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Spain Ramps Up Preparations for 12 August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

An expected surge of up to 10 million rural‑bound visitors is driving coordinated plans on mobility, safety, health and public guidance.

Overview

  • The government forecasts mass travel to the path of totality as the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional maps the eclipse crossing Spain west to east from about 19:30 to 20:30, from A Coruña to Palma de Mallorca, with no totality in Madrid or Barcelona.
  • The National Eclipse Commission created last summer is coordinating protocols on transport, security, health response and a public campaign on certified viewing glasses.
  • Regions used FITUR to roll out eclipse calendars and astrotourism pitches, while operators market cruises and Camino de Santiago experiences priced roughly €2,000–€4,300, with some premium packages already sold out.
  • Galicia reports totality in 143 municipalities—about 46% of its territory—with durations ranging from 9 seconds in Vilardevós to 1 minute 49 seconds in Ribadeo and Burela, alongside plans for public observation points and activities.
  • Palencia details a May 18 International Astronomy Congress, observation zones and a visiting research team led by Eva Villaver, as Castilla‑La Mancha prepares a joint commission for Cuenca and Guadalajara to manage expected crowds.