On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Mainland Spain will experience its first widely visible total solar eclipse since August 30, 1905—ending a wait of 121 years.
Mainland Portugal last experienced totality in 1912, 114 years ago. This time, totality will touch only a very narrow area in northeastern Portugal, while the rest of the country will witness an exceptionally deep partial eclipse.
The eclipse will also appear partially across most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Greece.
Further information, viewing guidance and continuing eclipse coverage are available at 2026eclipse.live.
Where will the eclipse be total?
The path of totality will pass through Greenland, western Iceland, northern and eastern Spain and a tiny section of northeastern Portugal.
Spain will offer Europe’s largest accessible area of totality. According to the Spanish National Geographic Institute, the path will cross the country from west to east and include areas around:
- A Coruña
- Oviedo
- León
- Santander
- Bilbao
- Burgos
- Valladolid
- Zaragoza
- Castellón
- Valencia
- Palma de Mallorca
The total phase will occur at approximately 8:27pm to 8:33pm CEST, depending on location.
Madrid will come extremely close to totality but will remain outside the main total-eclipse path. Barcelona will also experience a partial rather than total eclipse.
When will it be visible in Portugal?
In mainland Portugal, the partial eclipse will generally begin between approximately 6:33pm and 6:41pm WEST. Maximum eclipse will occur between approximately 7:30pm and 7:38pm.
Location
Begins
Maximum
Ends
Expected visibility
Bragança
6:33pm
7:30pm
8:24pm
Totality in a very narrow border area
Porto
6:34pm
7:32pm
8:25pm
Approximately 98% obscuration
Lisbon
6:39pm
7:36pm
8:29pm
Approximately 95% obscuration
Faro
6:41pm
Around 7:38pm
8:31pm
Approximately 92–93% obscuration
A tiny area north of Bragança, near Rio de Onor and the Spanish border, will experience totality for approximately 26 seconds.
Porto and Lisbon will not experience totality. Even if only a very thin part of the Sun remains visible, viewers must keep their eclipse glasses on throughout the event.
Most of mainland Portugal will experience a deep partial eclipse. Approximately 92–93% of the Sun will be obscured in the Algarve, around 95% in Lisbon and approximately 98% in Porto. Only a very narrow area near Rio de Onor and the Spanish border will experience totality. Check local viewing times, eclipse updates and safety guidance at 2026eclipse.live.
Which other European countries will see it?
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, including:
United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Portugal, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Greece, Malta, Albania and several other European countries.
The amount of the Sun covered and the viewing time will vary considerably between countries. Western Europe will generally experience a deeper eclipse than southeastern Europe.
Only observers located inside the narrow path of totality may see the Sun become completely covered. Everyone outside that path must use proper solar protection throughout the event.
Look towards the western horizon
The eclipse will occur close to sunset in Portugal and Spain. The Sun will be very low in the western sky during the most important phase.
Viewers should select a location with:
- A clear and unobstructed western horizon
- No buildings, mountains or tall trees blocking the view
- Safe pedestrian access
- Sufficient space away from traffic
- An alternative location in case of cloud
People should not stop on motorway shoulders, block roads or enter unsafe coastal and mountain areas to obtain a better view.
Weather conditions will ultimately determine the best location. Viewers should check the local forecast on August 11 and again shortly before travelling on August 12.
Ordinary sunglasses are not safe
Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can permanently damage the retina.
Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, regardless of their price or darkness. Smoked glass, CDs, photographic film, X-ray sheets and homemade filters must not be used.
Only genuine eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers meeting the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard should be used. Glasses must be inspected for scratches, holes or other damage before the eclipse.
According to NASA’s eclipse-safety guidance, viewers should put their eclipse glasses on before looking towards the Sun and turn away before removing them. Children must be closely supervised.
Eclipse glasses may be removed only during confirmed totality, when the Sun is completely covered—and only by people standing within the path of totality. They must be replaced immediately when the first bright part of the Sun reappears.
What damage can naked-eye viewing cause?
Looking directly at the Sun can cause solar retinopathy, an injury to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye.
The damage may occur without immediate pain because the retina does not contain pain receptors. Symptoms can appear later and may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- A dark spot in the centre of vision
- Altered colour perception
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Permanent loss of detailed central vision
Anyone experiencing vision changes after observing the eclipse should seek urgent medical advice from an eye-care professional.
Can the eclipse damage a mobile-phone camera?
Pointing a mobile-phone camera directly at the Sun for an extended period may overheat or damage its sensor, particularly when using optical zoom, telephoto attachments or magnifying lenses.
The phone’s screen does not make viewing the Sun safe. People may unintentionally look above or around the screen while positioning their phones.
For safer recording:
- Place a suitable solar filter securely over the camera lens during every partial phase.
- Wear certified eclipse glasses while aiming or positioning the phone.
- Use a tripod and frame the scene briefly.
- Avoid prolonged, zoomed-in recording.
- Never use ordinary sunglasses as a camera filter.
- Never look through binoculars, a telescope or a telephoto lens without a proper solar filter attached securely over the instrument’s front aperture.
NASA’s eclipse-photography guidance warns that unfiltered sunlight can damage both cameras and eyes.
People without certified viewing equipment should use a pinhole projector or follow a professionally produced livestream instead.
The August 12 eclipse will connect millions of people beneath one slowly darkening European sky. After more than a century of waiting, it deserves to be remembered for its wonder—not for preventable injuries.
Local eclipse times can vary, so check the latest viewing information for your location before travelling. For Portugal and Spain viewing guides, safety information and continuing eclipse coverage, visit 2026eclipse.live.