WALKING THE CAMINO DURING THE 2026 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE.
I know that it’s only 2025 as I write this, but if you’re anything like us – you are already thinking about summer hiking next year. And in 2026, something quite special is happening.
On 12th August 2026, for a few minutes, the late summer evening will turn to night. The air will cool and the familiar Spanish landscape will all get a little bit eerie.
A total solar eclipse is coming to Spain, and if you happen to be walking one of the Camino de Santiago routes in Northern Spain, you could find yourself in the perfect spot to witness it.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about witnessing the eclipse on the Camino.
Where to See the eclipse on the Camino
I can’t claim to be an eclipse expert, but after plenty of research (using the NSU website), here’s what you might want to know.
The path of totality, the zone where the moon completely covers the sun, will pass directly over a wide stretch of northern Spain, cutting across several of the main Camino routes.
Where can you see the eclipse from the Camino Frances?
The Camino Frances offers some of the best opportunities to see the eclipse. According to the NSU, the path of totality will cover a large central section of the route, stretching roughly from Puente la Reina (just after Pamplona) all the way to O Pedrouzo, which lies about a day before Santiago de Compostela.
That means towns like Logroño, Burgos, León, and Astorga will all be perfectly placed for eclipse viewing – though Pamplona and Santiago themselves fall just outside the full shadow.
One of the most spectacular potential viewing points lies just beyond Castrojeriz, a charming hilltop town in the province of Burgos. A short climb out of town brings you to the Mirador del Alto de Mostelares, a sweeping high plateau.
Normally, pilgrims tackle this climb early in the morning, but on 12th August, it might be worth heading up there for the evening. From this vantage point, totality will last for around 1 minute and 43 seconds.
Other great options include:
- Hontanas, where you could watch from the rolling fields outside town.
- Frómista, with its Romanesque church and open countryside.
- León, where you could experience totality in the city’s main square.
Where can you see the eclipse from the Camino del Norte
If you’re walking the Camino del Norte, you’re also in luck – a large part of the northern coastline will lie under the path of totality.
You’ll be able to witness the eclipse from Bilbao, Santander, Llanes, Ribadesella, Gijón,and even Ribadeo – a long, beautiful stretch through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias.
Do note that accommodation in coastal towns will likely book up quickly. The combination of summer holidays, the eclipse, and the popularity of the Norte means it’s wise to reserve early.
Where can you see the eclipse from the Camino Primitivo?
The Camino Primitivo runs right through the centre of the eclipse’s path, offering some of the longest durations of totality in northern Spain.
You’ll be able to see it clearly from Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Lugo, and even Melide, where the Primitivo joins the Frances.
If you’re in Pola de Allande, you’ll be very close to the centre of the shadow path – meaning you might get nearly two full minutes of totality.
Lugo is another excellent option: its Roman walls provide a great vantage point across the city.
Anywhere else?
Yes, even the Camino Ingles gets a glimpse of the action. The city of A Coruña lies within the path of totality.
If you start your pilgrimage in A Coruña, you’ll have one of the best urban viewing spots in Spain – with theTower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working lighthouse, providing a stunning backdrop for the event.
Why is this eclipse significant
The 2026 eclipse has a few peculiarities:
It’s historic – This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Spain since 1905. For most people, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It’s part of the “Iberian Trio” – Spain will host three rare eclipses in quick succession: this one in 2026, another total eclipse in 2027, and an annular eclipse in 2028.
It’s perfectly timed for the Camino – Falling in the early evening of a long summer day.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
If you’re planning to walk the Camino Frances in 2026, here’s what you might wan to consider.
Book accommodation early – Hotels and albergues along the route, particularly in and around Castrojeriz, will fill up fast.
Plan your timing – The eclipse will happen in the early evening (around 7:30–8:00 p.m., depending on where you are).
Allow time for reflection – The Camino is already a deeply reflective journey. Watching the sun disappear over the plains could be one of your most memorable stages.
Be prepared for crowds – Even on quieter routes, the eclipse may draw visitors and locals alike.
Wear eclipse glasses – there are certain times when it’s unsafe to look at the sun without eclipse glasses. So be careful, or take precautions.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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