How Spain is Preparing for the August Solar Eclipse

"With most of that route traversing either frigid Arctic waters or islands with limited hotel capacity, Spain is positioned to be the best all-around destination for travelers hoping to experience the highly-anticipated event: In the Balearic Islands, the partially eclipsed sun will set over the Mediterranean, a phenomenon visible nowhere else on the eclipse path. Popular tourist destinations like Valencia, Bilbao, and A Coruña all sit squarely in the totality band, while Madrid and Barcelona will see 99% coverage just outside it."

"The 2024 total solar eclipse across North America proved celestial events mean serious business. According to the New York Times, car rental reservations jumped 3,000% and Airbnb searches spiked 1,000% for the event. Spanish tourism officials expect an uptick in overnight stays and American visitors, though not the dramatic percentages seen in North America, according to Magí Castelltort, director of Spain's New York tourism office."

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross Spain, producing totality over about 40% of the country and marking the first continental-EU total eclipse since 1999. The eclipse path travels from Siberia around the North Pole, past Greenland and Iceland, then crosses Spain before ending at the Mediterranean sunset. Much of the global path crosses remote Arctic waters or islands with limited lodging, making Spain the most accessible viewing option. The Balearic Islands will show a partially eclipsed sun setting over the Mediterranean. Valencia, Bilbao, and A Coruña sit in the totality band, while Madrid and Barcelona will see roughly 99% coverage. Spanish officials expect increased overnight stays and international visitors, though not as extreme as 2024 North American spikes.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler