Image: ©Pitris | IStock

The eclipse will be visible in totality across parts of northern and eastern Spain, as well as the Balearic Islands.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s visible disk. For a short period, daytime skies become dark and the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible.

In Spain, the period of totality will vary depending on location, with some areas experiencing up to around one minute and 40 seconds of complete darkness. Areas outside the path will still see a substantial partial eclipse.

The event is particularly significant because Spain has not experienced a total solar eclipse of this scale for more than a century.

The small mountain village of Somosierra, around an hour north of Madrid, is expected to become one of the country’s most popular viewing locations. Located at an altitude of about 1,440 metres, the village offers favourable conditions and is expected to experience around one minute and 29 seconds of totality.

With a permanent population of just 93 people, Somosierra faces an enormous challenge. Local authorities have prepared 400 official registration places but estimate that as many as 2,000 people could arrive.

Parking, water supplies, food and crowd management are among the main concerns. Volunteers are also being trained to help visitors understand eclipse safety and manage the expected crowds.

The eclipse is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of additional visitors to Spain. Authorities estimate that the event could generate hundreds of millions of euros in additional tourism revenue.

The Balearic Islands are also preparing for large crowds. Restrictions are planned on several major roads across Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera to reduce the risk of traffic congestion during the afternoon and evening.

The 2026 eclipse is only the beginning of an exceptional period for eclipse watchers in Spain. A total solar eclipse will cross Spain again on 2 August 2027, followed by an annular, or “ring of fire”, eclipse on 26 January 2028.

These three events are placing Spain at the centre of Europe’s growing astrotourism industry and could make the country a major destination for eclipse enthusiasts from around the world.