Where to see the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 in Valencia: Best spots and times

If you are the type of person who stares spellbound at the sky every time there is a full moon, get your diary out and make a note of this date: 12 August 2026. On that day, just before sunset, we are going to experience something historic: a total solar eclipse. This is no ordinary eclipse; it is the first one visible from mainland Spain since 1959, and the next one won’t happen again until the year 2180. Quite something, right!

In Valencia, we are going to have a prime viewing location. Although the “path of totality” (where the Sun is 100% covered and it becomes completely dark in the middle of the day) only just brushes past the city, we are still going to enjoy a magical minute of absolute darkness.

Here are the key details so you are not caught off guard:

• What time does the show start? The partial eclipse will begin at around 7:38 pm.

• The golden minute: The peak moment (totality) will arrive between 8:32 pm and 8:33 pm. The sky will darken, temperatures will drop slightly, and the Sun will turn into a spectacular ring of light.

• The big challenge: The eclipse will happen very low down, just about 4 degrees above the horizon, right before the Sun sets (at 9:01 pm). What does this mean? It means you need completely unobstructed views towards the west-northwest (WNW). If you have a building in front of you, you’re going to miss it.

If you are looking for the perfect spot in the Valencian Community to make sure you don’t miss this historic moment, note down the best options by province:

Where to see the eclipse in Valencia?

• Rooftops: The city’s main rooftops are announcing special events for the eclipse. Our favourite rooftops for watching the sunset (which will also be perfect for watching the eclipse) are: Sea You Hotel in the Marina area, Barceló Sky Bar in the City of Arts and Sciences, and Atenea Sky and Hotel Centenary in the Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).

• L’Albufera: The ultimate viewpoint. The reflection of the solar corona on the lagoon promises to be one of the most spectacular postcard views of the year, and the local barracas (traditional houses) in the area are announcing special events for the occasion.

• Requena (and Tierra Bobal): A certified Starlight tourist destination thanks to its clear skies, which will also experience a brief phase of totality during the eclipse. Local wineries and vineyards are announcing immersive experiences that include telescope observation, wine tasting, a dinner featuring local gastronomy, music, and a light and fire show.

• Out at sea: A plan as simple as it sounds. Rent a boat, a paddleboard, buy an inflatable mattress with friends… and jump into the water! An uncrowded and easy-to-organise plan.

Where to see the eclipse in Alicante?

• Santa Bárbara Castle: A classic that never fails. Being elevated right in the heart of Alicante, it offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic view, ideal for watching the eclipse’s shadow advance.

• El Clot de Galvany (Elche): This nature reserve stands out for its open spaces and observatories, making it a fantastic, unobstructed spot for nature lovers.

• Cabo de San Antonio (Xàbia/Dénia): Although it looks out over the sea, its height and the openness of the surroundings offer a clear perspective to contemplate the changing twilight light across the horizon.

Where to see the eclipse in Castellón?

• El Desierto de las Palmas: One of the star spots in the province. Its altitude and low light pollution make it an impressive natural balcony facing west.

• High areas of Morella or Ares del Maestrat: The inland region of Castellón enjoys clean skies and privileged altitudes. Seeing the eclipse silhouetted against the mountainous landscape of El Maestrat will be magical.

Eclipse Experience at Galáctica: A global event

Less than two hours from Valencia, we have the most exceptional proposal in the country to experience this unique and unrepeatable moment. Located right in the heart of the path of totality, and anchored in the largest astronomical outreach centre in Europe, Galáctica offers what no other place can: the perfect combination of the cutting-edge scientific infrastructure of the Galáctica observatory, top-tier scientific speakers to guide you through this extraordinary moment, and an artistic programme featuring visual ambience, music, and great gastronomy.

Furthermore, the eclipse coincides with the Perseids, and Galáctica is offering the full experience. The programme will kick off on Tuesday, 11 August with the Perseids. There will be workshops for all audiences linking culture, gastronomy, and astronomy. Guests will include popularisers like Mario Picazo, representatives from the European Space Agency, the director of the Spanish Space Agency, and the Spanish astronaut Pablo Álvarez, among many other surprises.

If you value science, astronomy, and knowledge, prefer quality and care over overcrowding, and want to watch the eclipse from the only astronomical centre within the path of totality… this is the experience we recommend

Important: Enjoy it, but be sensible 🕶️

Remember that looking directly at the Sun is never a good idea if you value your eyesight. For the partial phases, it is mandatory to use certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2 standard). You will only be able to remove your glasses during the minute of totality (8:32 pm–8:33 pm), when the Sun is 100% hidden, to admire the solar corona in all its glory.

Valencia City Council has launched a campaign where anyone who visits the Energy Office (Oficina de l’Energia) and the Climate Change Observatory (Observatori del Canvi Climàtic) can get a pair completely free of charge.

At Vortex, we love connecting (even with the cosmos!)

At Vortex Coworking, we are always looking for ways to connect with our city, whether by organising events for our community or recommending the best local plans. A unique event like this eclipse reminds us that, sometimes, the best way to recharge our batteries is to disconnect from our screens, look up, and share an unrepeatable experience with those around us.

So, you have the plan: choose your favourite spot in Valencia, make sure you have your certified glasses, and get ready to enjoy the most spectacular sunset of the century. See you under the shadow of the Moon!

And if you are coming to Valencia specifically to see the eclipse and plan to spend a few days working in the city around those dates, our coworking spaces in Valencia are open and have the air conditioning blasting. You can book Day Passes with no commitment for whichever days you need to work, or even a weekly pass or monthly plan if you intend to stay longer.