Catalonia proposes 27 safe sites to host over 85,000 people for 2026 total solar eclipse

Catalonia has proposed 27 safe sites to host a total of 85,200 people for the 2026 total solar eclipse taking place on Wednesday, August 12, at 8:30 pm.

The "common but exceptional meteorological phenomenon" will take place 121 years after the last total solar eclipse recorded in Catalonia, in 1905, as Catalan research minister Núria Montserrat told media outlets during a media briefing.

The total solar eclipse will be mainly visible in western and southern Catalonia, with Tarragona, Roquetes, and Lleida experiencing totality – up to 1 minute 32 seconds in Roquetes, and 27 seconds in Lleida.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will experience a 99.7% partial solar eclipse, Girona 98.8%, and Puigcerdà 98.6%.

Ahead of next year's astronomical phenomenon, the Catalan government has proposed 27 safe sites across 20 municipalities for around 85,000 people to enjoy the experience. Sites have been selected based on scientific, security, and mobility criteria.

The spots across southern Catalonia offer at least 55 seconds of total solar eclipse, are home to at least 3,000 inhabitants, and have more than 60% of terrain suitable for viewing the eclipse. The population requirement was set to avoid "overpopulating small municipalities without enough infrastructure."

"Using satellite imagery and shadows, we were able to eliminate some 200 municipalities out of the original ones selected," Minister Montserrat said. After the selection, rural agents examined areas in 17 towns, which were later increased to 20. Experts have "selected sites across these municipalities as safe spots."

Officials want to make the event "historic," but also a "cultural experience, as for many cultures, eclipses were a sign of good fortune." To add value, there will also be an "informative experience" and many stargazing activities. However, small towns have not been selected to host "massive activities" to ensure safety and mobility.

"We expect to have scientific dissemination activities across the chosen spots, as there are plenty of astronomers in Catalonia," she added.

One-to-one meetings between the city councils and the Catalan government will address, during the upcoming months, which activities to schedule and whether to modify local festivities or change the format.

No to beaches

On-site rural agents examined dozens of locations to "diversify the available offer," but also checked "unrecommended" spots. From August 11 to 13 this year, agents studied the areas around 8:30 pm to identify safe spots where the eclipse would be fully visible, without any view restrictions towards the west.

One of the spots that was rejected was beaches, as "many have protected species," Sergio Delgado, deputy director of events at Catalan Civil Protection, said.

Most of the available spots will be on the outskirts and not in the center of the municipalities, as officials want people to "enjoy" the phenomenon, as Minister Montserrat said. In total, there will be 334,404 square meters for a capacity of 85,200 people and parking for 40,805 vehicles.

Civil Protection estimates an average of 3,000 people per spot, with some locations reaching up to 8,000 and others capped at 1,000. These figures are based on a 4 sqm area per person, which, while not yet confirmed, would mean access will have to be controlled.

Delgado also explained that the security control will be divided into three different layers, with the top level being the 112 emergency services headquarters in Reus. Each town will have its own local police officers, and each site will also have special security connected to the command center.

Website and Perseid meteor shower

The Catalan government has launched a website eclipsicatalunya.cat with detailed information on how to enjoy the solar eclipse.

The web provides the exact locations of safe spots to watch the event, a shadow map, educational materials, and recommendations for safe stargazing, including instructions on when to wear protective glasses and when it is not necessary.

Authorities also point out that while the total eclipse lasts up to 1 minute 30 seconds, is starts around two hours earlier. And when it finishes, it coincides with the main day of the Perseid meteor shower.

Taking place in mid-summer, the eclipse coincides with the holiday season. Although the solar altitude during totality will be relatively low – less than 13° above the horizon across Spain – early weather models predict clear skies for many regions according to the eclipse website eclipse262728.es, enhancing the viewing experience.

With the sun at such a low altitude at the moment of totality, observing the eclipse will require a clear horizon free of obstructions like buildings, trees, or mountains.

Most total solar eclipses feature a path no wider than 200km, but 2026’s path will span 290km, allowing even more people to experience the magic of totality.