Name: Total Solar Eclipse 2026 in Spain
Start: 2026-08-12T19:27:00+02:00
End: 2026-08-12T21:15:00+02:00
Location: Spain

Home/ Locations/ Extremadura

Partial Eclipse Only

Extremadura is well outside the path of totality. Mérida, Cáceres, and the rest of the region will see a deep partial eclipse (approximately 98% coverage) but not a total eclipse. For totality, you would need to travel north to the Salamanca–Zamora area (2.5–3 hours) or further to León.

Extremadura is one of Spain's most underrated regions — a land of vast landscapes, extraordinary history, and remarkably few tourists. While the region falls outside the path of totality for the 2026 eclipse, it will still experience a dramatic deep partial eclipse, and its cultural treasures make it worth a visit as part of a broader eclipse trip to Spain.

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~98% Coverage

Deep partial eclipse, noticeably dramatic

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UNESCO Heritage

Cáceres old town & Mérida's Roman ruins

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Nature

Monfragüe National Park & exceptional birdwatching

Reaching Totality from Extremadura

To experience the total eclipse, you'll need to head north. Here are the best options:

Zamora (~20 seconds of totality): About 2.5 hours north of Cáceres by car. Right on the edge of the path.
León (~1m 45s of totality): About 3.5 hours north. Sits on the centerline with some of the longest totality in Spain.
Salamanca (partial only): About 2 hours north of Cáceres. Like Extremadura, Salamanca is just outside the path, but it's a good stopover on the way further north.

What to See in Extremadura

Mérida

The capital of Extremadura boasts Spain's most impressive collection of Roman ruins, including a magnificent amphitheatre, theatre, and aqueduct. The Roman Theatre is still used for performances and is one of the best-preserved in the world. The National Museum of Roman Art, designed by Rafael Moneo, is outstanding.

Cáceres

The old town of Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the best-preserved medieval quarters in Europe. Palace-lined streets, Gothic churches, and one of Spain's most atmospheric old quarters. It has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Monfragüe National Park

Home to the largest colony of black vultures in Europe, plus imperial eagles, black storks, and eagle owls. The Castillo de Monfragüe viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views over the Tagus River gorge.

Trujillo

Birthplace of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, with a stunning castle and Plaza Mayor. One of Extremadura's most picturesque towns.

Local Cuisine

Ibérico ham: Some of the world's finest comes from Extremadura's dehesa oak forests.
Torta del Casar: A rich, creamy sheep's cheese — one of Spain's most distinctive.
Migas extremeñas: Fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and peppers.
Cherry liquor from the Jerte Valley.

Practical Information

Getting there: Madrid is about 3.5 hours by car or high-speed train to Cáceres. Badajoz has a small airport with domestic flights. Seville is 2.5 hours to the south.

Accommodation: Charming paradores (historic state-run hotels), rural guesthouses, and city hotels. Prices are generally lower than coastal Spain.

Combining with the eclipse: Extremadura makes an excellent addition to an eclipse trip. Visit Mérida and Cáceres before or after eclipse day, and travel north to the path of totality on August 12.

Extremadura