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/ Madrid

Partial Eclipse Only

Madrid is just south of the path of totality. The city will see a very deep partial eclipse (approximately 99.9% coverage) but not a total eclipse. To experience totality, you need to travel north — Segovia (30 min by AVE train) is the closest option within the path.

While Madrid itself narrowly misses the path of totality, it remains one of the best base cities for the 2026 eclipse. The partial eclipse here will still be extraordinary — with 99.9% of the sun covered, the sky will darken dramatically and the temperature will drop noticeably. And with Spain's best transport connections, you can easily reach the path of totality for the main event and return to Madrid the same day.

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99.9% Coverage

An extremely deep partial eclipse

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Gateway to Totality

Segovia 30 min, Guadalajara 35 min by train

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World-Class City

Museums, dining, and culture beyond the eclipse

Reaching Totality from Madrid

The southern edge of the path of totality passes just north of the Madrid metropolitan area. Here are the best options for a day trip to totality:

Segovia (57 seconds of totality): Just 30 minutes by AVE high-speed train from Madrid-Chamartín. The closest option for totality, though you'll be on the very edge of the path.
Guadalajara (1m 07s of totality): About 35 minutes by Cercanías train or car. A good option with slightly longer totality than Segovia.
Sierra de Guadarrama: The northern slopes of the mountains (Puerto de Navacerrada and beyond) are within the path. About 45–60 minutes by car.
Sierra Norte de Madrid: Towns like Buitrago del Lozoya and the Manjirón area (where EclipsaFest will take place) are within the path, about 45 minutes north of the city.

Watching the Partial Eclipse in Madrid

If you choose to stay in Madrid for the partial eclipse, it will still be a remarkable spectacle. At 99.9% coverage, the light will take on an eerie quality and the temperature will drop. Here are the best spots:

Templo de Debod

This Egyptian temple in Parque del Oeste sits on one of the highest points in central Madrid and is famous for its sunset views toward the west. The eclipse occurs near sunset, so this is one of the most atmospheric viewing locations in the city. Expect very large crowds.

Retiro Park

Madrid's 125-hectare park offers multiple open areas with views toward the west. The large lake area and the elevated Crystal Palace garden are good options. The city may organize public viewing events here.

Casa de Campo

One of Europe's largest urban parks, Casa de Campo provides vast open spaces west of the city centre with good sight lines toward the setting sun.

Beyond the Eclipse

Museo del Prado: One of the world's finest art museums, housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Reina Sofía: Home to Picasso's Guernica and an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art.
Cuisine: From traditional tavernas to Michelin-starred restaurants. The Mercado de San Miguel and La Latina tapas district are must-visits.
Day trips: Segovia and Toledo are both within easy reach.

Practical Information

Getting there: Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is Spain's busiest airport with connections worldwide. Puerta de Atocha and Chamartín stations connect high-speed trains to all major Spanish cities.

Accommodation: Vast range from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Consider staying in Madrid and making a day trip north for totality on eclipse day.

Transport to totality: AVE to Segovia (30 min), Cercanías to Guadalajara (35 min), or rental car to Sierra de Guadarrama (45–60 min).

Madrid