Valencia is one of the strongest eclipse destinations because it combines totality with direct flights, beaches and platefuls of paella. For the main event, head to open spots such as Playa de la Malvarrosa or La Muntanyeta dels Sants in Albufera Natural Park, but arrive early as both are likely to be popular viewing points.

Sóller is one of Mallorca’s strongest eclipse bases, thanks to its west-coast setting, mountain scenery and access to elevated viewpoints around the Tramuntana. Scout west-facing spots near Port de Sóller, Deià, Valldemossa or Banyalbufar, where the low evening sun offer a better chance of unobstructed views. As accommodation in and near Sóller is at capacity during the dates of the eclipse, you could stay elsewhere on the island and rent a car to get to areas near Sóller for the event itself.

The Ebro Valley is a strong inland choice for eclipse viewing, with Zaragoza as the most practical base. Stay in the city for the Basilica del Pilar, the Aljafería Palace and easy transport links, then head towards wider valley viewpoints for the eclipse itself.

Burgos is a historic inland city known for its towering Gothic cathedral and proud medieval food culture. It’s a strong contender for eclipse travellers, acting as a gateway to Spain’s deep countryside, where flatter landscapes in neighbouring smaller towns could offer some of the clearest, least interrupted views of the low evening sun.

A Coruña is port city where you should be prepared to be blown away by excellent Galician seafood dishes. It sits on the country’s north-western edge and within the path of totality, making it one of the best places to experience the 2026 eclipse in Spain. However, do be picky with your seafront spot. Because the eclipse happens close to sunset, the sun will be low so make sure you have a clear horizon for the best views.

Eivissa is a strong Balearic choice because its west and south-west coast already has natural eclipse-viewing terrain: coves, cliffs and headlands facing the low evening sun. Look around Cala Comte, Cala d’Hort, Cala Benirràs or the Es Vedrà viewpoints, but plan ahead: August is peak season, and the best-known sunset spots are likely to get busy.

A historic Mediterranean trading hub defined by its architecture, Valencia's UNESCO-listed, La Lonja de la Seda shows off the city’s silk-trade wealth, while the cathedral layers Roman, Islamic and Gothic history in one building. The Central Market is worth visiting for fresh horchata alone, a creamy local drink made from tiger nuts and usually served with long, sugar-dusted pastries called fartons. And surely you didn’t think we’d forget about the City of Arts and Sciences, did you? Its futuristic white structures show Valencia at its most cinematic. Valencia is also the home of paella, but the region is also known for fideuà, a seafood noodle dish from nearby Gandia. Hire a car and spend a day threading together villages around Albufera Natural Park, or to explore more inland. Xàtiva, Bocairent and Chulilla, offer castles, stone streets and gorge walks - a rural contrast to the coastal city.

Sóller is for travellers who want Mallorca’s west coast rather than its busier resort towns. The town sits in a valley shaped by orange and lemon groves, and features a photogenic vintage tram that runs down to Port de Sóller, a quaint harbour where you’ll find impeccable seafood restaurants and boat trip starting-points for lazy days on the water. Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range that runs along Mallorca’s north-west coast is worth exploring for cliff views and stone villages. And no visit is without a dip in a cala or two. Cala Deià is a small rocky cove below the eponymous village, while Sa Calobra is a dramatic beach-and-canyon day trip idea. Hire a car if you can, as it makes it easier to reach small picturesque villages like Fornalutx, coves and viewpoints such as Mirador de ses Barques without relying on busy summer buses.

Zaragoza's key attractions sit in or near the old town, making it easy to explore on foot. The Basilica del Pilar sits right on the Ebro, with domes and towers best appreciated from the opposite riverbank, while the Aljafería Palace adds a completely different side of the city: Islamic-era courtyards, carved plasterwork and horseshoe arches inside an 11th-century fortified palace. There’s also La Seo, Zaragoza’s cathedral, which mixes Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque styles all under one roof. South of the city, you'll find Cariñena, one of Spain’s oldest wine regions, where you can visit local vineyards, or drive to Bardenas Reales in nearby Navarre instead, for scenic routes through semi-desert ravines. You may even recognise it as the Dothraki Sea from Game of Thrones, but don’t worry, there are no dragons there this time of year. The surrounding area here could also work well for travellers hoping to catch the Perseids. While the natural park closes before nightfall, nearby Ribera de Navarra villages such as Arguedas, Ablitas or Buñuel, are set up for darker-sky viewing.

Burgos is a solid choice for Gothic architecture, hearty regional food and historic towns. The cathedral is the initial draw, with its lace-like stonework, sculpted doorways, and ornate towers that dominate the skyline of the old town. Food is another reason to stay. Absolute musts are the morcilla de Burgos, a rice-based black pudding, lechazo asado, slow-roasted suckling lamb, and queso de Burgos. All with a side of a Ribera del Duero red. With a car, the province opens up to Lerma, home to a grand ducal palace which has been converted to a lavish hotel which serves up regional delicacies in its upscale restaurant. Covarrubias, a gorgeous small town known for timber-framed houses, medieval streets and during summer, a small riverside beach to cool off. And close by there's also Santo Domingo de Silos, an unmissable Romanesque cloister known for its gregorian chanting - an atmospheric way to start off your Sunday if you’re interested in joining mass. Additionally, Atapuerca is reachable and adds real depth if you want prehistoric sites rather than another pretty town.

Eivissa is a good choice if you want a compact island break without trying to cover every corner of Ibiza. Spend time in Dalt Vila, the fortified old town, where the cathedral, ramparts and steep lanes show a more historic side of the island, then, it's beach time. Choose between Cala Comte for clear water and easy swimming, Cala d’Hort for views of Es Vedrà, or Benirràs if you want a more rugged north-coast setting. Add Santa Gertrudis for an inland village stop with restaurants, galleries and independent shops, and food-wise, look for flaó, Ibiza’s mint-and-cheese dessert.