Mark the Date: Solar Eclipse is Expected in Portugal
A total solar eclipse will sweep across the Arctic and Greenland before its path clips the Iberian Peninsula, bringing a deep partial eclipse to all of mainland Portugal and Madeira. For a few lucky observers, a tiny pocket of the country on the far northeastern border will experience full totality.
Where Totality Touches Portugal
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 12 August 2026. For a matter of seconds, the Moon’s shadow will completely cover the Sun in a sliver of the Bragança municipality, near the village of Rio de Onor right on the Spanish frontier. Local calculations show a brief totality of roughly 18 seconds, with the maximum phase occurring around 19:30 WEST. Outside this very small area, the rest of Portugal will witness a dramatic partial eclipse.
What Lisbon and Most of the Country Will See
In Lisbon, the eclipse will begin at 18:39, reach its maximum at 19:36 with about 95% of the Sun obscured, and end at 20:29 local time. Residents should expect a remarkable late-evening, low-Sun spectacle. The light will dim noticeably, temperatures may dip slightly, and shadows will sharpen. Similar deep partial views are expected across the mainland and Madeira, with exact times varying by location.
Spain to be the Regional Hotspot
While Portugal gets a near-total experience almost everywhere, northern and eastern Spain lie squarely in the path of totality. Eclipse durations there will be longer, up to a couple of minutes in some places, making the Spanish interior the closest destination for travellers seeking a longer view of totality.
Planning Your View
To get the best view, it is wise to scout your sightlines in advance. With the Sun low in the west during the maximum eclipse, prioritise a clear horizon free of buildings or hills. Coastal lookouts and open plains are ideal locations. Weather will also be a factor, as late-day summer cloud can interfere. Climate analyses suggest inland Iberia often offers favourable skies, so staying mobile can improve your chances.
Safety First: How to Watch Correctly
It is absolutely crucial to protect your eyes. Outside the brief window of totality, which only applies to the small Bragança pocket, do not look directly at the Sun without proper protection. You must use certified eclipse viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard or observe the event indirectly with a pinhole projector. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe and will not protect your vision.
A Once-in-a-Generation Event
Total solar eclipses visible from Europe are rare. This event brings a nationwide celestial show to Portugal at an accessible hour. The country's close brush with totality means some residents can reach the path of full darkness simply by driving to the far northeast border. For everyone else, a 95% partial eclipse is still a magnificent, once-in-a-generation twilight spectacle.