If you happen to be in Barcelona on 12 August 2026, make sure you look up that evening – … preferably with protective eclipse glasses. One of the most exciting astronomical events in decades is about to unfold! It’s definitely not something you get to see every day.
What Is Happening?
On 12 August 2026, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, Although the path of totality passes through northern Spain, Barcelona will experience approximately 99.7% coverage of the Sun.
That remaining 0.3% makes all the difference. It may sound tiny, but it’s enough to completely change the experience. Instead of the Sun disappearing completely, you’ll still see a tiny sliver of sunlight. Only people inside the path of totality will experience true daytime darkness and the famous diamond ring effect.
Oh… and if one incredible event wasn’t enough, you’re in luck cuz nature has another surprise waiting later that night.
The Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the very same night. If the skies stay clear, you could finish the evening watching one of the year’s best meteor showers after witnessing one of Europe’s most spectacular solar eclipses.
What Time Is the Eclipse in Barcelona?
The eclipse will begin at 7:35 PM, when the Moon first starts to cover the Sun.
Over the next hour, the eclipse will gradually become more dramatic until it reaches its maximum at 8:29 PM, when around 99.7% of the Sun will be covered.
Where to Watch the Eclipse in Barcelona
Since the eclipse happens late in the day, buildings, hills, and even trees can block your view of the Sun much earlier than you’d expect.
So find a place with a clear view from the top, towards the western sky – … and no, you won’t see anything from the beach, I guarantee you that. The Sun will be behind the city by then – …duh.
Some of the best spots include:
- Montjuïc castle area, or Mirador del Migdia with its open viewpoints and panoramic views to the west.
- The Bunkers del Carmel, where you’ll have a fantastic view over the city and towards the western horizon.
- Tibidabo or other viewpoints in the Collserola hills if you don’t mind heading a little outside the city centre.
- Your own rooftop, terrace or balcony if it has a view to the west.
✨Check out my guide to the best rooftop bars in Barcelona to find one with the perfect viewpoint.
Where Can You See the Total Eclipse in Spain?
You’ll need to head a little further north or west. The path of totality crosses Spain from A Coruña to Palma de Mallorca, passing through cities including León, Burgos, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia and Tarragona.
Barcelona sits just outside this narrow path, which is why the city will experience an impressive 99.7% partial eclipse instead of totality.
Closest places from Barcelona to experience 100% totality
- Tarragona – around 1 hour 15 minutes by car or train. One of the easiest day trips from Barcelona and right inside the path with about 1 minute of totality.
- Reus
- Valls
- Lleida
Protect Your Eyes During the Eclipse
As exciting as this event will be, never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses.
Regular sunglasses won’t protect your eyes, and neither will cameras, telescopes, or binoculars unless they’re fitted with proper solar filters.
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Solar eclipses happen somewhere on Earth every year or two, but seeing one from your own city is pretty cool. Plus, combined with the meteor shower later that night, 12 August 2026 promises to be one of the most memorable evenings for skywatchers in Spain…
…. almost the entire Sun disappears behind the Moon. Then, once darkness falls, the Perseid meteor shower offers the chance to spot dozens of shooting stars under clear skies…
If the weather cooperates…
Aaaanyways,
See you at the next one,
Noémi
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What an exciting and beautifully presented guide to one of nature’s most spectacular shows! 🌞🌑✨ I loved how you explained the crucial difference between 99.7% coverage and totality—that tiny remaining sliver of sunlight makes a surprisingly huge difference.
The combination of the eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower on the same night sounds almost too magical to be true. Your practical suggestions about finding a clear western horizon, along with the recommended viewpoints, make the post especially useful for anyone lucky enough to be in Barcelona.
I also appreciate the reminder that astronomical wonders are best experienced with both curiosity and proper eye protection. This is the kind of event that makes us pause, look upward, and remember how wonderfully vast our universe is.
I will see it on TVE best by Asturias, and be careful wear protected glasses to see it. Cheers
We had a total solar eclipse here in Dallas April 8 2024 and it was amazing. First there was a one and a half hour partial solar eclipse, then the total solar eclipse lasting four minutes, and then a one and a half hour long partial solar eclipse again. A partial solar eclipse is interesting, but a total solar eclipse is something else entirely.
Suddenly, it got dark, not entirely dark, but more like as if it was well into twilight. The sun turned into a black circle surrounded by a faint wispy light. That was the sun’s corona, which normally is invisible due to the sun’s powerful light. The sun’s transformation only took a few seconds. The darkness fell extremely fast as if someone turned off the lights. Now you could look straight at the sun without the ISO certified solar eclipse glasses. Looking straight at the sun during a total eclipse is perfectly safe since all you see is a black circle in the sky. What you see is the black moon. The sun is hidden behind the moon. However, you need to be ready to put on your glasses, or turn your head, when it is time for the sun to come back.
As the sun suddenly vanished, the birds and the insects became quiet. The stars came out. Venus appeared above our heads, not far from the sun. It shone brightly in a location where you normally never see Venus. Venus typically appears above the western horizon after sunset (the evening star) or above the eastern horizon before sunrise (the morning star), not right above you. It was quiet, dark, the sky was beautiful and filled with stars, and there was a black circle in the sky surrounded by the magical faintly shining corona.
Anyway, I hope the total solar eclipse on August 12 in Spain will be awsome and cloud free.