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On 12th August 2026, the Basque Country is to witness a solar eclipse for the first time in over a century. Between the sea and the mountains, the eclipse will transform our landscapes with a magical light for a few hours. A fleeting but unforgettable instant that will make your visit an experience that's hard to put into words.
The Iberian Peninsula will be experiencing this phenomenon in successive years, 2026, 2027 and 2028, but 2026 is when the eclipse will be the most spectacular in the north.
A solar eclipse is one of the most fascinating spectacles in the sky. It happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, hiding the latter wholly or partially and casting a shadow over our planet. In the Basque Country we'll be able to enjoy a total solar eclipse, which will transform the landscape to create a unique atmosphere.
Over the course of an hour, the Moon starts to "nibble" the disc of the Sun, creating an increasingly shortened image of it. The light fails gradually, though the surrounding area remains lit.
Just before totality, small points of bright light appear at the edge of the Moon.
This is the last glint of the Sun before totality or the first after it. Its intensity recalls a diamond on a ring.
The Sun is completely hidden and the daylight turns into a brief twilight. The temperature drops, the sky darkens and the solar corona becomes visible, a spectacle as brief as it is unforgettable.
On 12th August 2026 the solar eclipse will be visible from the whole of the Basque Country, starting around 7.30pm and reaching its climax around 8.30pm. Totality can be seen particularly from Álava, much of Bizkaia and some places in Gipuzkoa, where the sky will turn completely dark for a few moments. In the rest of the country the eclipse will be near total, also offering a spectacular show.
Partial eclipse
Total eclipse lasting < 1 minute
Total eclipse lasting > 1 minute
With this interactive viewer, you can experience every moment of the eclipse from your own perspective: how the light will change and when it will reach its most exciting point. Discover what the eclipse will be like in every corner of the Basque Country.
What the eclipse will look like where I am » (opens in a new tab)
Stay hydrated, use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to heat, especially in the middle of the day.
Do not look directly at the sun without approved eye protection. Use only certified glasses (ISO 12312-2) or solar filters suitable for telescopes and cameras, and check their condition before the eclipse. Check the recommendations here.
Book your accommodation in good time and organise your trips to avoid traffic congestion, restrictions or unforeseen events on the day of the eclipse.
Check official sources and be aware that some services may be limited or experiencing high demand. Take water, food, medication, sufficient fuel and a mobile phone battery pack.
Avoid distractions at the wheel during the eclipse. Do not stop on roads or in places that are not marked and always follow the traffic signs. Reduce unnecessary trips and prioritise walking, cycling, public transport or efficient vehicles. Only park in designated areas.
Check the recommended points here and avoid unsuitable or dangerous areas. Arrive early and check the weather forecast.
Moving around does not always improve the experience. If you are in the path of totality and have good visibility, your current location may be the best place to observe the eclipse.
In summer, even a small spark can trigger a large-scale wildfire. Spanish regulations prohibit any type of fire in forest areas during this time of year. Respect the flora and fauna, avoid entering protected areas or farmland, reduce your waste, and use resources responsibly.
Enjoy the local culture, respecting the local people, their surroundings and customs.
Contribute to the local economy and support local businesses, gastronomy and services.
What can we do after the eclipse to enhance our experience?
When the eclipse ends, we recommend you wait between 30 minutes and 1 hour before going home. Like this you'll avoid traffic jams and you'll be able to get back more conveniently and safely.
The night of the eclipse also coincides with the climax of the Perseids, one of the most spectacular sights of the year. This phenomenon generally reaches its peak between 11th and 13th August, and in 2026 the conditions will be ideal, as with the new moon the sky will be particularly dark.
The best time to see the Perseids is expected to be between 11pm on 12th August and 7am on 13th August.
The Perseids, commonly known as "shooting stars", are small fragments of rock and dust left by some comets on their orbit around the Sun. Every August, the Earth passes through this zone and these fragments enter our atmosphere at high speed.
As they disintegrate they give off bright flashes for a few seconds, creating the spectacle we know as shooting stars.
After the eclipse you can take advantage of the same place to carry on marvelling at the night sky. Unlike the solar eclipse, you won't need special glasses or anything else to see the Perseids.
All you need to find is a dark sky and a clear night, away from lights. The best idea is to lie down, look up and wait for the shooting stars to appear.
