Spanish Eclipse Trio

In exactly one year, Spain will take center stage for an astronomical spectacle that will unfold over a two-and-a-half-year span. From August 2026 to January 2028, the Iberian Peninsula will host not just one, but three major solar eclipses, two total and one annular, offering observers and astrophotographers a rare opportunity to witness these events in world-class locations.

Spanish Eclipse Trio: One year to go before an unforgettable celestial run

A quarter of a century has passed since the last major European total solar eclipse on August 11, 1999. Now, the Moon’s shadow is preparing to sweep across the continent again, starting on August 12, 2026, followed by August 2, 2027, and January 26, 2028. Each event offers unique observing conditions, and remarkably, all three will be visible from Spain’s mainland and its popular island destinations.

The 2026, 2027, and 2028 eclipses at a glance

• August 12, 2026 - Total Solar Eclipse: This first event in the series will cut across northern Spain, including parts of Mallorca and Valencia, offering prime viewing along the path of totality. With the event taking place in the height of summer, the potential for favorable weather is high in many regions.
• August 2, 2027 - Total Solar Eclipse: Just under a year later, another total eclipse will cross Spain, this time offering different vantage points for those willing to travel between the mainland and southern regions like Andalusia. This will be one of the longest total eclipses of the century, with totality lasting up to nearly seven minutes along certain parts of its global path.
• January 26, 2028 - Annular Solar Eclipse: While annular eclipses don’t deliver the same complete blackout of the Sun as a total eclipse, they present the “ring of fire” effect, which is equally striking for observers and photographers. This winter event will bring the eclipse path to various parts of Spain, offering a completely different seasonal backdrop.
   

With three consecutive eclipses visible from one of Europe’s most accessible and tourist-friendly countries, detailed planning is essential for anyone hoping to make the most of the events. Germany-based Oculum-Verlag has published a comprehensive set of guides and an atlas to help observers prepare.

Solar Eclipse Guide Spain 2026/2027/2028

• Authors: Jan Hattenbach and Daniela Pujado Lizama
• Format: 128-page softcover, 17 cm x 24 cm, full color
• ISBN: 978-3-949370-18-2
• Price: 24,90 € (incl. VAT)
• Release Date: April 2025
   

This in-depth guide covers all three eclipses in exceptional detail, with chapters on planning, required equipment, observing techniques, and photography tips. The authors, long-time Spain residents, have personally visited and evaluated numerous potential observation sites across the country.

The book also includes:

• Detailed weather forecasts for each eclipse region
• Topographical maps showing the exact eclipse paths
• Tourist recommendations for building a complete astro-travel itinerary
   

Solar Eclipse Guide Spain 2026 (Single Event Edition)

For those focusing exclusively on the first eclipse of August 12, 2026, a condensed edition will be available in June 2025 through Amazon as a Kindle or print-on-demand paperback. At 54 pages, it distills the relevant site guides, maps, and weather data for that single event.

Solar Eclipse Atlas Spain 2026/2027/2028

• Authors: Jan Hattenbach and Ronald Stoyan
• Format: 40-page softcover or spiral-bound, 30 cm x 21 cm, full color
• ISBN: 978-3-949370-20-5
• Price: 29,90 € (incl. VAT)
• Release Date: June 2025

The atlas provides a large-scale, highly detailed mapping of the eclipse paths:

• Scale 1:850,000 for the 2026 and 2027 eclipses
• Scale 1:1,400,000 for the 2028 annular eclipse
   

Beyond the eclipse paths, it features recommended destinations and astro-touristic highlights, making it a hybrid between a road atlas and an astronomy-specific trip planner.

Spain’s combination of diverse landscapes, extensive tourism infrastructure, and high likelihood of sunny skies makes it an ideal choice for eclipse chasers. Locations like Mallorca, Valencia, and Andalusia offer not only clear views of the sky but also world-class hospitality, culture, and cuisine.

For the 2026 event, coastal areas in the east and northern inland regions are among the most promising. The 2027 eclipse may draw more travelers toward southern Spain, where summer conditions are warm and dry. By the time of the 2028 annular eclipse, winter conditions could offer clearer skies in southern coastal areas.

For serious astrophotographers and seasoned eclipse chasers, preparation goes beyond booking a hotel. Timing, location scouting, and equipment testing will make all the difference. The Oculum guides recommend:

• Arriving several days early to account for weather changes
• Using GPS coordinates provided in the books to find exact eclipse path points
• Practicing camera setups beforehand to avoid last-minute technical issues
• Bringing both solar filters for photography and eclipse glasses for direct viewing
   

The triple eclipse sequence is rare not just for Spain, but for all of Europe. After 2028, the next total solar eclipse to pass over Europe won’t arrive until 2053. This makes the 2026–2028 sequence a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many observers.

Whether your interest lies in visual observation, astrophotography, or simply experiencing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events, Spain will be the place to be over the next three years. With a full year to go before the first event, now is the time to start planning, gathering equipment, and securing travel arrangements.