Total solar eclipse 2026 in Tarragona on August 12: exact schedule and 15 spots to see it best
The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, in Tarragona will be the first visible in Catalonia in 121 years. This phenomenon can be observed throughout the province, but with different durations depending on the exact location where you are.
If you want to know when it will start, which points have the longest duration, and what you need to watch it safely, here is all the updated and practical information so you don’t miss anything.
Schedule and phases of the solar eclipse in Tarragona
When will the eclipse start and end?
The eclipse will begin at 19:35 hours, with a first partial phase lasting almost an hour while the Moon covers the Sun. The most awaited moment, the totality, will start at 20:29 hours and will last between 39 seconds and 1 minute and 37 seconds, depending on the municipality. Finally, a second partial phase until 20:57 hours will bring the phenomenon to an end.
Why does the exact time in Tarragona matter?
The totality will occur almost at the same time throughout the province, around 20:29 hours, but the duration varies considerably depending on the location. This makes choosing the right spot crucial to see as much as possible. Also, the Sun will be very low, only 4 degrees above the west-northwest horizon, which can complicate visibility if you are not in an open space.
Best observation points and coverage in Tarragona
What are the official points to watch the eclipse?
The Generalitat has set up about twenty official observation points in southern Catalonia, most of them in Tarragona. These locations have infrastructure, controlled capacity, and security, ideal for enjoying the eclipse without surprises.
In Tarragona, the 15 official points with the longest totality duration are:
| Municipality | Observation point | Totality duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alcanar | Bullring | 1m 37s |
| Santa Bàrbara | Sports area Ctra. de la Galera | 1m 34s |
| Amposta | Industrial Park l'Oriola | 1m 33s |
| L'Aldea | Can Gironès | 1m 32s |
| Camarles | Pla de Camarles | 1m 31s |
| L'Ametlla de Mar | Municipal football field | 1m 25s |
| Gandesa | Industrial Park la Plana | 1m 24s |
| Móra la Nova | Carrer Tortosa | 1m 17s |
| Cambrils | Agricultural Cooperative | 1m 9s |
| Reus | Immaculada neighborhood | 1m 1s |
| Tarragona | L'Anella Mediterrània | 1m 0s |
| Constantí | Joan Miró Street | 57s |
| Altafulla | Font del Mirador | 53s |
| Torredembarra | Industrial Park de Roques Planes | 52s |
| Valls | Industrial Park | 39s |
Where will the eclipse be best seen in all of Spain?
The points with the longest totality duration in Spain are in the province of Castellón, with up to 1 minute and 39 seconds in Benassal and Peníscola. However, Tarragona offers the best public infrastructure to observe the eclipse, with more official points and available services.
Tips and curiosities for observation
Do I need special glasses to see the eclipse?
It is mandatory to use glasses certified under ISO 12312-2 during the entire partial phase, before and after totality. Only during the exact seconds of totality can you look at the Sun without protection. Conventional sunglasses are not suitable, no matter how dark they are.
When will another total eclipse be visible in Tarragona?
The next total eclipse visible in Tarragona will not be seen until November 17, 2180. The last one was on August 30, 1905, 121 years ago. Therefore, this will be a unique opportunity for the current generation.
The Generalitat and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia have prepared this guide and observation points to ensure that no one misses this exceptional event.
