Spain's Eclipse Trilogy: What You Need to Know About 2026, 2027, and 2028
Spain will witness three solar eclipses in just three years — 2026, 2027, and 2028. Learn why this is historically unprecedented and how to plan for all three events.
Three Eclipses, Three Years, One Country
Between 2026 and 2028, Spain will experience something that has not happened in recorded history: three solar eclipses visible from the same country in consecutive years. This extraordinary sequence has already been dubbed the Spain Eclipse Trilogy, and it is drawing the attention of astronomers, photographers, and travelers worldwide.
Here is a quick overview of what is coming.
The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse — August 12
The first eclipse in the trilogy is a total solar eclipse crossing northern Spain on August 12, 2026. The path of totality enters from the Atlantic, passes over Galicia and Asturias, and continues through northern Castile before leaving through the Pyrenees.
Key facts:
- Date: August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Type: Total solar eclipse
- Time in Spain: Approximately 20:15–20:35 CEST
- Maximum totality in Spain: ~2 minutes
- Best viewing regions: A Coruna, Oviedo, Leon, Bilbao
The Sun will be low on the western horizon during totality, creating dramatic lighting conditions. This eclipse is the gateway event — the one that will put Spain on the global eclipse-chasing map. Explore the full 2026 eclipse guide.
The 2027 Total Solar Eclipse — August 2
The second eclipse is the crown jewel of the trilogy. On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain with an exceptionally long totality — over 4 minutes in some locations. This makes it the longest total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe in the 21st century.
Key facts:
- Date: August 2, 2027 (Monday)
- Type: Total solar eclipse
- Time in Spain: Approximately 10:45–11:15 CEST
- Maximum totality in Spain: ~4 min 30 sec
- Best viewing regions: Malaga, Seville, Gibraltar, Cadiz
Unlike the 2026 eclipse, the 2027 event occurs during mid-morning, with the Sun high in the sky. Southern Spain in August has some of the best clear-sky statistics in all of Europe, making this an eclipse chaser’s dream. Read more about the 2027 eclipse.
The 2028 Annular Solar Eclipse — January 26
The trilogy concludes with an annular solar eclipse on January 26, 2028. Unlike the previous two total eclipses, an annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is slightly too far from Earth to fully cover the Sun, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around its edges.
Key facts:
- Date: January 26, 2028 (Wednesday)
- Type: Annular solar eclipse
- Time in Spain: Approximately 09:30–10:00 CET
- Maximum annularity in Spain: ~7 minutes
- Best viewing regions: Southern and eastern Spain
While you cannot see the corona during an annular eclipse (and you must keep your eclipse glasses on throughout), the ring of fire effect is stunning in its own right. Learn about the 2028 eclipse.
Why This Is Historically Unprecedented
To have three solar eclipses — two total and one annular — cross the same country in three consecutive years is exceptionally rare. The last time anything comparable happened in Western Europe was centuries ago, and the combination of modern infrastructure, favorable weather, and accessible locations makes Spain’s trilogy unique in the modern era.
For context, most locations on Earth see a total solar eclipse roughly once every 375 years. Spain is about to see two in 12 months.
Planning for Multiple Eclipses
If you are considering attending more than one of these eclipses, here are some practical tips:
Book accommodation early
Hotels in the path of totality will fill up a year or more in advance, especially for the 2027 eclipse. Southern Spain’s tourist infrastructure is extensive, but eclipse demand will be unlike anything these cities have seen.
Consider different base cities
Each eclipse crosses a different part of Spain. The 2026 eclipse favors the north (A Coruna, Oviedo), while the 2027 and 2028 eclipses favor the south (Malaga, Seville, Cadiz). Plan accordingly.
Get your gear sorted once
A good pair of ISO-certified eclipse glasses and a camera setup will serve you for all three eclipses. Invest once, use three times.
Learn from each experience
If 2026 is your first eclipse, you will be far better prepared for 2027. Use the first event to practice your photography, test your viewing setup, and understand the emotional impact of totality — then refine your approach for the next one.
The Bottom Line
Spain’s 2026–2028 eclipse trilogy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you can attend one, two, or all three, these events deserve a spot on your calendar. Start with the 2026 eclipse and let the countdown begin.