Want to see the total solar eclipse? Book your flight to Spain, Iceland or Greenland

Spain, Iceland and Greenland are set to become major destinations for one of the rarest and most spectacular celestial events of the decade: the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026.

For the first time in more than a century, mainland Spain will fall under the Moon’s umbral shadow, drawing astronomers, tourists and eclipse-chasers to its northern regions. The last total solar eclipse visible from the Spanish mainland occurred in 1912 (or 1905, according to some experts who note the hybrid nature of the later event). On 12 August the path of totality will sweep across northern Spain from Galicia eastward through Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Aragon and Valencia, continuing to the Balearic Islands including Palma de Mallorca. Major cities such as A Coruña, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia lie within or near the path, offering up to nearly two minutes of totality shortly before sunset.

⏳ 8 days to go for the total solar eclipse. 🌑
Here are some places in Spain where you can enjoy it.😎 pic.twitter.com/AueTBKCmf6
— Embassy of Spain UK (@EmbSpainUK) August 4, 2026

The low solar altitude near the horizon will create dramatic lighting effects against Spain’s varied landscapes – coastal cliffs, mountains and historic cities – turning the event into a powerful tourism magnet. Combined with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower under new-moon darkness and a pre-dawn planetary alignment of six planets, 12 August is being promoted as one of the most remarkable nights for skywatching in recent years. The European Space Agency and other organisations are organising public viewing events and live broadcasts, while research teams will launch dozens of high-altitude balloons from Spanish sites to study atmospheric changes, further amplifying scientific and visitor interest. Spain’s appeal is heightened by the knowledge that another, even longer total eclipse will follow in 2027, followed by an annular eclipse in 2028, creating a rare three-year sequence.

Iceland offers a different but equally compelling attraction: its first total solar eclipse since 1954 and the only one visible from the country in the 21st century. The path clips the western and northern parts of the island, with the Westfjords – particularly areas near Látrabjarg and the Hornstrandir peninsula – experiencing some of the longest durations of totality on land, approaching two minutes. Greatest eclipse, lasting 2 minutes 18 seconds, occurs just off Iceland’s western coast. The dramatic volcanic landscapes, fjords and midnight-sun latitudes will provide a unique backdrop, making remote western regions a magnet for adventurous travellers and photographers seeking the combination of Arctic scenery and total darkness in midsummer.

Greenland completes the trio of key landfalls, where the eclipse path crosses remote northeastern and eastern areas after traversing the Arctic. While most of Greenland’s population lives on the western coast outside the path of totality, the event holds strong appeal for expedition cruise ships, researchers and specialised tours heading to fjords such as those around Scoresby Sound or isolated research stations. In the high Arctic, the temporary darkness during the continuous polar day will offer a rare and otherworldly experience, underscoring Greenland’s status as a frontier destination for those seeking the most isolated and pristine viewing conditions.

☀️ 🌓 🌑 Path of total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026
Day will briefly turn into night across a swathe of northern Spain on 12 August, when the Moon will completely cover the Sun during a rare total solar eclipse. Here’s the path it will take: #solareclipse pic.twitter.com/RCTd95wo2r
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 6, 2026

Across these three destinations the eclipse’s relatively short path over land – mostly crossing the Atlantic – concentrates interest on accessible yet distinctive locations. Spain provides urban and coastal convenience with historic resonance; Iceland delivers dramatic natural beauty and longer on-land totality; and Greenland offers polar remoteness and expedition-style adventure. Together they transform the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse into a major international attraction, promising both scientific opportunity and unforgettable travel experiences for those willing to journey into the path of the Moon’s shadow.

Caption: A large part of Spain will offer a view of total solar eclipse [EmbSpainUK on X]