If you’re searching for a unique travel experience this summer, you’re in luck: we’re about to be treated to a solar eclipse.
Coming to a sky near you on August 12, this phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun and completely covers the sun’s bright surface.
While you may think eclipses are most common around the Arctic Circle, next month, you could swap the chill for southern Europe.
Because for the first time in over 100 years, a total eclipse will sweep across parts of Spain.
Covering northern regions like Galicia — dubbed ‘Spain’s Caribbean’ — it will then head inland to Castile and León before hitting the east coast.
Locals and tourists in the Balearic Islands will also be able to see the show across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
What exactly is a solar eclipse?
Before we get into where you can see it, Jamie Carter, author of the Complete Guide to the Total Solar Eclipse 2026 and eclipse expert for New Scientist Discovery Tours, is here to school us on what this astronomical event is all about.
55% of travellers say natural wonders will actively guide where they go on holiday, after all.
A solar eclipse is a natural event where the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of its light from reaching us.
Jamie tellsMetrothat the precision of an eclipse is only possible because the sun and the moon appear to be almost the same size in our sky.
It can be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it experience, though, as a total eclipse only lasts a few minutes during what’s referred to as ‘totality.’
Jamie says it’s an ‘extraordinary experience’ nevertheless.
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‘Day turns to night in seconds, temperatures drop, and the sun’s faint corona — its spiky white outer atmosphere — becomes visible as a halo around the moon’s silhouette.’
The best places to see the solar eclipse
Jamie has given us the rundown of the best places to catch it.
And a top tip: for the clearest possible view, he says we should use The Eclipse App, Eclipse Horizon Checker and the Instituto Geográfico Nacional.
Castile and León (Burgos, Palencia and Valladolid), Spain
Castile and León in Spain’s Iberian Peninsula is the best all-round choice.
This is because the landlocked region combines relatively long totality (up to about 1 minute and 45 seconds at 8:28 pm CEST), generally favourable weather prospects and wide, open landscapes.
But there’s more to the region than science.
In Burgos, you can marvel at Gothic architecture, including the mighty 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral — the only one in Spain with this status.
Burgos, which is also on Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, too.
The culinary scene blends rich medieval history with innovative flavours, and is famous for slow-roasted suckling lamb, spiced black pudding, and fresh sheep’s milk cheese.
In Palencia, stroll or cycle through the Canal de Castilla, a historic 18th-century waterway that weaves through the city.
Or, stop for tapas in Calle Mayor, a 19th-century arcaded street.
Finally, if you pick Valladolid for your solar eclipse location, be sure to check out its cool tapas and pinchos scene.
It also boasts charming Renaissance squares and is known as a hidden gem for wine lovers.
Across the board Northern Spain will have some of the best views, however authorities in the region are currently urging people to stay away because of wildfires.
Where to stay in Burgos, Palencia and Valladolid
Heads up, the eclipse is hiking up hotel prices, so be prepared to pay a little extra than normal:
Burgos–RICE Palacio de los Blasones:Located 300 metres from Burgos Cathedral, this four-star hotel has a terrace with fountains and serves creative regional cuisine. During the eclipse, rooms average around £388.
Palencia–AC Hotel Palencia by Marriott: This four-star hotel has rooms available from £180 per night, but requires a three-night minimum stay.
Valladolid–Hotel Imperialis housed in a former 16th-century palace in Valladolid’s city centre. Rooms start from £311 during the eclipse.
Ebro Delta, Spain
In Ebro Delta on the east coast, the eclipse will take place at 8:30 pm CEST, lasting 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Here in Catalonia, you’ll find wetlands, lagoons, rice fields and barrier beaches at the mouth of the Ebro River.
Jamie says that the beaches offer uninterrupted views to the northwest, where the eclipse will happen.
Elsewhere, Ebro Delta is Catalonia’s primary rice producer and famous for local dishes such as arroz a banda (seafood rice).
