18 places to see the total solar eclipse in 2026
Where will you be on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a 183–190-mile-wide shadow of the moon sweeps across remote Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain?
Roughly 15 million people live within the path of totality—about a third of the total for the “Great American Eclipse” in 2024—but this one will be especially meaningful for the countries it crosses. For Iceland, it’s the first total solar eclipse since 1954. For Spain, it marks the beginning of a rare celestial double: the country will experience a second eclipse just one year later, on August 2, 2027, when the southern regions once again fall under the moon’s shadow. Technically, the path also touches parts of Russia and Portugal, but the best views will be found elsewhere.
Michael Zeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com
Things to consider for this eclipse include clouds, as always (tip: stay away from the coasts for the best chance of clear skies)—and the height of the eclipsed sun, which will never be higher than 26 degrees. In Spain, the 2026 eclipse will occur close to sunset when the sun is between 10 degrees and 2 degrees above the horizon. So, a clear view to the southwest will be required. That rules out Spain’s east coast—ironically, where masses of hotels are situated.
Here’s where to see the total solar eclipse 2026:
1. Scoresby Sund, Greenland
1 minute 46 seconds totality, 55% chance of cloud
The coasts of Greenland and Iceland and the north coast of Spain are predicted to be cloudy, but cruise ships in Scoresby Sund—west of Ittoqqortoormiit—may well have a clear view.
2. Grótta Lighthouse, Reykjavik, Iceland
1-minute 1-second totality, 76% chance of cloud
This lighthouse is close to the center of Iceland’s capital city, making it a popular place for aurora viewing (which you may see if you stay up very late on the nights either side of the eclipse).
3. Akranes Lighthouse, Iceland
1 minute 9 seconds totality, 76% chance of cloud
This cute lighthouse has lots of space for viewing and a great view out to sea.
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4. Búðakirkja, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
1 minute 56 seconds totality, 75% chance of cloud
The “black church” has starred in so many photos of the northern lights. Now it gets its turn with the eclipsed sun.
5. Gijón, Spain
1 minute 45 seconds totality, 54% chance of cloud
It’s a little risky to be on the northern coast of Spain, but this town of 270,000 will nevertheless be ready for totality.
6. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
30 seconds totality, 58% chance of cloud
This iconic art museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, has 250 contemporary works. It gets only a short totality.
7. Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Spain
1 minute 15 seconds totality, 54% chance of cloud
Galicia’s second largest city, this medieval old town on the northwest coast is known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules
8. Palencia, Spain
1 minute 42 seconds totality, 23% chance of cloud
The Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León areas will be busy precisely because they are predicted to have clear skies.
9. Burgos, Spain
1 minute 44 seconds totality, 31% chance of cloud
This city in Castile and León will serve as a base for many eclipse chasers. It has a beautiful cathedral and is a step on the Pilgrim’s Way of Saint James.
10. Valladolid, Spain
1 minute 28 seconds totality, 19% chance of cloud
One of the most likely cities to have clear skies, Valladolid is famed for its medieval religious sites and the Royal Palace, which was the home of Spanish kings in the early 1600s. It’s also home to the Christopher Columbus Museum. The explorer died here.
11. Segovia, Spain
54 seconds totality, 19% chance of cloud
This beautiful city is home to a spectacular Roman aqueduct featuring over 160 arches. It’s located near the southern edge of the path, but only a one-hour drive from Madrid. It will be heaving with people, particularly photographers.
12. Guadalajara, Spain
1 minute 6 seconds totality, 17% chance of cloud
This city, northeast of Madrid in Castilla-La Mancha, straddles the Henares River. The key sight is the Infantado Palace.
13. Sigüenza, Spain
1 minute 38 seconds totality, 21% chance of cloud
Declared a Historic-Artistic site in 1965, this city is home to the iconic Sigüenza Castle, a cathedral and the Plaza Mayor square.
14. Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park, Spain
1 minute 38 seconds totality, 21% chance of cloud
This park, just south of Sigüenza, has waterfalls, caves, canyons and other spectacular limestone formations. It’s also busy with vultures, eagles and falcons.
15. Almazán, Spain
1 minute 44 seconds totality, 22% chance of cloud
Almost bang on the centerline for a long totality, Almazan on the banks of the river Duero has remains of a wall, two entrance gates and several churches from the 12th century.
16. Alcañiz, Spain
1 minute 33 seconds totality, 20% chance of cloud
It’s essential to avoid Spain’s east coast, which boasts numerous hotels but lacks sightlines to this low eclipse. So, head inland to somewhere like Alcañiz, Aragon, on the banks of the River Guadalope, where the chance of clear skies is also very good.
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When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler’s guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2035
17. Mallorca, Spain
1 minute 36 seconds totality, 36% chance of cloud
From this Spanish island, it will be possible to see a “sunset totality”—a golden corona as the eclipsed sun sinks into the ocean, though sightlines will make it tricky.
18. Cala Vadella, Ibiza, Spain
59 seconds totality, 33% chance of cloud
Though south of the centerline, with a shorter totality, Ibiza’s west coast will make an excellent place for this eclipse for nature lovers and party-goers.
Originally published on Forbes.com
Featured image: Tower of Hercules, A Coruña ©GA Carter, 2024
