Which Eclipse Should You Attend?
Spain will witness three solar eclipses in just 18 months. Here is how they compare — and which one is right for you.
Quick Answer
If you can only see ONE: go to the 2027 eclipse. It offers the longest totality (over 4 minutes), the best weather odds (sunny Andalucia in August), and high sun altitude for a spectacular view.Learn more about the 2027 eclipse.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 2026 Eclipse | 2027 Eclipse | 2028 Eclipse | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | August 12, 2026 | August 2, 2027 | January 26, 2028 |
| Type | Total | Total | Annular ("Ring of Fire") |
| Max in Spain | ~1m 50s | 4m 48s | ~7m (annularity) |
| Region | Northern Spain | Southern Spain (Andalucia) | Central Spain |
| Time of Day | Evening / sunset | Late morning | Afternoon |
| Sun Altitude | 21 degrees (low) | 72 degrees (high) | 18 degrees (low) |
| Weather Odds | Moderate (70%) | Excellent (85%+) | Variable (50-60%) |
| Best City | Palma de Mallorca | Malaga / Marbella | Madrid |
| Crowd Size | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Accommodation Cost | Peak season (expensive) | Peak season (very expensive) | Off-season (affordable) |
Detailed Eclipse Breakdown
Total Eclipse — Northern Spain
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse sweeps across northern Spain at sunset. The path of totality crosses from Galicia through Asturias, Burgos, Zaragoza, and out to the Balearic Islands. This is a dramatic sunset eclipse with the sun low on the horizon.
Pros
- + Stunning sunset totality — unique photographic opportunity
- + Northern Spain has cooler August weather
- + Palma de Mallorca offers beach + eclipse combo
- + First of the three — build your eclipse experience
- + Path crosses many accessible cities
Cons
- - Short totality (about 1m 50s in well-positioned Spanish cities)
- - Low sun altitude (21 degrees) — horizon clouds a risk
- - Peak summer season pricing
- - Atlantic coast weather less predictable
Total Eclipse — Southern Spain
On August 2, 2027, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century visible from Europe crosses Andalucia. With over 4 minutes of totality near Marbella and excellent weather, this is the premier eclipse event.
Pros
- + Longest totality in Spain: about 4m 48s in Ceuta
- + Excellent weather: Andalucia in August averages 85%+ clear skies
- + High sun altitude (72 degrees) — no horizon worries
- + World-class tourism infrastructure (Costa del Sol)
- + Closest major eclipse to Africa — exotic backdrop
Cons
- - Extreme heat (35-40 degrees Celsius in August)
- - Highest demand — book very early
- - Most expensive of the three due to demand
- - Crowds will be massive in Malaga and Marbella
Annular "Ring of Fire" — Central Spain
On January 26, 2028, an annular eclipse crosses roughly the southeastern half of Spain. Madrid city is outside the annularity path and sees a deep partial eclipse. While not a total eclipse, the "ring of fire" lasts about 7 minutes in well-positioned Spanish cities and the off-season timing makes it the most affordable option.
Pros
- + Broad southeastern path with several major transport hubs
- + About 7 minutes of annularity at the best Spanish locations
- + January off-season — cheapest flights and hotels
- + Less crowded than the total eclipses
- + Unique "ring of fire" visual effect
Cons
- - Not a total eclipse — sky does not go dark
- - January weather in central Spain can be cloudy
- - Low sun altitude (18 degrees)
- - Requires eclipse glasses throughout (no safe naked-eye viewing)
Which Eclipse Is Right for You?
"I want the longest totality"
Go to the 2027 eclipse in Andalucia. Over 4 minutes of totality near Marbella.
"I want a dramatic sunset eclipse"
Go to the 2026 eclipse in northern Spain. Totality at sunset is unforgettable.
"I want to visit Madrid"
Go to the 2028 annular eclipse. The path crosses directly over the capital.
"I want the best weather guarantee"
Go to the 2027 eclipse. Andalucia in August has the highest clear-sky probability in all of Europe.
"I am on a budget"
Go to the 2028 annular eclipse. January is off-season, so flights and accommodation are at their cheapest.
"I want to see all three!"
Read our planning tips below for how to attend all three Spain eclipses.
See All Three: The Ultimate Spain Eclipse Tour
If you are planning to attend all three eclipses, here is your 18-month roadmap across Spain.
Stop 1: August 12, 2026 — Northern Spain
Compare Oviedo (about 1m48s, higher cloud risk), Leon(about 1m45s), Zaragoza (about 1m23s, drier) and Palma(about 1m36s, very low Sun). Combine with a summer holiday along the Cantabrian coast or Balearic beaches.
Fly into: Barcelona (Balearics), Bilbao (northern coast), or Zaragoza.
Stop 2: August 2, 2027 — Southern Spain
Base yourself in Malaga or Marbella for maximum totality. Book accommodation at least 12-18 months in advance. This is the main event — plan extra days to explore Andalucia (Granada, Seville, Cordoba).
Fly into: Malaga (AGP) directly. Alternative: Seville or Gibraltar.
Stop 3: January 26, 2028 — Central Spain
Choose a base inside the southeastern path for about 7 minutes of annularity. Madrid is useful for transport but sees only a partial eclipse. January is low season, so this is the most affordable leg. Combine with visits to Toledo, Segovia, or the Prado Museum.
Fly into: Madrid (MAD). Excellent connections from anywhere in Europe and worldwide.
Multi-Eclipse Planning Tip
Book the 2027 eclipse first — it will sell out the fastest. Hotels in Malaga and Marbella are already accepting reservations. The 2026 and 2028 eclipses will be easier to arrange closer to the date.