Eclipse path
Where Palencia sits in the shadow
Palencia offers one of the longest totalities on the Spanish mainland (approximately 1 min 43 s) and sits amid flat plains ideal for the low Sun — but accommodation is extremely limited.
Spain · Castile and León
2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Palencia
Palencia is inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 20:29 CEST, and totality lasts about 1 min 42 s. At maximum, the Sun is about 9° above the western horizon, so choose an unobstructed viewing location.
Eclipse typeTotal
Maximum Sun obscuration100%
Maximum eclipseapproximately 20:29 CEST
Totality lastsapproximately 1 min 42 s
Local eclipse circumstances for Palencia
| Maximum eclipse | approximately 20:29 CEST |
|---|---|
| Sun altitude at maximum | 9.0° |
| Sun azimuth at maximum | 295.0° |
Times are local to the city. Circumstances can change across the urban area, so use the map for your exact viewing point and verify critical values before travel.
City map
Explore the eclipse from Palencia
The map opens around the city. Click your intended viewing location to request detailed eclipse circumstances from the calculator.
Click anywhere on the map for exact eclipse circumstances.
Local guide
Palencia lies inside the path of totality for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse. The city-centre estimate is ~20:29 CEST with approximately ~1 min 42 s of totality.
Sun and horizon
Where to look
At maximum the Sun sits about 9° above the west-northwest (azimuth approximately 290–300°). Flat Castilian plains and the Canal de Castilla give superb open western horizons for the approximately 9° Sun.
Possible viewing areas
Places to investigate in Palencia
These are planning leads rather than guaranteed official viewing sites. Check access, closures, safety and the western horizon yourself before eclipse day.
Cristo del Otero
20 m hilltop statue north of the city with a commanding 360° horizon.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
42.02000, -4.53000
Mirador de Palencia (southwest)
Elevated viewpoint over the city toward the southwest.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
42.00000, -4.54000
Canal de Castilla towpath
Flat 18th-century canal landscape with long open sightlines.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
42.02000, -4.55000
Travel planning
Getting to and around Palencia
AVE from Madrid in under an hour; smaller city with limited rooms, so many will day-trip or stay in nearby Valladolid.
Weather strategy
Keep a mobile backup plan
Centre-line meseta with the longest mainland totality (approximately 1 min 43 s) and excellent clear-sky odds; quieter than Burgos/Valladolid but rooms are scarce and very expensive. Historical August climate is a guide, not a forecast — check the 48-hour outlook and keep a backup location.
Nearby alternatives
Compare other eclipse cities
Spain · Castile and León
Valladolid
Total 100% · approximately 20:30 CEST
Distance: 43 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:30 CEST with about 1 min 29 s of totality.
Spain · Castile and León
Burgos
Total 100% · approximately 20:29 CEST
Distance: 78 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:29 CEST with about 1 min 44 s of totality.
Spain · Castile and León
León
Total 100% · approximately 20:29 CEST
Distance: 110 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:29 CEST with about 1 min 44 s of totality.
Spain · Cantabria
Santander
Total 100% · approximately 20:27 CEST
Distance: 170 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 20:27 CEST with about 1 min 04 s of totality.
Local questions
Palencia eclipse FAQ
Is the 2026 eclipse total in Palencia?
Yes. Palencia lies inside the path of totality. Maximum eclipse is around 20:29 CEST, with about 1 min 42 s of totality at the city centre.
Which direction should I look from Palencia?
Look toward the west-northwest, at an azimuth of approximately 295°. The Sun is about 9° above the horizon at maximum, so check the sightline before eclipse day.
How long does totality last in Palencia?
Totality lasts about 1 min 42 s at the city centre. The exact duration changes slightly across the surrounding area.
Sources and review notes
- NationalEclipse.com — 2026 city data (NASA/Espenak) — Totality start times and durations
- Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), Spain — Official Spanish eclipse circumstances
- timeanddate.com — 12 August 2026 eclipse — Global timings and obscuration
City guide last reviewed: 2026-07-10.