Total Eclipse of the Sun: A Photo Gallery of the August 2026 Eclipse Over Spain
The August 2026 total solar eclipse lasted less than two minutes over northern Spain, but Smithsonian Journeys travelers turned it into a six-day celebration of astronomy, wine, and Spanish culture. See our favorite photos from Eclipse Day—and a stunning video of totality.
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When the solar eclipse occurred earlier this month, 178 Smithsonian Journeys travelers—plus nine experts in everything astronomical—were poised in the path of totality in northern Spain. Nine small groups had converged at two delightful wineries for a day of festivities and sky-gazing. Some made their way from Basque Country to the vineyards near León and others arrived in Ribera del Duero wine country by way of Madrid and the World Heritage sites of Segovia and Ávila. All were treated to a spectacular celestial show that culminated with almost two minutes of totality just before 8:30 p.m., when the sun was low in the sky. Scroll on to see some our favorite photos from the day and a video of the dramatic moments when the moon obscured the sun.
First order of the day: Tour the Wineries
The festivities kicked off with tours of the wineries and vineyards as well as wine tasting. In Ribera del Duero, we were based at Finca Torremilanos, a century-old bodega that produces biodynamic wines. In the León wine region, we took over Bodega Gordonzello, established to revive the local viticultural traditions through collaboration between vintners, modern winemaking, and a commitment to the region's native grapes.
Next: A Panel Discussion with our Experts
Our Smithsonian Journeys Experts were astronomers, astrophysicists, planetarium directors, and the like—and to hear our travelers tell it, they were also phenomenal traveling companions, adding insight, knowledge, and a personal perspective wherever they went. At each winery, we held a panel discussion as a prelude to the evening's eclipse. "The experts were so available and knowledgeable," said Abigail J. "I learned much more than I expected to about the eclipse, astronomy, and space."
Preparing for the Magic
In the lead-up to the eclipse, there was a performance by traditional Spanish dancers (at Gordonzello), live music, and tapas—and a LOT of telescopes. At about 7:30, as the partial eclipse began, the glasses went on. "The wine tasting and wine and cheese just before the eclipse began added excitement and a social aspect that turned out to be a very important part of the experience for me. And it was not simply the sight of the final total eclipse, but the gradual, dramatic, and dynamic buildup to totality that moved and surprised me in a way that I had not anticipated," said David T., who watched from Gordonzello. "And we were blessed with perfect weather for the viewing."
And Finally...the Total Eclipse of the Sun
"Of course the eclipse was the highlight," said Vivian B. "I loved watching it away from crowds at the winery, where there were telescopes and the TV set up to see the solar flares and every minute of the eclipse."
"There are no words to capture the joy, awe, and magic of the eclipse," said tour operator Jennifer Kefer. "They were completely perfect events at two wineries perfectly situated in the path of totality, with unobstructed views of the western sky." Once the sun had set, there was a celebratory dinner with live music and dancing. "If you're wondering whether the band opened with 'Dark Side of the Moon'...," said Kefer, "why yes, yes they did!" At Gordonzello, travelers were treated to a flamenco show and at Torremilanos, the cosmos even inspired a conga line.
Looking back on the trip, traveler Claudia S. said, "It was just an incredible experience...Maybe it was the purpose of the trip, but we really bonded." And Sallie D. summed it all up succinctly: "A disparate group came together to learn more about a common interest in celestial events in a wonderful way."
"[It was] so exciting and just well beyond what we had hoped for," said David T. "A stellar experience! "
Two Minutes of Totality: Solar Eclipse Spain 2026
