WHERE TO
SEE THE TOTAL
ECLIPSE
Being inside the path of totality is the first step, but it doesn't guarantee everything: since the Sun will be very low (under 5°), the terrain can block observation in some municipalities even if they're in totality. Here are both sides: where it will be total and where you'll be able to observe it.
All 221 municipalities in the path, one by one: exact totality duration, timings and what can be observed from the town centre.
What is the
path of totality?
The path of totality is the zone where the Moon covers the Sun 100%. It is about 200 km wide (IEEC) and in Catalonia it crosses 221 municipalities: this is where the total solar eclipse happens. The sky darkens like night, the stars appear, the temperature drops sharply and the solar corona becomes visible to the naked eye.
Outside this path the eclipse is partial. Spectacular, yes, but absolutely incomparable to totality. The path enters through Lleida (northern edge), crosses the Camp de Tarragona and the Terres de l'Ebre down to the Ebre Delta.
Barcelona and Girona fall outside the path. From there you'll see a partial eclipse (~90%), impressive but without the solar corona or total darkness.
⭐ Longest totality duration in Catalonia: La Sénia (98s), Alcanar (97s), Godall (96s), Ulldecona (96s). The Terres de l'Ebre have the longest times. Official IGN / Observatorio Astronómico Nacional data.
Note: longer duration doesn't mean better observation. Because the Sun is so low, some of these municipalities have the horizon blocked by the terrain.
ⓘ Barcelona: partial · max. 8:29 PM · magnitude 1.00 · Sun at 3.7°
Girona: partial · max. 8:28 PM · magnitude 0.99 · Sun at 3.6°
Silueta: Natural Earth (domini públic) · Franja i durades: IGN · Observació: IEEC / Generalitat · eclipsi26.com
Where will you
be able to observe?
Being in the path is not enough. Since the eclipse happens with the Sun less than 5° above the horizon, in many municipalities the terrain itself will block the Sun right at the moment of totality. The IEEC has calculated, point by point, where the terrain lets the Sun be seen and where it doesn't. This is the result for all 221 municipalities.
In gold, the areas where the Sun will be visible during totality; in grey, where the terrain will block it. The stars mark the 18 official points.
Open the interactive map →Find yourself on the map: municipality, accommodation or exact observation point.
The La Sénia case: longest duration, partial observation
La Sénia has the longest totality in Catalonia (98s) — it's the duration champion. But its town centre sits at the foot of els Ports, and, according to the IEEC visibility layer, that mountain range can block the Sun right when totality occurs. Result: partial observation from the town, with suitable areas a few km away. It's the perfect example that more seconds of totality doesn't mean a better observation point — the two are measured separately.
Search your municipality
The 221 municipalities of Catalonia (Lleida and Tarragona) where the eclipse will be 100% total. Search your municipality and find out the totality duration, the start and end times, and —most importantly— whether from there you'll be able to observe the eclipse or the terrain will block the Sun.
Not found
This municipality doesn't appear in the IGN data for Catalonia.
It may be outside the path of totality or the name might be slightly different.
Datos: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) · Observatorio Astronómico Nacional · Hora oficial peninsular CEST · Times may vary depending on the exact location within the municipality
Prefer the full
list as a PDF?
All 221 municipalities ranked by totality duration, with exact start and end times. The only guide that lists them all. IGN / Observatorio Astronómico Nacional data.
Instant download
The 18 official points
recommended by the Generalitat
The Generalitat has set up 18 points with logistical infrastructure: parking, access, security and services. They aren't the only valid spots — they're the ones with official support.
| # | Municipality | County | Totality start | Duration | Details |
|---|
ⓘ Durations: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) · eclipses.ign.es · ⭐ = Longest duration within the official point
Logistics source: Generalitat de Catalunya / IEEC · eclipsicatalunya.cat
What time
is the eclipse?
The eclipse happens at sunset, with the Sun very close to the horizon (less than 5° high). Choose an observation spot with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) — no mountains, buildings or trees.
The totality phase lasts between 2 and 98 seconds depending on the municipality. Being ready 30 minutes early makes the difference.
Partial eclipse begins. The Sun starts to be covered. ISO 12312-2 glasses required throughout the eclipse.
Advanced partial eclipse. The Sun is over 80% covered. The sky starts to change tone.
The sky darkens. The stars appear. The solar corona is visible. Glasses on at all times.
Sunlight returns. Glasses on until the end of the eclipse (~9:15 PM).
Get ready
for the day
Traffic
Several local councils in the area will activate traffic restrictions and road closures on eclipse day. The recommendation is to travel to your observation area the day before, or in the early morning hours, before the restrictions are put in place.
→ Join our Telegram channel to stay informedParking
The official points will have designated areas. Park away from the town centre and walk to your chosen observation spot. Don't leave your car in an unauthorised area — tow trucks will be active.
→ Use the official, authorised car parksClear horizon
The Sun will be less than 5° above the horizon. Choose a spot with a clear horizon to the west (azimuth ~286°) and no obstacles. The Generalitat advises against observing from beaches and protected natural areas due to overcrowding, evacuation and fire risk: prioritise an official point or an inland open space.
→ Ensure a clear horizon to the west (~286°)Water and food
August, heat, a long wait. Bring plenty of water and food for the whole day. Local businesses will be overwhelmed.
→ Pack your bagBattery and connectivity
Bring a charged power bank. Mobile networks will be saturated. Download offline maps before leaving. Use SMS instead of WhatsApp if you need to reach someone.
→ Offline maps + SMSStay afterwards
The return traffic will be the worst part. Stay 45-60 min. August 12-13 is also the Perseids peak — two shows in a single night.
→ Perseids: night of the 12-13The weather on
August 12
August in the Terres de l'Ebre and the Camp de Tarragona is statistically one of the clearest months of the year in Catalonia. The odds of a clear sky are high — but not guaranteed.
Check the specific forecast 3-5 days before the eclipse. If clouds are expected, consider moving to another municipality in the path with a better forecast.
Glasses on
at all
times
Looking at the Sun without protection can cause permanent blindness in under a second. Use ISO 12312-2 certified glasses throughout the eclipse, without exception.
Buy ISO 12312-2 certified glasses →The Sun starts to be covered.
✓ ISO 12312-2 glasses onThe sky darkens. Solar corona visible.
✓ ISO 12312-2 glasses onSunlight gradually returns.
✓ ISO 12312-2 glasses onThe eclipse ends completely.
✓ Glasses until the endThe only guide with all 221 municipalities
under the path
All 221 municipalities of Catalonia under the path of totality. But note: observation will only happen in 135 of them; another 28 will have partial observation (only from certain areas) and 58 are not suitable because the terrain will block the Sun. All this information is in the guide, downloadable instantly when you fill in the form.
Instant download after filling in the form
We are the only media outlet to have studied the path by cross-referencing verified sources (IGN + IEEC) to produce this information. You won't find it anywhere else. Download it and take it with you —printed or on your phone— to choose your observation spot in the days before.
You know where to go.
Now remember it.
Available now72 full-colour pages. Science, mythology, natural history and the eclipse's effects on animals, seas and people. Includes activities for children, an eclipse diary and a keepsake section to preserve the memory of your unique experience. Shipping within Spain included.
On 12 August, thousands of people will decide where to watch the eclipse here. Your brand can be right in front of them.
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