Total Solar Eclipse on the Camino Frances in 2026

[Bob Howard]

On August 12, 2026, there will be a total solar eclipse that will be partially visible from virtually all of Spain. But the narrow path of totality (100%) runs northwest to southeast through Spain, and portions of the Camino are right in the path of totality. For example, Burgos will have almost 2 minutes of total eclipse.

Not sure what the implications for us are, but people tend to travel to be in the path of totality. So, maybe more pilgrims in August? The best towns for viewing (like Burgos) could experience an accommodation crush on August 12 and maybe a few days before and after.

Although maybe there won't be any apparent pilgrim influx or effect inasmuch as we all know August is way too crowded and hot to be on the Camino. Well, at least according to Forum Lore it is.

Here's an interactive map of the eclipse. https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2026-august-12

 

[trecile]

Something to think about. I'm looking forward to the annular eclipse on October 14th this year. My city is in the path of totality.

Where & When | 2023 Annular Eclipse – NASA Solar System Exploration

The Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America.

solarsystem.nasa.gov

 

[Bob Howard]

Trecile, eclipse hunters and enthusiasts are like Aurora Borealis hunters and enthusiasts--they will go to great lengths and expense to get there. Here's a quote about eclipse collector zeal:

"Eclipse hunters have a rule-of-thumb about solar eclipses: partial solar eclipses are worth an hour's drive to go see. Annular eclipses, in which the sun appears to ring the Moon perfectly, are worth one day's travel to see. And a total solar eclipse is worth any and all effort to go and observe."

 

[trecile]

"Eclipse hunters have a rule-of-thumb about solar eclipses: partial solar eclipses are worth an hour's drive to go see. Annular eclipses, in which the sun appears to ring the Moon perfectly, are worth one day's travel to see. And a total solar eclipse is worth any and all effort to go and observe."

I'm obviously not an eclipse hunter because I chose the Camino over the total solar eclipse in 2017.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Everyone on the Frances between Pamplona and (almost) Santiago will experience totality of varying durations. Last week we drove 360km to Exmouth to view the total eclipse. It was absolutely worth it for all of the 52 seconds. Unless you’ve seen one you cannot imagine the impact. Exmouth has a population of 2500. It expanded to 40000 on that day. People came from all over the world, and believe me, Exmouth is a very isolated place. The camino will be bursting at the seams.

 

[Kathor1]

I’ve chased three total eclipses of the sun . On two of these occasions we flew on chartered flight for astronomy enthusiasts there and back without needing accommodation. In the third occasion we chased it in a car along the motorways but also returned home on the day without spending the night anywhere before or after.

If I’m I good health and there are no other obstacles I will travel to Spain but only for the total eclipse and not for the Camino. Where to in the long corridor of observation will depend on the weather forecast for those precious 2 minutes. It could be anywhere between Gijón and Valencia.

 

[Kathor1]

Btw, totality will be late in the day in Spain. Around Burgos, it will take place at 20:29:15 local time.