NORTHERN SPAIN
2026 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
August 3–14, 2026
Itinerary Preview
Note: Travelers can join for the full journey OR start in Bilbao, for an abridged version that integrates into the core eclipse experience
Asturias: Green Spain & the Atlantic Edge (Days 1–3.5)
Begin in northern Spain’s lush Atlantic corner, where emerald hills meet dramatic coastline. Arrive in Oviedo, a refined historic capital, and ease into the journey exploring its medieval center and café-lined squares.
From Oviedo, venture to coastal fishing villages perched above the Cantabrian Sea, where colorful harbors, sea cliffs, and evening light offer rich photo opportunities. Inland, visit the spiritual heart of Asturias at Covadonga, with its dramatic cliffside shrine and glacial lakes beneath the Picos de Europa—a powerful blend of nature, history, and myth.
Cantabria: Mountains & Stone Villages (Days 3.5-5.5)
Continue east into Cantabria, where rugged mountains rise from green valleys. Base yourself near the heart of the Picos de Europa, exploring alpine landscapes, stone villages, and quiet mountain towns shaped by centuries of pastoral life. Photograph sweeping views from high elevations, wander cobbled streets in historic hamlets, and enjoy time in riverside villages like Potes. This part of the journey highlights northern Spain’s raw beauty and slower rhythms before the cultural cities ahead.
Bilbao: Basque Culture & Modern Icons (Days 5.5 & 6)
[Travelers may also choose to join the journey here.]
Arrive in Bilbao, where tradition and modernity meet. Settle into the historic Old Town and enjoy evenings sampling pintxos and local wines in lively plazas. An optional early outing leads to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic island chapel connected by a winding stone bridge—one of northern Spain’s most striking coastal scenes (also featured in Game of Thrones). Back in the city, spend time at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, whose titanium curves and riverside setting have reshaped Bilbao’s identity.
Rioja: Vineyards and Villages (Day 7)
Travel south into the rolling hills of Rioja, Spain’s legendary wine country. Enjoy a private tasting and vineyard lunch at a landmark bodega, pairing regional flavors with sweeping views. By afternoon, continue over scenic mountain passes into the Soria highlands, where the peaceful stone village of Vinuesa welcomes you for the days surrounding the eclipse.
Vinuesa & the Eclipse (Days 8-10)
Settle into Vinuesa’s quiet charm, photographing its cobbled streets and timeless architecture while also visiting a nearby medieval village and photographing rural life, including a traditional sheep herder at work. Join astrophotographer Temu Nana for a workshop focused on capturing both the eclipse and the region's excellent dark sky at night. On eclipse day, travel to a carefully chosen perch above the surrounding landscape along the line of totality to witness this rare celestial event — an unforgettable moment of stillness and light.
Note on above dates:
Day 1 = August 4, 2026 (departure from U.S. therefore no later than August 3)
Day 10 = August 13, 2026 (return to U.S. either late that day or following day)
Anyone joining for only core experience from Bilbao onwards will arrive on Day 5
Day 5 = August 8, 2026 (departure from U.S. therefore no later than August 7)
A Taste of our Accommodations
From a boutique hideaway in Bilbao’s historic center to elegant rural estates and cozy mountain chalets, each property has been handpicked for its sense of style, intimacy, and connection to the landscapes that define northern Spain.
Why is Vinuesa our home base for the days leading up to the Eclipse?
Vinuesa is a quiet, stone-built village in the Soria highlands, far from the eclipse crowds of larger cities like Burgos and Soria. With only a handful of small hotels, it offers a peaceful retreat before and after the eclipse.
Located just a short distance from the center line of totality, Vinuesa gives us access to both the Castile and León and Soria regions within an hour’s drive — an area with some of the best chances for clear August skies in north-central Spain, especially compared to the often-clouded northern coast.
Through our scouting, we’ve identified multiple viewing sites within this radius, allowing flexibility if microclimates shift on eclipse day. Our top site is nearby and on a beautiful perch over the rural landscape. While Vinuesa itself is not our viewing point, it serves as the ideal base: quiet, beautiful, and near a dark-sky designated area, making it excellent not only for comfort but also for astrophotography.
Map data © Google