Total Solar Eclipse Camino 2026 – Where & How to Watch

The Eclipse Camino 2026 will turn an already unique pilgrimage into something truly extraordinary. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse in Spain will darken the skies across several Camino de Santiago routes, offering pilgrims and travelers a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon while on their journey. Whether you choose the Camino Francés, the Camino del Norte or the Camino Primitivo, you could find yourself in the perfect spot to watch the eclipse unfold.

When and how long is the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?

• Date: August 12, 2026
• Time: Just before sunset (approximately 20:30–21:00 local time)
• Duration of totality: ~1 to 1.8 minutes depending on location
• Sun’s position: low in the western sky, ideal for eclipse viewing if skies are clear

This will be one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the decade, and thousands of travelers are already planning to combine their Camino de Santiago with the solar eclipse in Spain 2026.

Where will the eclipse be visible in Spain?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse will sweep across much of northern and northeastern Spain, offering spectacular viewing conditions in several key regions. In Galicia, cities like A Coruña and Lugo will experience total darkness. The eclipse will also be fully visible in Asturias, including Oviedo and Gijón, and along the coast of Cantabria, notably in Santander. In Castile and León, major Camino hubs like León and Burgos fall directly under the eclipse’s shadow.

The Basque Country, with cities such as Bilbao, is also well placed for viewing, as are Pamplona in Navarra and Zaragoza in Aragón. Even further southeast, Valencia and the island of Mallorca (including Gandía and Palma) will witness the eclipse in full. With such a wide swath of visibility, Spain is one of the best countries in Europe to experience the Eclipse Camino 2026.

Best Camino routes for the eclipse

Because the total solar eclipse cuts directly across northern Spain, several Camino de Santiago routes fall within the path of totality. That makes them ideal choices for witnessing the Eclipse Camino 2026.

Camino Francés: The iconic Camino Francés is perfectly positioned for the Eclipse Camino 2026. Cities like León, Burgos, and Pamplona lie directly in the eclipse’s path, offering some of the longest durations of totality. This route is a top choice for pilgrims seeking both tradition and celestial spectacle, with excellent infrastructure and cultural highlights along the way.
WAW.travel Camino Francés itineraries for the Eclipse Camino 2026:

• 6-day Camino Francés from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona
• 6-day Camino Francés from Pamplona to Logroño
• 9-day e-bike Camino Francés from Pamplona to León
• 8-day e-bike Camino Francés from León to Santiago
• 12-day Camino Francés from León to Sarria

Camino del Norte: For those who prefer coastal views, the Camino del Norte offers dramatic scenery and prime eclipse conditions. Towns such as Gijón, Santander, and Bilbao will all experience totality during the Eclipse Camino 2026. Walking this route means combining peaceful seaside paths with one of the most unforgettable sky events of the decade.
WAW.travel Camino del Norte itineraries for the Eclipse Camino 2026:

• 8-day Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Bilbao
• 8-day Camino del Norte from Bilbao to Santander
• 10-day Camino del Norte from Santander to Gijón
• 10-day Camino del Norte from Gijón to Ribadeo
• 8-day Camino del Norte from Vilalba to Santiago

Camino Primitivo: Starting from Oviedo, a city right in the heart of the eclipse path, the Camino Primitivo is an atmospheric and less-traveled alternative. As the oldest Camino route, it provides a quieter and more rugged pilgrimage. This makes it perfect for those who want to experience the Eclipse Camino 2026 surrounded by mountains, silence, and ancient history.
WAW.travel Camino Primitivo itineraries for the Eclipse Camino 2026:

• 16-day Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago
• 7-day Camino Primitivo from Lugo to Santiago

Travel planning tips for pilgrims and hikers

Experiencing a total solar eclipse while walking the Camino is a rare opportunity, but it also requires some advance planning. Book early, as accommodations along popular Camino routes are expected to fill up quickly, especially in towns that fall within the path of totality. Consider reserving your spots several months (or even a year) in advance to secure the best options.

It is also wise to stay flexible. Choose an itinerary that gives you the ability to adjust your route slightly or spend the eclipse night in a town with ideal visibility conditions. Some pilgrims may even plan a rest day on August 12, 2026, to fully enjoy the eclipse without walking.

Keep weather in mind when selecting your viewing location. While coastal cities like Santander or Gijón offer beautiful scenery, they may be more prone to cloud cover in August. Inland regions, especially in Castilla y León, such as León or Burgos, generally have drier and clearer skies, which can increase your chances of an unobstructed view.

For international travelers, particularly those from the United States and Canada where the eclipse will not be visible, Spain will be one of the best places in the world to witness this event. Combining a Camino pilgrimage with a total eclipse is not only memorable, but also deeply symbolic. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment of reflection and awe under a darkened sky.

Where else to watch the eclipse in 2026: the Balearic Islands

While the Camino de Santiago offers a truly unique way to experience the Eclipse Camino 2026, the total solar eclipse will also be visible across other stunning regions of Spain. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Menorca, fall directly within the path of totality. These Mediterranean islands will offer breathtaking coastal views of the eclipse, with the added benefit of wide horizons and generally clear August skies. Whether you are hiking the Camí de Cavalls or relaxing by the sea, the Baleares are a spectacular place to watch the sky go dark. Here are our trips available on the Baleares:

• 7-day Mallorca coastal walking holiday
• 5-day Menorca North route (Camí de Cavalls)
• 5-day Menorca South route (Camí de Cavalls)
• 8-day Menorca North route (Camí de Cavalls)
• 8-day Menorca South route (Camí de Cavalls)
• 13-day Menorca North and South combined (Camí de Cavalls)

Witness history on the Camino de Santiago

The Eclipse Camino 2026 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine a pilgrimage with an unforgettable celestial event. Walking the Camino during this period means experiencing both spiritual and astronomical wonder in the heart of Spain. Have questions or need help choosing your route? Send us an email at hey@waw.travel: we would love to help you plan your Eclipse Camino 2026! Start planning today to secure your spot on the Camino and witness the skies darken over the Way of St. James.

Further reading and resources

• Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 – Wikipedia
• Timeanddate.com – 2026 Total Solar Eclipse
• El País – Spain prepares for the 2026 solar eclipse