Where Will You Be for the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?

August 12, 2026. Mark your calendar in bold. On this date, the sky will go dark as a total solar eclipse sweeps across Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. If you missed the 2024 eclipse, this is your moment—your chance to witness one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena.

I know what you might be thinking – it only lasts a couple of minutes, how transformative could it really be? There's something about standing under the moon's shadow that makes you feel impossibly small and incredibly connected all at once. It's the kind of experience that stays with you long after the sun returns.

But here's the reality: hotels are already filling up. Flights prices continue to fluctuate. Tours are booking solid. If you're even remotely interested in witnessing this eclipse, now is the time to start planning. Don't let this one slip away!

Chase It by Sea: Luxury Eclipse Cruises

Here's one of my favorite travel hacks: one of the best ways to guarantee perfect positioning for the eclipse is to be out on the water. Cruise lines have mastered the art of eclipse positioning – they literally plan their routes to maximize your viewing experience. No mountains blocking your view, no last-minute weather scrambles ruining your plans. Just you, the ocean, and an uninterrupted cosmic show.

Windstar, Cunard, and Crystal all offer dedicated eclipse cruises for 2026 that are intimate and curated.

Want to elevate the experience even further? Some smaller cruise lines are bringing actual experts on board. Ponant is hosting meteorologist Joe Rao on one Mediterranean sailing, and astronomer Jean-François Clervoy plus solar physicist Louise Harra on an Iceland-to-Ireland journey. Imagine watching the eclipse while chatting with an actual astronaut about what you're witnessing. That's the kind of travel memory I live for.

Spain: The Sunset Eclipse Experience

Here's something that gets me genuinely excited: by the time the eclipse reaches Spain and the Mediterranean, the sun will be so low on the horizon that eclipse viewers in the Balearic Islands will experience what's called a "sunset eclipse." This is rare. Like, genuinely rare. It's unusual for the eclipse path to even touch land at its beginning or end, so if you're in Mallorca or Ibiza on August 12, you're witnessing something truly special.

Other Spanish cities worth considering include Zaragoza, Valencia, and Burgos, where the eclipse will be visible the longest. Plus, August in Spain means warm weather and clear skies – basically ideal viewing conditions.

Here's my insider's tip: start planning immediately. The best viewing spots attract hundreds of extra travelers, and you'll want buffer time built into your itinerary for transport, check-ins, and all the logistics that come with eclipse tourism.

Iceland: The High-Overhead Eclipse

Okay, so the eclipse's centerline will actually miss Iceland, and totality only lasts about 2 minutes and 18 seconds. That might sound like a downside until you consider this: Iceland gets an early evening eclipse positioned high overhead. Totality begins after 5pm, but the sun here doesn't set until almost 10pm on August 12. This means you'll see the eclipse soaring overhead instead of hugging the horizon – prime viewing, honestly.

But here's what really matters, and I tell all my clients this: don't just go to Iceland for the eclipse. Go to Iceland for Iceland. Yes, the eclipse is incredible, but it's only a few minutes long. Plan a larger itinerary that genuinely excites you. Want volcanoes and waterfalls alongside your cosmic moment? Iceland delivers. Add the Golden Circle to your itinerary, soak in the geothermal hot springs, or tackle the Ring Road. The eclipse becomes the cherry on top of an already extraordinary trip.

My Honest Take: Which Eclipse Destination Is Right for You?

Choose a cruise if you want zero stress about positioning and want to experience this with like-minded travelers who appreciate the extraordinary.

Choose Spain if you crave European charm, don't mind crowds, and want to experience the rare "sunset eclipse" phenomenon.

Choose Iceland if you're willing to invest time before and after the eclipse and want an all-encompassing nature experience that extends beyond the cosmic moment.

Each destination offers something completely different. The question isn't which is best – it's which matches the experience you're craving right now.

Ready to start planning your own epic eclipse adventure? Let's chat about which destination is calling your name.