An Insider’s guide to 2026 Solar Eclipse Travel
Chasing a total solar eclipse is as much a bucket-list moment as it is an opportunity to explore far-flung destinations. The next few years offer some of the best opportunities to witness this celestial show in all corners of the world. Wander Andalusian hill towns, get lost in the Medinas of Morocco, or drive through Australia’s Outback for land-based viewing. For a different perspective, set sail to watch the skies darken off Iceland’s coast, in the Moroccan waters, or along Egypt’s Nile River.
Eclipse travel combines once-in-a-lifetime wonder with cultural adventures to talk about for years to come. Read on to discover when to see the next total solar eclipses, along with where to stay and what to do.
Need to know
Planning eclipse travel takes more than marking the date. Book well ahead to avoid sell-outs, watch weather patterns, and plan around crowds. Check time zones so you’re aligned for those fleeting minutes of totality. On the day of, arrive early and set up chairs, water, snacks, and shade to make the long wait not only comfortable, but as memorable as the eclipse itself.
Advance planning: Cruise lines, guided tours, and hotels begin selling years out. Some hotels may require a minimum stay. Plan as far in advance as possible.
Ideal length of stay: While the solar eclipse lasts a matter of minutes, plan to visit one place for at least three to four days. Combine regions or do a destination deep dive with a trip of one week or more. Eclipse cruises are sailings from a few days up to one month at sea.
Transportation: Book car rentals, train tickets, or guided tours well in advance. Expect heavier traffic and arrive early to secure parking. Use public transport to avoid road congestion. Yacht and catamaran charters can provide an exclusive eclipse viewing event.
What to wear: It’s essential to wear ISO-certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers to look directly at the sun. Pack for the local climate and time of day with comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, with extra layers for altitudes, breezy spots, and winter settings. Be sure to also keep in mind that the air can cool by around 10 degrees during totality.
Positioning: Positioning is everything for maximum length of totality. Difference in altitude could reduce horizon haze but might mean windy mountain conditions. More remote locations may offer better visibility but lack infrastructure and resources. Study maps to avoid valleys, forests, or urban skylines that could obscure viewpoints.
Weather: Mother Nature is anything but predictable. Research historical weather data and cloud cover to help choose the best location. Look at the time of day to avoid early morning coastal fog or mountain top cloud cover. Track forecasted weather and leading up to the event, and be flexible on the day of to reposition for clearer skies.
2026 Eclipse: Spain, Balearic Islands & Iceland
Date: August 12, 2026
Time: The eclipse will peak around 5:45 pm in Iceland, and just before sunset around 8:30 pm across Spain and the Balearic Islands.
The 2026 total solar eclipse sweeps across Europe, from Iceland’s volcanic plains and glaciers to Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Many cruises are sold out, as are hotels in the path of totality. Opt for hotels outside of the totality track, but be prepared to drive or arrange transport to viewing points. There are also some cruises still available, but availability is limited.
Spain
Towns along Galicia’s rugged coast, villages in Castile and León, and vineyards across La Rioja will offer a variety of viewpoints. Bigger cities like Madrid or Barcelona offer a larger range of hotel and transportation options. Cruises will be positioned off the coast for optimal viewing.
Where to see the eclipse
La Coruña (A Coruña): Stroll the seaside promenade to the Roman-era Tower of Hercules lighthouse, relax on crescent-shaped beaches, and savor Galician seafood.
Zaragoza: Explore the grand Basílica del Pilar along the Ebro River, wander through Moorish architecture at the Aljafería Palace, and sample Aragonese cuisine.
Gijón: A lively Asturian port city where golden beaches meet Roman baths, a historic fishing quarter, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Aras de los Olmos: A protected area near Valencia home to an astronomical observatory, mountain village, and easy access to hiking trails.
Segovia: Famous for its towering Roman aqueduct, Alcázar castle, and winding lanes that open onto town squares.
Burgos: Home to a UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral, this Castilian city offers medieval monasteries and riverside walks.
Where to stay
URSO Hotel & Spa (Madrid): Situated in central Madrid, this refined hotel combines elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a full-service spa.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include a $100 food and beverage or spa credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection (Bilbao): A chic city stay in the bustling city center, this contemporary hotel offers stylish rooms and a panoramic rooftop bar.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: partner perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Almanac Barcelona (Barcelona): A refined design hotel offering elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace and pool, and an on-site restaurant highlighting seasonal Catalan flavors.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include a $125 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruising the eclipse
Royal Caribbean (Liberty of the Seas, August 7–16): Roundtrip from Southampton, with stops across Northern Spain, and solar eclipse viewing off the coast of La Coruña.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include a specialty dining experience for balcony cabins and above, plus a spa treatment for Junior Suites and above on select sailings.
