Clúster

• On August 12, the path of totality will cross the region at sunset.

Galicia will be one of the prime locations for enjoying the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, the first visible from the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century, according to the National Geographic Institute (IGN). The path of totality will pass through the region and allow visitors to observe how day turns into night for a few minutes, a natural spectacle that will attract both astronomy enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.

The phenomenon will occur at sunset, so it will be necessary to look for open areas with good visibility to the west. Since it coincides with the height of summer, the chances of clear skies increase, reinforcing the event’s appeal in Galicia.

• Tourism impact and upcoming astronomical events

The interest generated by this event is already evident: tourism businesses in the region have begun receiving reservations for those dates, anticipating significant demand from national and international visitors. This phenomenon is expected to have an impact on tourism and on Galicia’s projection as a destination for scientific and experiential tourism.

After the 2026 eclipse, Spain will experience two more significant astronomical events: a new solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028. We will have to wait until 2053 to witness a total eclipse from our country again, making 2026 a unique event.