Seafood is such big business that you can actually take dedicated boat tours into various bays to eat mussels and oysters from floating seafood farms.
Where to stay in Ebro Delta
Delta Hotel is a serene hotel surrounded by rice paddies. Perfect for relaxing after the eclipse. Rooms start from £131.
S’Arenal Beach, Mallorca
The eclipse will take place just before sunset in Mallorca, which means the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, will not be able to see anything.
Jamie’s insider tip? Head to S’Arenal beach, a long, white and sandy spot with scatterings of palm trees, for a clear view.
The eclipse is set to take place at 8:31 pm CEST, for 1 minute and 36 seconds.
The Government of the Balearic Islands and AstroMallorca have launched Horizonte Eclipse 2026, a free tool to determine whether totality will be visible from any specific location.
Where to stay in S’Arenal Beach
tent Bahia de Palmais a three-star hotel with a boho vibe. Key features include an outdoor pool, a sun terrace and a buffet restaurant. Rooms start from £202 during the eclipse.
Scoresby Sund, East Greenland
About 15 expedition cruise ships full of eclipse chasers are heading for the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sund, for its dramatic scenery, planning to reposition within the fjords to find clearer skies.
In Greenland, Jamie says the eclipse will take place at4:35 pm EGST and will last 2 minutes and 16 seconds.
As the largest and deepest fjord system, there’s more to explore once the eclipse has passed.
The area is home to a flurry of wildlife, from whales, Atlantic walruses and polar bears.
Not to mention the isolated settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. Since 1924, it’s been the only permanent settlement in the region.
Where to stay in Scoresby Sund
As mentioned, there is no city settlement here. So, to see the eclipse, you have to join an expedition cruise ship, making it the most expensive viewing location.
However, if you feel like splashing out, join the New Scientist Discovery Tours’2026 total solar eclipse: Iceland to Greenland polar cruise (13 days from 7 August 2026, from £14,595pp).
Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland’s capital — famed for its volcanic architecture, rich geothermal hot springs, and Viking heritage — has plans for viewing areas along the southwest coast.
Jamie recommends checking out tips and maps on Eclipse2026.is.
The eclipse is set to happen at 5:48 pm GMT, and will last a shorter 57 seconds.
For those who want to combine music and the eclipse, don’t miss Echolalia, a unique one-day festival hosted by Björk, to coincide with the phenomenon.
Just 10 km south of central Reykjavík at the Víðistaðatún sculpture park in Hafnarfjörður, tickets start from 14,990 ISK (£89).
Where to stay in Reykjavík
We all know that Iceland isn’t the cheapest of holiday destinations.
So, if you’re looking to save some cash, why not bed down with other eclipse chasers at Dalur – HI Eco Hostel? 2 single beds in a 6-bed mixed dorm with a shared bathroom cost £211.
James also says that Reykjavík will have special viewing areas for visitors and locals on the coast near the domestic airport, so it doesn’t matter where you stay.
Why is a solar eclipse so special?
A total solar eclipse comes to any particular location only every few centuries.
So, for most people it’s a once-or twice-in-a-lifetime experience.
‘That’s why so many people are prepared to travel. But also why there’s always a lot of confusion.’
The travel industry is currently obsessed with astrotourism as a new trend, but Jamie says eclipse chasing isn’t a new phenomenon.
‘People have travelled to witness total solar eclipses for centuries, but the hobby has exploded in popularity following the hugely successful North American total solar eclipses of 2017 and 2024, which introduced millions of people to totality for the first time.’
Respecting the eclipse
Whether it’s the Northern Lights or the Great Barrier Reef, natural wonders will always attract travellers.
However, for people to enjoy them into the future, tourists must be respectful.
It’s why the Agency for Tourism of the Balearic Islands (AETIB) has issued guidance to help visitors protect the islands’ natural environment.
Examples include respecting existing signage, not straying from designated paths, and collecting all rubbish and disposing of it in the appropriate places.