Cunard Cruises (Queen Anne, August 9–16): Sophisticated, classic cruising from Southampton, with stops in France and Spain, and a seatime eclipse after leaving La Coruña.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $600 Onboard Credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Explora Journeys (Explora III, August 10–17): Yacht-inspired journey from Lisbon to Southampton, with the eclipse visible while departing the port of La Coruña.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include a EUR 300 Journey Experience Credit per stateroom on select voyages. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.
The Balearic Islands in Spain
Image courtesy of Six Senses Ibiza
Off Spain’s eastern coast, the Balearic Islands offer turquoise coves, breezy seaside resorts, rustic villages, and Mediterranean flavors. Mallorca serves as an ideal hub near the center of the eclipse path, with Ibiza just off to the side of the track. Menorca and Formentera rest along the edge of totality.
Where to see the eclipse
Mallorca: Coastal villages like Deià, Sant Elm, and Sóller offer sunset views with seaside cafés, lively markets, and rugged cliffs to provide stunning vantage points.
Ibiza: Watch the sun sink behind the iconic Es Vedrà rock formation from Cala d’Hort, or follow cliffside paths above Cala Vadella’s sheltered bay for serene vistas.
Menorca: Sunset views at Cap d’Artrutx are famous on the island, while Pont d’en Gil’s dramatic natural rock bridge offers a unique foreground.
Formentera: Cala Saona’s calm, shallow waters create an intimate sunset setting, while the 18th century Torre de La Gavina offers a secluded, clifftop atmosphere.
Where to stay
Finca Serena Mallorca (Mallorca): A serene adults-only retreat set among olive groves and vineyards blending rustic charm with modern luxury.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Can Bordoy Grand House Hotel GL Preferred Hotel (Mallorca): An intimate, garden-framed retreat in Palma’s historic center, featuring spacious suites and courtyard pool.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Six Senses Ibiza (Ibiza): A wellness-focused escape on the serene northern coast combining sleek suites, beachfront caves, farm-to-table dining, and a holistic spa.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cruising the eclipse
Princess Cruises (Enchanted Princess, August 4–18): Classic cruising, roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome) across the Med and Adriatic, with the eclipse occurring near Mallorca.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $100 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Princess Cruises (Sun Princess): Several 7-, 14-, and 21-night Mediterranean cruise options available, with this modern ship positioning itself off the Balearic Islands for the sunset eclipse.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $100 shipboard credit per stateroom on select sailings.
Virgin Voyages (Scarlet Lady, August 10–22): Adults-only sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), with the solar eclipse viewing off the shores of Ibiza.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $400 Sailor Loot per stateroom.
Iceland
Iceland’s westernmost fjords, volcanic plains, and fishing villages will offer dramatic backdrops. The weather can shift rapidly, with sun, wind, clouds, and rain all possible in a single day. The eclipse’s centerline will largely miss the mainland, so cruises will offer the best vantage points.
Where to see the eclipse
Reykjavík: Stroll through colorful streets, waterfront promenades, and stop at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Explore the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull National Park, the black sands of Djúpalónssandur, or the fishing town of Ólafsvík.
Westfjords: Experience dramatic scenery around Ísafjörður, spot puffins at Látrabjarg, and hike to Straumnes Lighthouse in one of Iceland’s most remote regions.
Reykjanes Peninsula: A volcanic landscape where fishing villages like Garður and Sandgerði set the scene along the rugged coastline.
Where to stay
The Reykjavik EDITION (Reykjavík): A sleek, design-forward hotel in the heart of Reykjavík offering panoramic city and bay views from the rooftop terrace and bar.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland (Grindavík): Adjacent to the famous geothermal lagoon, this exclusive property offers direct access to mineral-rich waters and spa experiences.
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, a Member of Design Hotels (Nesjavellir): Set amid lava fields and rugged highlands, this modern boutique hotel is just outside Reykjavík.
Cruising the eclipse
Virgin Voyages (Valiant Lady, August 5–20): Adults-only voyage roundtrip from Portsmouth to Dublin, Glasgow, and Reykjavik, with the eclipse observed at sea near Iceland.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $400 Sailor Loot per stateroom.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (NG Endurance, August 5–16): A small-ship expedition roundtrip from Reykjavík for remote exploration and eclipse viewing in Greenland.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom.
Azamara (Azamara Journey, August 8–26): Venturing from Reykjavík to Montreal, the eclipse will be seen at sea between Iceland and Greenland, with ports of call in both.
Bates Escapes VIP perks included: include up to $200 shipboard credit per stateroom on select voyages. Virtuoso Voyages Hosted Benefits also available on select sailings.