · IEEC / Generalitat
CHECK IF YOU WILL SEE 100% TOTALITY FROM YOUR
MUNICIPALITY IN LLEIDA OR TARRAGONA
415 municipalities in Lleida and Tarragona, but only 221 will have 100% totality.
Data: Instituto Geográfico Nacional / Observatorio Astronómico Nacional.
Type your municipality and check!
Not found
This municipality does not appear in the IGN data for Catalonia.
It may be outside the totality path or the name may be slightly different.
Datos: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) · Observatorio Astronómico Nacional · Official Iberian Peninsula time CEST · Times may vary depending on the exact location within the municipality
~93% partial coverage
✗ No Diamond Ring · ✗ No total darkness
An interesting visual spectacle, but not comparable to totality. If you can travel, do it. Only 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 search tool covers Lleida y Tarragona — the only Catalan provinces within the 112 km totality path where the eclipse will be 100% total. See full guide →
VISIBILIDAD
2026
Official data: Instituto Geográfico Nacional · Observatorio Astronómico Nacional →
DOWNLOAD
THE FREE MAP
The 221 municipalities in Catalonia where the eclipse will be 100% total, with exact totality times, schedules and safety tips. Official data from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional. PDF to print or save on your phone.
Immediate download upon form completion
Remember this
moment forever
Available now63 full-colour pages. Science, mythology, natural history and the eclipse's energies on animals, seas and people. Includes children's activities, an eclipse diary and a keepsake section to preserve your unique family experience. Shipping to Spain included.
Artistic print with a professional photograph of the solar corona captured on August 12, 2026. Limited edition printed art. Available from August 15. Unrepeatable until 2180.
OFFER YOUR
SPACE FOR
THE ECLIPSE
Hotels, apartments and rural houses along the path are practically sold out. Thousands of people are looking for somewhere to stay for the August 12 eclipse. You could be the solution.
No extra cost · Direct owner–visitor management
Traditional booking platforms no longer have availability in the area. Eclipsi26.com is the alternative for those seeking authentic spaces outside the usual channels. The eclipse lasts only minutes — the opportunity for property owners is now.
Everything you
want to know
Yes, always and at all times. Glasses must have ISO 12312-2 certification. Regular sunglasses offer no protection 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 approximately 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 by car. If you have the chance to travel, do it — the next one will not come until 2180.
The partial eclipse begins around 7:32 PM. Totality occurs between approximately 8:28 PM and 8:31 PM, depending on the municipality. The eclipse ends around 9:15 PM. It takes place at sunset, with the Sun very close to the horizon — choose a viewing spot with no obstacles to the southwest.
The eclipse still happens, but you will not be able to see the solar corona. You will notice the sudden darkness and temperature drop. Check the weather forecast in the days before and consider moving to a clearer spot within the totality path if necessary.
The last one was on August 30, 1905. That was 121 years ago. The next total eclipse visible from any point in Catalonia will not occur until November 17, 2180. After that, more than two centuries: the next will be in 2433. These dates explain why the August 12, 2026 eclipse is the astronomical event of our generation.
The solar corona is the outer atmosphere of the Sun, normally invisible because solar brightness completely conceals it. During the seconds of totality it is the only moment it can be seen with the naked eye: a halo of white, iridescent light surrounding the Moon. Extraordinarily beautiful and unrepeatable. Only visible if you are within the totality path.
Glasses
on
always
Looking at the Sun without protection can cause permanent blindness in seconds. Use ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the entire eclipse, at all times, without exception.
Glasses with approved ISO 12312-2 certification
Certified solar filters for telescope or camera
Regular sunglasses — no level of protection
X-ray film, smoked glass or homemade filters
ISO 12312-2 certified packs · Amazon
Ideal for a small family or couple
View on Amazon → Eclipse glasses pack of 12For groups of friends or families
View on Amazon → ⭐ Kids eclipse glasses pack of 12Size and filter adapted for children
View on Amazon → Eclipse glasses pack of 25For families, classes or school groups
View on Amazon → Eclipse glasses pack of 50For large families, organisations and clubs
View on Amazon → Eclipse glasses pack of 100For large crowds of spectators
View on Amazon →* Affiliate link. No extra cost to you.