Madrid Designates 11 Viewing Points for Total Solar Eclipse

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Spain for the first time since 1905. The Community of Madrid has designated 11 official observation points in northern and eastern municipalities, including Somosierra (longest duration: 1 min 29 sec) and San Sebastián de los Reyes (shortest: 35 sec). The eclipse will cross the Iberian Peninsula from west to east in a 300-km-wide band. In Madrid, the northern areas (Guadarrama and Somosierra) will experience totality, while the south and metropolitan area will see a partial eclipse. The partial phase begins at 19:30, totality at 20:32, and sunset at 21:17. Official viewing sites include the Parque Forestal de Valdebebas-Felipe VI in the capital and Buitrago del Lozoya, where a Feria del eclipse with activities and food trucks will be held. The regional government will distribute certified eclipse glasses at all 11 points and 34 Pueblos con Vida information points. Two more solar eclipses will occur in Spain in 2027 and 2028, but they will not be total in the Madrid region. A video contest "El eclipse de nuestras vidas" and a photo contest "Eclipse inquieto" are organized with Iberdrola, offering €5,000 in prizes.