A solar eclipse is one of those rare sky shows Europe actually gets to enjoy properly this year. 2026 is extra special because a total solar eclipse in Portugal has not been visible since 1912. On 12th August, the country will see the eclipse clearly, with a corner in the far northeast experiencing the full blackout and the rest of the country watching the Sun turn into a deep crescent.
What is a solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse happens when the Earth, Moon and Sun line up so precisely that the Moon completely covers the Sun for a short time. A partial eclipse is the same alignment slightly off‑centre, so the Moon hides only part of the solar disc.
Path of totality and solar eclipse 2026 for Portugal
The eclipse sits in a narrow band that crosses the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal, which is why coverage and timing change as you move around the country. Portugal lies on the western edge of this track, so only a tiny slice of the northeast falls inside the path of totality, where the Sun disappears completely for a few seconds.
Where in Portugal you can see the 2026 solar eclipse
According to Ciência Viva, the only place in Portugal that experiences full totality is Montesinho Natural Park in Bragança, in the far northeast of Trás‑os‑Montes. There, the Sun will be completely covered for around 26 seconds, and day really will turn briefly to night.
However, the solar eclipse will be visible across mainland Portugal and the islands, but the depth of the eclipse varies by region. In broad terms:
- North and centre: higher coverage, so the change in light feels stronger. The Sun will shrink to a very thin crescent, and daylight will drop to something close to early twilight.
- Far south: still a clear partial eclipse, but slightly less dark at maximum.
- Islands: striking views, with coverage levels a bit different to the mainland.
Major Portuguese cities and their eclipse 2026 visibility
- Porto and the north: closer to the main track, so more of the Sun covered and a stronger change in light.
- Lisbon region: a strong partial eclipse, with a big chunk of the Sun hidden and the city briefly taking on a muted, cool light.
- Central cities (e.g. Coimbra): deep partial eclipse, clearly darker than usual but not as intense as further north.
- Faro and the Algarve: a clear bite out of the Sun and a noticeable dimming, just without the same depth of darkness as the north.
When is the 2026 solar eclipse in Portugal?
On Wednesday, 12th August 2026, the Moon will cross the Sun, darkening the sky as the Sun drops towards the Atlantic. Across Portugal, the eclipse plays out in the late afternoon and early evening as the Sun sinks towards the western horizon.
The partial phase starts at about 18:33, with totality in Bragança beginning around 19:30 and lasting for roughly half a minute before the Sun reappears. The partial eclipse then continues until about 20:24, so the whole sequence there runs for almost two hours.
How to watch the Portugal solar eclipse 2026 safely
Watching the Portugal solar eclipse 2026 safely is all about protecting your eyes. Use certified eclipse glasses or proper solar viewers whenever any part of the Sun is visible. A partial eclipse is just as dangerous to look at directly as a normal Sun, even in late afternoon.
In the few spots that see true totality, only the brief moment when the Sun is completely covered is safe without filters, and protection needs to go straight back on as soon as the first bright sliver reappears. Simple projection tricks, like pinhole viewers, a colander, or even watching the crescent shapes in dappled light under trees, are good options if you are nervous about looking up.
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