Chasing the eclipse

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, plunging parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Northern Spain into daytime darkness as the Moon passes in front of the Sun. In the latest issue of Portal North, Martin Guttridge-Hewitt charts the best vantage points

ICELAND

Whilst Eastern Greenland boasts some of the top hot (well, cool) spots to see the solar eclipse, for most of us, these won’t be easily accessible. That said, there are some luxury cruises heading that way if you want to splash out and make your way to Scoresbysund – the planet’s largest fjord – or Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated Inuit settlements in the world.

Further south, Iceland makes for a simpler choice, with easy access and low-cost flights to Reykjavik, where mild August temperatures of around 13C make it an ideal coolcation.

You’ll find a host of solar eclipse day trips on offer to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and take in this once- in-a-lifetime event. Tours typically include sites like Mount Kirkjufell and the striking Djúpalónnsandur black sand beach. Breiðafjörður Bay, around a three-hour drive from the capital, is set to experience the longest period of total darkness (totality) at two minutes and 18 seconds. If you’re looking to stay locally, the traditional fishing village of Stykkishólmur has plenty accommodation on offer.

Iceland Eclipse will also take place in this area, a five-day festival which begins on 11 August. Critically acclaimed music acts such as Maribou State, Quantic, Imogen Heap and Hjaltalin join artists and filmmakers like Darren Aronofsky, NASA scientists, astronomers, astronauts and meditation guides for a celebration of all things cosmic. 

Getting there: Fly to Reykjavik, then drive, private transfer or book a day trip to Breiðafjörður Bay.

SPAIN

Northern Spain will be one of the busiest regions for eclipse chasers, and it’s easy to see why. Known for clear blue skies throughout summer, conditions should be perfect for watching the phenomenon, and a number of popular towns and cities lie beneath the path of totality – as do the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Take your pick of the mainland big hitters like A Coruña, Valencia, Zaragoza and Bilbao. If you want to swerve the crowds, head for what should be the much quieter city of Palencia in Castilla y León.

Built on an ancient Roman settlement, what it lacks in coastal romance it more than makes up for in beautiful historic architecture and picturesque views from the top of Carre del Otero. Don’t miss the tiny museum dedicated to legendary sculptor Victorio Macho at the foot of the hill.

Another option for intrepid explorers is to head to Bardenas Reales, where lunar landscapes abound, about a three-hour drive east of Palencia.

A wilderness stretching over 420 sq km of badlands in southeast Navarre, you’re within striking distance of towns like Burgos, Pamplona and San Sebastian but the semi- desert’s giant sandstone formations, raised plateaus, canyons and cabezos (hills) make it feel like you’ve landed on the Moon. Just don’t forget to look up or you’ll miss the main event.

Getting there: Fly to Bilbao or Santander, then take a train or drive to Palencia.

ALGERIA