Zaragoza Emerges as Surprise Best Option to View Total Solar Eclipse in Spain

On 12 August 2026, millions of people are expected to travel to Spain to witness one of Europe’s most anticipated natural events - a total solar eclipse.

Searches for “total eclipse” reached 1.5 million over the past month alone, but new analysis from global travel booking platform Omio suggests the country’s best viewing location isn’t where many visitors would expect.

Using its new Solar Eclipse Index, Omio analysed destinations across Spain, considering factors such as eclipse totality, historical cloud cover, horizon visibility, transport accessibility, and overall travel experience to identify the country’s best places to witness the phenomenon. 

The surprising winner wasn’t Barcelona, Valencia or Palma. Zaragoza topped the rankings with a score of 88/100, outperforming some of Spain’s best-known destinations to become the country’s highest-rated place to experience the eclipse.

Better still, travellers arriving in Madrid can reach Zaragoza in just 95 minutes on a direct high-speed train, with fares starting from around €27/£23 - making it easy to build one of Europe’s biggest natural events into a wider Spanish itinerary . 

Omio’s Solar Eclipse Index: Spain’s highest-rated destinations for the 2026 total solar eclipse

Source: Omio Solar Eclipse Index

Although Madrid and Barcelona will act as gateways for many international visitors, neither ranks among Omio’s top eclipse destinations, meaning a short onward rail journey could significantly improve the viewing experience. 

How to reach Spain’s highest-ranked eclipse destinations by direct rail

Prices accurate from date of research [30.07.26]

Rather than hiring a car or taking an internal flight, Omio found travellers can reach Zaragoza directly from Madrid in as little as 95 minutes, with one-way fares starting from just £23. 

The high-speed route makes Zaragoza one of the country’s most accessible eclipse destinations, allowing visitors to experience the event before returning to Madrid or continuing their journey through northern Spain. 

Why Zaragoza ranked Spain’s highest-rated eclipse destination

Scoring 88/100 in Omio’s Solar Eclipse Index, Zaragoza ranked as Spain’s highest-rated destination for the 2026 eclipse thanks to its combination of eclipse visibility, historically favourable weather conditions and excellent rail connectivity.

Although Barcelona and Valencia remain among Spain’s most visited destinations, Omio’s analysis found Zaragoza offers a stronger balance of viewing conditions and accessibility. 

The city benefits from 1 minute and 24 seconds of totality, relatively low historical cloudiness, and strong inland viewing potential compared to several coastal destinations. 

Zaragoza offers more than just one of Spain’s best eclipse viewing locations. It also has everything you’d want from a Spanish city break.

Visitors can spend the day exploring the Basilica del Pilar, wandering through the historic old town or sampling traditional Aragonese cuisine before experiencing totality as the sun begins to lower in the evening sky.

What makes Zaragoza stand out isn’t just its eclipse score, but how easy it is to reach. Travellers arriving in Madrid can board a direct high-speed train and be in Zaragoza in just 95 minutes, making it possible to swap Spain’s capital for the country’s highest-ranked eclipse destination without hiring a car or catching another flight. 

The other destinations worth considering

Palma, Mallorca

Ranking second overall, Palma offers one of Spain's most spectacular coastal eclipse settings.

The city scored highly thanks to its sea-facing views and dramatic Mediterranean backdrop, making it one of Omio’s highest-ranked destinations for travellers looking for the most cinematic experience. 

León

León recorded one of the longest periods of totality in the Index at 1 minute and 44 seconds, while also benefiting from favourable inland weather signals.

For travellers prioritising eclipse duration over beach scenery, it is one of Spain’s strongest alternatives. 

Valencia

Already growing in popularity as a city-break destination, Valencia also ranked highly thanks to its accessibility and vibrant cultural offering.

Although totality is shorter than Zaragoza or León, its excellent transport connections make it an attractive option for travellers wanting to combine the eclipse with a longer Spanish holiday.

(pics: National Geographic)