Galicia

Galicia will hold the distinction of being the peninsular “ground zero” for the great eclipse of 2026. It will be the first point in mainland Spain to be hit by the shadow of the moon, offering a unique experience along the Atlantic shore: the opportunity to see how darkness creeps from the ocean and into the land.

12 August 2026 will mark a milestone in the north of the community. The path of totality will cross the northern half of the provinces of A Coruña and Lugo. Cities such as Lugo, A Coruña and Ferrol will be privileged urban settings to watch the eclipse. The view of a total eclipse over the Tower of Hercules or over the Roman Walls of Lugo promises to be one of the most iconic and widespread images on an international level. Meanwhile, in the southern half (Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra, Vigo and Ourense), the eclipse will be partial, although of an extreme magnitude (over 99%).

For the 2027 and 2028 eclipse, Galicia be a distant but privileged observer. Being in the extreme northwest, it will experience both eclipses as partial phases. The event in January 2028 will have a special charm along the Galician coast: as it takes place at sunset and will offer the chance to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.