Solar eclipse 2026: best destinations to enjoy it and what to eat there

This summer sees the occurrence of one of the most unusual and anticipated astronomical phenomena of recent decades: the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century. An extraordinary event that invites you to raise your eyes to the sky and live the moment in a very special way. 

To ensure you do not miss it, we tell you when the solar eclipse of 2026 takes place, where it is best seen and the local flavours to accompany this unique phenomenon.

What is a solar eclipse and when will the 2026 eclipse take place?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun and hides it totally or partially. Although total eclipses occur approximately every year and a half, their visibility from the same place is rare. The 2026 solar eclipse, which will take place at sunset on Wednesday, August 12, will offer optimum conditions for its observation in very few places on the planet, and Spain is one of them.

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse and what to eat there

The eclipse's path of totality will cross northern Spain from west to east and will pass through numerous provincial capitals, from A Coruña to Palma, including cities such as Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza and Valencia. 

For this reason, it will be essential to choose places with good visibility to the west in order to fully enjoy the phenomenon, avoiding obstacles such as buildings or high reliefs. But experiencing the solar eclipse can mean much more than looking at the sky: It is also an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and turn its observation into a complete experience linked to the territory. 

Below, we propose some of the highly recommended places to enjoy the phenomenon and their gastronomy:

Asturias 

The Asturian coast offers natural viewpoints with open views of the Bay of Biscay, ideal for following the eclipse from towns such as Cudillero, Lastres or Luarca. 

You can complete the experience with dishes such as fabada (bean stew), Asturian stew or cachopo (schnitzels), washed down with natural cider.

La Rioja

The open landscapes of vineyards and low-lying hills afford a clean horizon from towns such as Briones, San Vicente de la Sonsierra or Laguardia. 

Here you can enjoy gastronomy marked by market garden products and traditional stews, such as Rioja-style potatoes, caparrones (red kidney bean stew), cod or chops with vine shoots, and closely linked to the culture of wine.

Castellón

In the northern interior of the province, municipalities such as Morella, Ares del Maestrat or Forcall, located in elevated areas, offer some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the eclipse, coinciding with a clearly marked sunset. 

In addition, you can savour mountain cuisine and pastoral tradition, based on hearty stews, grilled meats and craft sausages typical of the Maestrazgo.

Tarragona

The surroundings of Montsant stand out for their abrupt relief, open views and low alteration of the landscape, with villages such as La Morera de Montsant, Margalef or Ulldemolins well located for a leisurely observation of the eclipse in the heart of nature. 

The gastronomy of the area is based on local products, traditional stews, extra virgin olive oil and the wines of Priorat and Montsant.

Mallorca

The south of the island offers a completely clear maritime horizon, ideal for following the eclipse until its last moments, from municipalities such as Ses Salines, Colònia de Sant Jordi or Santanyí, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop.

Here gastronomy unites sea and land, with dishes such as tombet (vegetable dish), arròs brut (rice dish), frit mallorquí (meat and vegetable dish) or savoury cocas, as well as traditional sweets such as ensaimada.

Tips to enjoy the solar eclipse

Now that you know where to watch the eclipse and what to eat, it's time for some tips to enjoy it safely and make the most of it:

• Never look directly at the sun without approved protection.
• Wear special eclipse glasses or certified solar filters.
• Look for a place with good visibility of the sky and a clear horizon.
• Arrive early and check the weather forecast.

In the middle of summer, the solar eclipse of 2026 is a perfect excuse to travel, disconnect and enjoy a different kind of vacation. Choosing the right place, savouring the local gastronomy and letting yourself be carried away by the landscape makes observation much more than an astronomical phenomenon. If, in addition, you follow a few simple recommendations, you will be able to enjoy it in complete safety and turn this extraordinary event into a unique experience.