Total Solar Eclipse 2026 - Everything you need to know, where to go, and how to make the most of it

Do you remember the total solar eclipse that swept across the UK on August 11th 1999? Most of us remember where we were, and many of us were disappointed due to cloudy skies. I was in the US at the time and so completely missed it! I made up for it when I headed to Botswana for the 4 December 2002 eclipse – hand on heart, it was the most awe-inspiring natural experience of my life!

Did you know that on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999?

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun, briefly turning day into twilight and revealing the Sun’s delicate outer atmosphere (the corona). It’s one of the most dramatic natural phenomena you can witness as the natural world is literally turned upside down in confusion for those moments of totality.

This year, the “path of totality” (where you’ll experience full darkness) will cross a narrow band of the Northern Hemisphere, including:

• Northern Spain and a small part of Portugal

• Western Iceland

• Eastern Greenland

Northern Spain is the most accessible location to get to – you need to be in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country or on Mallorca or Menorca. It offers cheap flights and loads of accommodation options, and there is a reasonable chance of clear skies. However, the eclipse is late in the day with totality between 16:58 and 18:34 GMT (depending on where you are), which is essentially between 8 and 8:30 pm Spanish time! Therefore, the sun will be low on the horizon, and so you will need a clear westward view. This means being on a west-facing coast or on high ground! Avoid mountains or buildings blocking your view! Spain is a great option as it’s a popular holiday location anyway and is easy to get to.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you could head to Iceland. The sun will be higher in the sky, so viewing will be easier, although there is a higher risk of cloudy skies. Totality will be a little longer than in Spain, at around 2 minutes. Top locations will be the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik. So this could be a great little city break and perfect for the more adventurous!

Greenland is probably for the more intrepid explorer, and although there is no guarantee of clear skies, the sun will be much higher in the sky. The best option would be an expedition cruise, as the ship will be able to move to areas with clear skies. The challenge here will be cost and availability – many of the specialist trips will have sold out months ago!

Top tips for viewing the eclipse

• Protect your eyes (essential) - use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe and should only be removed during totality itself when the sun is fully covered.

• Watch the weather as cloud cover is the biggest risk to visibility. It’s worth having a flexible plan (car hire helps!)

• Know the timing as totality only lasts around 1-2 minutes, depending on location. Arrive early and be ready – once it’s over, it’s over! www.timeanddate.com is a great website to find this out!

• Don’t forget to look up! It’s tempting to take photos—but the experience is unforgettable. Spend at least part of the totality simply watching with your own eyes!

• Be prepared with your eclipse glasses, sunscreen, water, hat and a chair or blanket.

The 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse is being called one of the biggest astronomical events of the decade. With accessible locations across Europe and stunning summer settings, it’s a fantastic opportunity to plan a memorable trip.

And I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you miss this one, it’s not the end of the world. There is another total eclipse across Southern Spain and North Africa on 2 August 2027, and it will actually be slightly easier to see as it’s mid-morning rather than at sunset! I’ve booked my 2027 holiday already!