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

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Total Eclipse — 1 minute 24 seconds

Zaragoza sits well within the path of totality. Totality occurs around 20:29 local time. The sun will be about 8–10° above the horizon. Often recommended as the best combination of good totality duration and the highest clear-sky probability on mainland Spain.

Zaragoza is widely considered one of the best cities in Spain for viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse. Located in the Ebro River Basin, the city benefits from some of the most reliable clear-sky conditions in the country during August. Its position within the eclipse path, excellent transport connections, and rich cultural heritage make it a top-tier choice for eclipse visitors.

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Best Weather

Among Spain's clearest skies in August

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Central Path

Prime position within the path of totality

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Well Connected

High-speed rail to Madrid and Barcelona

Best Viewing Spots

Plaza del Pilar

One of Spain's largest squares, the Plaza del Pilar offers a massive open area right in the city center with views toward the horizon over the Ebro River. The Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar provides a stunning foreground for eclipse photographs. The city is expected to organize a major public viewing event here.

Ebro Riverbanks

The parks and promenades along the Ebro River, particularly the Parque del Agua and the Expo 2008 grounds, offer wide-open spaces facing west. The flat terrain along the river provides excellent viewing conditions without obstructions.

Surrounding Countryside

The steppe landscapes surrounding Zaragoza are remarkably flat and sparsely populated. Driving just 15–20 minutes out of the city puts you in wide-open plains with unobstructed horizons in every direction. The Bardenas Reales semi-desert to the northwest is particularly dramatic.

Beyond the Eclipse

Basilica del Pilar: One of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites, this magnificent baroque basilica sits on the banks of the Ebro. Its domes and towers are an iconic part of the Zaragoza skyline.
Aljafería Palace: A stunning 11th-century Islamic palace, one of the northernmost examples of Moorish architecture in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cuisine: Zaragoza is an underrated food city. Try ternasco de Aragón (roast lamb), borrajas (borage), migas, and the excellent local wines from the Cariñena and Somontano regions.
Expo Grounds: The 2008 World Expo left behind a modern riverside park with striking architecture and public art.

Practical Information

Getting there: Zaragoza is a major transport hub. High-speed AVE trains connect it to Madrid (1h 20m) and Barcelona (1h 30m). The city also has its own airport with domestic and some European flights.

Accommodation: Good range of hotels from budget to luxury. The city is large enough to absorb eclipse visitors, but early booking is still recommended for best prices and locations.

Transport: The city center is walkable. For countryside viewing spots, a rental car or taxi is needed.

Zaragoza