Solar Eclipse in the Canary Islands 2026: Times and Where to See It by Island

You want to know When and how to see the solar eclipse in the Canary Islands 2026The next one August 12th, XNUMX The Islands will experience a partial solar eclipse, on the same day that much of the Peninsula will enjoy the first total eclipse visible from Spain in more than a century. If you want to know What time is the solar eclipse in the Canary Islands? by island, the percentage of sun that will be covered and Where to get free certified glasses to see it safelyTake note! 🌘

What is a historic eclipse and why is it one?

El August 12th, 2026 took place on First total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century, according to official data from National Geographic Institute (IGN)The path of totality will cross the Peninsula from west to east, passing through cities such as A Coruña, León, Zaragoza or Valencia. In the Canary Islands the eclipse will be partial, not totalThe islands are outside the path of totality, but the Moon will still cover them. between 56% and 73% of the Sun According to the island, this occurs precisely during sunset. A phenomenon not seen in the archipelago since 1959.

Schedules and % of concealment by island

Schedules vary slightly from island to island depending on their exact location. Here are the details. confirmed by IGN for the four eastern and central islands, plus the available estimates for the western ones:

Isla	Home	Final	% concealment
Lanzarote	18: 56 pm	20: 43 pm	73 %
Fuerteventura	18: 57 pm	20: 44 pm	72 %
Tenerife	18: 57 pm	20: 44 pm	70 %
Gran Canaria	18: 58 pm	20: 45 pm	70 %
La Gomera *	~18:45h		Up to 64%
La Palma *	~18:45h	~20:23h	Up to 59%
El Hierro *	~18:46h		Up to 56%

☝️ The further east, the greater the percentage of sun covered: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will have the best view of the archipelago, while the western islands (La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro) will have somewhat less obscuration.

💡 If you want the exact schedule calculated for your municipality or postal code, you can check it directly on the IGN's official interactive tool.

📍 Solar eclipse in Gran Canaria

En Gran CanariaThe eclipse will begin at 18: 58 pm and will end at 20: 45 pm, with maximum concealment around the 70% of the SunSince it coincides with sunset, here are our favorite places to watch it. sunset in Gran CanariaBut any place will do. with unobstructed views to the west.

📍 Solar eclipse in Tenerife

En TenerifeThe phenomenon will begin at 18: 57 pm and will conclude at 20: 44 pm, with a maximum concealment close to 70 %Teide, due to its altitude and clear horizon, stands out as one of the best observation points in all of the Canary Islands.

📍 Solar eclipse in Fuerteventura

En FuerteventuraThe eclipse will begin at 18: 57 pm and will end at 20: 44 pm, reaching a 72% concealment, one of the highest figures in the archipelago.

📍 Solar eclipse in Lanzarote

Lanzarote It will be the island with the highest confirmed concealment percentage in the Canary Islands: 73 %with the eclipse developing between the 18:56 and 20:43Viewpoints like Mirador del Río or Famara are good options because of their unobstructed view to the west.

📍 Solar eclipse in La Palma

En La PalmaThe eclipse is estimated to begin around 18: 45 pm and will end towards the 20: 23 pm, with an approximate concealment of 59 %. The Roque de los Muchachos is one of the best viewpoints in all of Spain to observe the phenomenon.

📍 Solar eclipse in La Gomera

En La GomeraThe eclipse is estimated to begin around 18: 45 pm, with an approximate concealment of 64 %Viewpoints like the one at Abrante or Alto de Garajonay These are good options for enjoying it.

📍 Solar eclipse in El Hierro

En El HierroThe eclipse is estimated to begin around 18: 46 pm, with an approximate concealment of 56 %, the lowest in the archipelago.

Where to get free certified glasses

⚠️ Never look directly at the sun without approved glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification and CE marking. Conventional sunglasses offer no real protection when viewing the eclipse.

According to official sources, the glasses are being distributed free of charge. through ONCE vendors (no purchase conditions are mentioned). Even so, there are limited units, so we recommend going in advance. In the case of the Elder Museum (Gran Canaria)The center has confirmed that From August 4th, approved glasses are given out with museum admission.In other words, you need to go to the museum to get them. Conditions may vary at other participating museums, so it's best to confirm before you go. If you prefer to buy them directly, you can also find them in opticians or large stores for approximately €2-5; always remember to check that they have the ISO 12312-2 certification.

🔭 Guided observation points on the 8 islands

If you prefer to see the eclipse accompanied and with explanations, Elder Museum organize a simultaneous observation in the 8 Canary Islandswith a meeting point on each island, guided by experts and science communicators. free and will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 17:30 p.m. to 21:00 p.m.In addition, they will distribute certified goggles at the observation points themselves.

Frequently asked questions about the solar eclipse in the Canary Islands 2026

Will it be a total or partial eclipse in the Canary Islands?

Partial. The eclipse will be total in much of the northern half of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, but in the Canary Islands it will be observed as partial, with an obscuration of between 56% and 73% of the Sun depending on the island.

Which Canary Island will have the best view of the eclipse?

Lanzarote, with a confirmed 73% concealment, followed closely by Fuerteventura, with 72%.

Can I view the eclipse without special glasses?

No never. Looking directly at the sun, even when partially covered, can cause irreversible eye damage. It is essential to wear certified sunglasses that meet ISO 12312-2 standards and bear the CE marking.

Where can I get free eclipse glasses in the Canary Islands?

Through the ONCE vendors across all the islands from August 3rd, and at three fixed locations: the Elder Museum of Science and Technology (Gran Canaria), the Museum of Science and the Cosmos (Tenerife), and Ojos al Cielo (La Palma). However, keep in mind that At the Elder Museum, the glasses are given out with the admission ticket.In other words, you'll have to pay the museum entrance fee to get them. For other centers, it's best to confirm the conditions before you go.

📌 Data sources: National Geographic Institute (IGN), Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities y ELEVEN.

And that's all the information about it. solar eclipse in the Canary Islands 2026Which island will you be watching from? Let us know in the comments! 🌘

And if you feel like taking advantage of the trip to discover more about each islandWe've left you our complete guidesWith routes, beaches, charming villages, viewpoints, and the most authentic corners of each one. 👇