The event. On August 12, 2026, Spain will experience a historic and rare natural phenomenon. For the first time in over 100 years, a total solar eclipse will once again pass over the Spanish mainland. Just before sunset, the moon will move completely in front of the sun, causing large parts of Spain to suddenly plunge into a mysterious twilight for a few minutes. It will be spectacularly visible just above the Mediterranean Sea in Northern Spain, along the coasts of Cantabria and Asturias, the Costa Blanca, the Costa Dorada, and the Balearic Islands. And anyone who finds themselves on the Spanish coast that summer will have the chance to experience something that you will likely only see once in a lifetime. Mar Menor. In Los Nietos (Murcia region), the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be visible as a very deep, partial eclipse in which the sun is covered by no less than 98%. Although the city lies just outside the zone of 100% totality, the percentage is very close to it. Just before sunset, the moon moves in front of the sun, and the intensity of daylight decreases drastically. You will see the sun transform into a wafer-thin, glowing crescent. The temperature can drop noticeably by a few degrees, and shadows on the ground become strikingly sharp and crescent-shaped. This creates a very spectacular visual effect above the Mar Menor. An unobstructed view towards the sea in Los Nietos (or a nearby elevated spot) is therefore extremely important to experience the phenomenon optimally. Schedule for Los Nietos (August 12, 2026) 7:41 PM: Beginning of the partial eclipse (the moon touches the sun). 8:36 PM: Peak (98.2% coverage) just before sunset. 9:00 PM: End of the eclipse, immediately followed by sunset. View. Because the eclipse takes place in the west-northwest (the land side, towards Murcia/Cartagena), you will be looking inland from the beach at Los Nietos, from the water. Clear horizon necessary: The sun is extremely low (only 4 degrees). Ensure you are not standing directly behind buildings or palm trees, otherwise the buildings of Los Nietos will block the view at the climax. An open field or elevated point just outside the village is ideal.
Tip: Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Use only eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification. The next total eclipse in Spain will be on August 2, 2027, followed by an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028. After that, there will not be another total eclipse until 2053. Anyone wishing to experience this unique event would do well to book accommodation well in advance!