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The sky over the Basque Country will offer one of the most surprising spectacles in its history on 12 August 2026. That afternoon, a total solar eclipse will transform the light over the Cantabrian coast for a few minutes, allowing an exceptional astronomical phenomenon to be viewed from some of the most iconic locations in Euskadi.
From the beaches and promenades of Bilbao and San Sebastián to the cliffs that line the Basque coast, the eclipse can be viewed from some of Euskadi's most iconic landscapes, where the sea and the horizon will create the perfect setting for this phenomenon. An exceptional moment to discover the region from a completely different perspective and enjoy a spectacle that can only be witnessed on rare occasions.
Whether you live here, or you are planning a getaway and want to know where to see the 2026 solar eclipse in Bilbao or San Sebastián, take note because in this guide I will tell you everything you need to know to enjoy it in Euskadi and live an experience that will be difficult to repeat for many years.
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The 2026 solar eclipse in the Basque Country will be one of the most important astronomical events of the last decade. Thanks to Euskadi's position within the path of totality, thousands of people will have the opportunity to watch as the Moon completely covers the Sun for a few minutes, creating a scene that is as spectacular as it is exceptional.
The 2026 solar eclipse in the Basque Country will be one of the most important astronomical events of the last 10 years. Euskadi is located within the path of totality, the narrow band of territory through which the darkest shadow of the Moon will pass and from which the Sun can be seen completely covered for a few moments. Only those positioned within this path will be able to see the total eclipse, enjoying an unforgettable experience.
The eclipse will begin progressively, when the Moon starts to hide part of the solar disc. As the afternoon progresses, the light will gradually diminish until the moment of totality, when the landscape will take on a completely different appearance. At that moment, it will be possible to see the solar corona around the Moon.
Although times may vary slightly between different municipalities, these are the approximate forecasts for the time of the 2026 solar eclipse in Bilbao and San Sebastián, which you should keep in mind so as not to miss anything.
| Information | Approximate time (Bilbao) | Approximate time (San Sebastián) |
| Date | 12 August 2026 | 12 August 2026 |
| Type of eclipse | Total solar eclipse | Total solar eclipse |
| Start of partial eclipse | 7:35pm | 7:35pm |
| Start of totality | 8:27pm | 8:27pm |
| Duration of totality | Approx. 1 minute and 18 seconds* | Approx. 1 minute and 10 seconds* |
| End of eclipse (sunset) | 9:03pm (sun sets eclipsed) | 9:01pm (sun sets eclipsed) |
Both the time of the 2026 solar eclipse in San Sebastián and Bilbao are indicative and may vary slightly depending on the exact location from which the eclipse is viewed.
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In addition to being rare, total solar eclipses can only be enjoyed from a narrow strip of the planet, which makes it an even more exceptional phenomenon.
On 12 August 2026, that narrow strip will pass through the Basque Country, and the eclipse will also coincide with the last hours of the afternoon, when the light over the Cantabrian Sea already offers attractive shades. The combination of the sunset with the darkness that the Moon will cause will create an image that is difficult to describe, totally different from any other sunset you have had the opportunity to see.
All this will make the eclipse a unique opportunity to contemplate the most well-known landscapes of Euskadi in a completely different light. Watching how darkness envelops the Cantabrian coast for a few minutes, while the horizon changes colour and the solar corona appears, will be a magical moment that is hard to forget.
For all these reasons, the solar eclipse of 12 August in Bilbao, in San Sebastián and in the rest of the Basque Country will be one of the great events not only of this summer, but of the last few years.
Although it is an extraordinary event, observing the solar eclipse safely must always be the priority. You must not lose respect for it at any time, as the radiation emitted by the Sun can damage your eyesight even when a significant part of its surface is already hidden by the Moon.
If you ask any expert how to observe the solar eclipse in Bilbao or anywhere else in the Basque Country, they will tell you that the most important thing is to use approved glasses that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2. These types of glasses are designed specifically for observing eclipses and allow you to enjoy the spectacle without putting your eye health at risk.
Forget about using conventional sunglasses, smoked glass, X-rays or any other improvised method, which should never be used to look directly at the Sun, as they do not offer the necessary protection.
On the other hand, if you plan to follow the phenomenon with binoculars, a telescope or a camera, make sure to install a specific solar filter on the lens beforehand. In addition to protecting your eyesight, you will avoid possible damage to the equipment and will get much sharper images during the partial phases.
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Sharing a solar eclipse with children is an excellent opportunity to spark their curiosity about nature and science. Seeing how the sky changes colour, how the intensity of the light decreases or how the environment seems to stop for a few minutes will be a memory for life.
To make the experience comfortable, the ideal is to choose a place that is accessible for children and large enough for them to play and be comfortable. Also, don't forget to bring water, some food and protect them from the sun.
As always, it is important to emphasise to the little ones the need to use glasses during all the partial phases of the eclipse and to follow the instructions of the adults at all times.
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I should tell you that photographing a solar eclipse requires some preparation, especially if you want to get a high-quality image. But, although it is true that it only lasts a few minutes, if you have the right equipment and good prior planning, you will be able to get truly spectacular photographs of the Basque coast.
Photographers recommend familiarising yourself with the camera or mobile phone you are going to use several days before, checking the chosen location and doing tests to understand the path of the Sun in the afternoon. Having the framing decided and the equipment ready before the eclipse begins will allow you to focus on enjoying the moment without rushing or improvising.
DSLR or mirrorless cameras are the best for capturing all the details of the eclipse, especially if used with a telephoto lens and a tripod that provides stability. This type of configuration allows you to obtain much sharper images and take several shots with different settings without losing clarity during a phenomenon that barely lasts a few minutes.
During the partial phases, it will be essential to use a specific solar filter placed in front of the lens to protect the sensor. Also, working in RAW format will help you edit the photographs more easily, allowing you to retain the maximum level of detail.
You don't need professional equipment to take home a good memory of the eclipse, as current mobile phones allow you to take high-quality photographs if used correctly. However, whenever possible, avoid digital zoom and use manual or professional mode to adjust the exposure.
As with cameras, if you want to photograph the Sun directly with your mobile, you will need to use a filter compatible with the device or wait for the brief moment of totality, when the Sun is completely hidden. Furthermore, holding the phone with a tripod or a stable support will help you obtain much sharper images.
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The 2026 solar eclipse in the Basque Country will be the perfect excuse to discover the north in a completely new light, just as the Sun disappears over the Cantabrian horizon. Cities like Bilbao or San Sebastián, together with the coastal cliffs, will become privileged settings to witness this unique phenomenon that will not be repeated for decades.
The combination of the Cantabrian landscape and the momentary darkness of the eclipse promises to leave images that are difficult to forget. As it coincides with the high summer season and attracts travellers from all over, it is advisable to book your hotel in advance and choose your observation point in good time. All of this will make the difference in enjoying this astronomical appointment in the most comfortable and relaxed way possible.
Because there are phenomena that only last a few minutes, but remain in the memory forever. And the great eclipse of 12 August 2026 will be one of them.
It is worth bearing in mind that some observation points may be especially crowded or have access restrictions during the day of the eclipse. Therefore, it is advisable to check the planned mobility measures, plan your travel in advance and arrive with enough time to find a good spot.
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