2026 Total Solar Eclipse: Spain, Balearic Islands & Iceland
- Travelite 360
- 10月26日
- 讀畢需時 6 分鐘
已更新：10月28日
The 2026 Solar Eclipse promises one of the most dramatic celestial events of the decade — a golden-hour totality that sweeps across Greenland’s glaciers, Iceland’s volcanic plains, and northern Spain’s sun-kissed coastlines. For travelers, it’s a rare invitation to watch the sun disappear over landscapes where light itself defines the view.
Planning your first eclipse trip? Read our Complete Guide to Solar Eclipse Travel for expert planning tips, packing essentials, and safe-viewing advice.
Overview: The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Date: August 12, 2026
Path of Totality: Greenland → Iceland → Northern Spain → Balearic Islands
Peak Time: Around 5:45 pm in Iceland and 8:30 pm across Spain & the Balearics
Duration: Up to 2–3 minutes of totality, depending on location
This eclipse is unique for its late-day timing, which means the sun will set soon after totality — creating surreal pink-gold skies and spectacular photographic opportunities. Whether you’re watching from a Spanish vineyard, an Icelandic fjord, or the deck of an expedition ship, 2026 offers unforgettable vantage points.
The 2026 total solar eclipse will traverse Europe, stretching from Iceland's volcanic landscapes and glaciers to the Mediterranean shores of Spain. Many cruises and hotels along the path of totality have already sold out. Consider booking accommodations outside the totality path, but be ready to drive or organize transportation to viewing locations. Some cruises are still available, but options are limited.
Spain: Coastal Light & Cultural Charm
Spain sits directly beneath the 2026 path, offering the best mix of accessibility, mild weather, and dramatic sunset backdrops.
Where to View
A Coruña (Galicia): Walk the seaside promenade to the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working lighthouse, for an open-sky view while enjoying Galician seafood.
Zaragoza: Admire totality above the Basílica del Pilar or along the Ebro River, framed by centuries of architecture. Explore the Moorish architecture at the Aljafería Palace and taste the flavors of Aragonese cuisine.
Gijón (Asturias): Experience the vibrant Asturian port city where golden beaches converge with Roman baths, a historic fishing district, and lively cultural festivals.
Aras de los Olmos: A safeguarded region close to Valencia features an astronomical observatory, a mountain village, and convenient access to hiking trails.
Segovia: Renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct, the Alcázar castle, and its meandering streets that lead to town squares.
Burgos: This Castilian city, which hosts a Gothic cathedral recognized by UNESCO, features medieval monasteries and riverside strolls.
Where to Stay
URSO Hotel & Spa, Madrid – Located in the heart of Madrid, this sophisticated hotel offers elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a comprehensive spa.
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – This urban chic hotel, located in the vibrant city center, provides elegant rooms and features a rooftop bar with panoramic views.
Almanac Barcelona – A sophisticated design hotel featuring stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and an on-site restaurant showcasing seasonal Catalan cuisine.
** Pro Tip: Combine northern Spain’s coastal route with a few days in the Balearic Islands for a mix of culture and coastal serenity.
Cruise the Eclipse
Royal Caribbean (Liberty of the Seas, August 7–16): Embark on a roundtrip journey from Southampton, featuring stops throughout Northern Spain and an opportunity to view the solar eclipse off the coast of La Coruña.
Reserve through Travelite360 to enjoy a specialty dining experience for balcony cabins and higher, along with a spa treatment for Junior Suites and above on select cruises.
Cunard Cruises (Queen Anne, August 9–16): Experience elegant, traditional cruising from Southampton, with visits to France and Spain, and a sea-time eclipse viewing after departing La Coruña.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $600 in Onboard Credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Explora Journeys (Explora III, August 10–17): Embark on a yacht-inspired voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, with the eclipse visible as you leave the port of La Coruña.
Reserve through Travelite360 to receive up to EUR 300 in Journey Experience Credit per stateroom on select voyages.
The Balearic Islands
Off Spain’s eastern coast, the Balearic Islands offer turquoise coves, breezy seaside resorts, rustic villages, and Mediterranean flavors. Mallorca serves as an ideal hub near the center of the eclipse path, with Ibiza just off to the side of the track. Menorca and Formentera rest along the edge of totality.
Where to View the Eclipse
Mallorca: Coastal villages such as Deià, Sant Elm, and Sóller provide sunset views with seaside cafés, bustling markets, and rugged cliffs that offer breathtaking vantage points.
