Hiking in Spain: Solar Eclipse 2026

The Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago is an 8-day self-guided hike covering around 115 km through the green hills of Galicia. It’s the most popular section of the Camino — and in August 2026, one of the best places in Europe to experience a total solar eclipse.

Five of the eight days take place within the path of totality, giving you excellent chances of witnessing the eclipse. You’ll pass through Portomarín, Palas de Rei, and Melide — all in the heart of the totality zone — before finishing in Santiago de Compostela. The trek includes accommodation, luggage transfer, and a navigation app. With average walking times of around 4 hours per day, this route is suitable for all fitness levels and ideal for combining the Camino experience with a rare astronomical event.

Eclipse Day tip: If August 12 falls between Sarria and O Pedrouzo in your itinerary, you’ll be well positioned. As you’ll already be at your accommodation, look for a nearby spot with elevation and a clear, open horizon.

This is one of the key findings from our research. While many hiking routes fall within the path of totality, that does not automatically make them good eclipse locations. On paper, they may show 100% coverage — but in reality, factors like weather, terrain, and sun position can significantly reduce your chances of seeing it.

Take Iceland, for example. It lies within the path of totality, but August typically brings a high chance of cloud cover — limiting visibility despite perfect alignment. In the Mallorca and Ibiza, the eclipse occurs just before sunset. With the sun extremely low on the horizon, surrounding terrain is likely to block the view — meaning it may not be visible at all. Similar issues occur in mountainous regions like the Picos de Europa, where high peaks can obstruct the sun at low elevation.

In short: Being in the path of totality is not enough. Clear horizons, favourable terrain, and realistic weather conditions are essential.

When Should I Start My Trek for the 2026 Solar Eclipse?

The total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026, in the late evening (around 20:28–20:33 CEST), so timing your trek is key. With this in mind, you’ll want to plan your itinerary so that you reach one of the best viewing areas on that exact day. Along the Camino Francés, locations such as Melide, Palas de Rei, and even Santiago de Compostela lie within the zone of totality and offer excellent conditions to experience the eclipse. For example, starting your trek between August 7–10 will typically place you in this section of the route on August 12 — the big day.

What Do I Need to Bring to Safely Watch the Eclipse?

Certified solar eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) are essential for watching the partial phases before and after totality. During the brief moments of totality itself, you can safely look at the corona with the naked eye — but only when the sun is completely covered. Never look directly at a partially eclipsed sun without proper eye protection.

How Early Should I Book My Camino Trek?

As early as possible. Accommodations along the Camino in Galicia for mid-August 2026 are in extremely high demand due to the eclipse. Once you submit your booking request, our team will check availability with our local partners and confirm your reservation as quickly as possible. We strongly recommend booking early to secure the best options, as availability will become increasingly limited closer to the date.

What Are the Weather Conditions Like in Galicia in August?

August in Galicia is generally warm and dry, with temperatures around 20–28°C. Cloud cover is always a possibility, but statistically, mid-August offers some of the best weather of the year. Inland locations like Melide or Palas de Rei typically provide better viewing conditions than the coast.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event, a rare opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse from one of Europe’s most iconic hiking routes. → Browse all Camino treks