This year, Europe is set to welcome a total solar eclipse, the first visible from the mainland in 27 years.
On August 12, 2026, countries such as Spain and Iceland will get the chance to catch a glimpse of the celestial event, when the moon completely covers the sun.
Destinations across the continent are not only privy to the once-in-a-lifetime sight; some are even marking the occasion with parties, events and hotel deals.
The Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of the best places to get a good look this summer, including many budget-friendly destinations.
Here are our suggestions of where to go this August…
SPAINNavarre
A typically quiet spot, located in northern Spain, Navarre boasts peaceful villages and stretches of countryside – and, this summer, views of the eclipse.
Navarre in Spain is one such lucky spot set to welcome in the dramatic celestial event
Visitors can explore the Bardenas Reales – a natural park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and Castildetierra, located within this region, is set to have clear sightlines for the eclipse, according to Space.com.
Nearby La Rioja is also a great place to get a view, especially in the Alfaro area – both locations will see the eclipse at 8.28pm for around a minute.
Mallorca and Menorca
The Balearics are one of the best spots to see the eclipse, with hotspots such as Mallorca and Menorca prepping for a busy summer season as a result.
The region is expected to offer some of the clearest and most accessible vantage points as interest grows around the rare astronomical event.
With clear summer skies, warm temperatures and easy access from the UK, destinations such as this offer ideal conditions to enjoy the spectacle.
For anyone keen to do just that, Vintage Travel has properties across the Balearics that will provide the perfect viewing spot for eclipse totality, from Villa Torralba d’en Salort in Menorca to Villa Joanaina in Mallorca.
Plus, flights won’t break the bank either – flights from the UK to Palma start from £32 on Skyscanner.
Ibiza
Ibiza is set to see the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse this summer, the first on the popular Spanish island in 121 years
Ibiza is set to see the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse this summer, the first on the popular Spanish island in 121 years.
The party hotspot will welcome visitors in their hordes, with many lured in by the promise of the island’s ‘greatest ever sunset’.
For those who are keen to see it, package holiday company On the Beach has launched a trip that guarantees views of the acclaimed Ibiza sunset.
Holiday packages start from £500pp including flights, three nights and breakfast, with each hotel picked by experts for its rooftop bars, guaranteeing a view of the incredible eclipse.
In fact, experts at On the Beach say this eclipse is even more special than previous ones, because it will take place at 8.32pm, which means it will be during the Ibiza sunset.
Flights from London to Ibiza start from £21 each way.
ICELANDSnæfellsnes Peninsula
Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula might be cloudy in August – but is still set to see the eclipse
Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula, according to Forbes, will enjoy the eclipse for a total of two minutes and nine seconds.
Inside the Snæfellsjökull National Park, there will be lots of spots to get a good view, here around 5.45pm.
For instance, you can try climbing up to the Saxhóll Crater in Hellissandur – but beware, changing weather means you’re not guaranteed a view.
Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, is another spot to try – and is easy to get to
Parts of Reykjavík are in the path of totality, including Reykjavík Domestic Airport, Faxaflói Bay, and the Reykjanes Peninsula – as well as the nearby Blue Lagoon.
Plus, just outside of the city, Björk will be performing at a one-day festival in Víðistaðatún, Hafnarfjörður to mark the celestial occasion.
Flights from London to Reykjavík start from £71.
GREENLANDScoresby Sund
Scoresby Sund in Greenland is the next viewing spot on the list
Scoresby Sund in Greenland will get up to two minutes and 17 seconds of totality, Forbes reported.
A major perk of watching in Greenland is the stable skies.
However, for your best chances you’ll want to be on a specialist expedition cruise, such as HX Expeditions’ 17-day all-inclusive expedition cruise from Oslo to Reykjavík.
PORTUGALMontesinho Natural Park and Bragança
Portugal’s Montesinho Natural Park is worth a visit for its greenery – and potential eclipse sighting
The National Solar Observatory says the eclipse will pass over Portugal – and it will be completely visible in the Montesinho Natural Park.
Plus, in the nearby village of Guadramil in Bragança, you’ll be able to see the eclipse with even greater intensity.
The walled medieval city of Bragança has managed to retain much of its traditional charm, with the 12th-century castle still standing at its centre, so is worth a visit anyway.
As well as being steeped in history, Bragança is surrounded by some of Portugal’s most beautiful scenery, and the nearby national park is a great place to take in the sweeping valleys and mountains that make up the landscape.
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