Ibiza: Observe the sun set behind the famous Es Vedrà rock formation from Cala d’Hort, or take the cliffside trails above Cala Vadella’s protected bay for peaceful views.
Menorca: The sunset views at Cap d’Artrutx are renowned on the island, and the striking natural rock bridge at Pont d’en Gil provides a distinctive foreground.
Formentera: The tranquil, shallow waters of Cala Saona provide an intimate setting for sunsets, while the 18th-century Torre de La Gavina offers a secluded atmosphere atop a cliff.
Where to Stay
Finca Serena Mallorca (Mallorca): A tranquil retreat for adults nestled amidst olive groves and vineyards, combining rustic charm with contemporary luxury.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Can Bordoy Grand House Hotel GL Preferred Hotel (Mallorca): A secluded retreat surrounded by gardens in Palma's historic center, offering spacious suites and a courtyard pool.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Six Senses Ibiza (Ibiza): A wellness-oriented retreat on the tranquil northern coast featuring elegant suites, beachfront caves, farm-to-table cuisine, and a holistic spa.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruise the Eclipse
Princess Cruises (Enchanted Princess, August 4–18): Experience classic cruising with a roundtrip journey from Civitavecchia (Rome) through the Mediterranean and Adriatic, featuring an eclipse near Mallorca.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $100 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Princess Cruises (Sun Princess): There are various Mediterranean cruise options available for 7, 14, and 21 nights, with this contemporary ship stationed near the Balearic Islands to view the sunset eclipse.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $100 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Virgin Voyages (Scarlet Lady, August 10–22): Adults-only cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), featuring a solar eclipse viewing near the coast of Ibiza.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $400 Sailor Loot per stateroom.
Iceland: Fire, Ice & the Shadow of the Moon
Iceland offers raw, cinematic settings for the eclipse — glaciers, lava plains, and coastal cliffs where the light shifts moment by moment.
Where to View
Reykjavík: Easy access and lively energy; watch from the waterfront or the top of Hallgrímskirkja.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Black-sand beaches and glacier peaks provide a striking horizon.
Westfjords: Remote and pristine; around Ísafjörður, you may find clear skies and fjord reflections.
Reykjanes Peninsula: Dramatic lava landscapes and fishing villages like Garður offer wide views.
Where to Stay
The Reykjavík EDITION – A stylish, design-focused hotel located in central Reykjavík, featuring panoramic views of the city and bay from its rooftop terrace and bar.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Next to the renowned geothermal lagoon, this exclusive property provides direct access to mineral-rich waters and spa experiences.
ION Adventure Hotel – Situated among lava fields and rugged highlands, this contemporary boutique hotel is situated just outside Reykjavík.
Cruise the Eclipse
Virgin Voyages (Valiant Lady, August 5–20): Adults-only voyage roundtrip from Portsmouth to Dublin, Glasgow, and Reykjavik, with the eclipse observed at sea near Iceland.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $400 Sailor Loot per stateroom.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (NG Endurance, August 5–16): A small-ship expedition roundtrip from Reykjavík for remote exploration and eclipse viewing in Greenland.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom.
Azamara (Azamara Journey, August 8–26): Venturing from Reykjavík to Montreal, the eclipse will be seen at sea between Iceland and Greenland, with ports of call in both.
Reserve via Travelite360 to receive up to $200 shipboard credit per stateroom on select voyages. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
Whether you choose a yacht, research vessel, or luxury liner, book early — eclipse sailings often sell out 18–24 months in advance.
Travel Tips for the 2026 Eclipse
Book Early: Northern Spain and Iceland will fill quickly with international eclipse travelers.
Monitor Weather: Sunset eclipses can be magical but vulnerable to haze; coastal flexibility helps.
Protect Your Eyes: Always use ISO-certified solar viewers—never look at the sun without them.
Dress in Layers: Temperatures can drop by 10 °F during totality.
Arrive Early: Expect road closures and large viewing crowds near major cities.
Related Reading
Explore more upcoming eclipses:
In Closing
From Galicia’s coastlines to Iceland’s fjords, the 2026 Solar Eclipse is a traveler’s dream — where culture, adventure, and science align for a few extraordinary minutes of darkness. Whether you watch from land or sea, it’s the perfect beginning to a new era of eclipse-chasing journeys with Travelite360.