An eclipse occurs when the Moon, Earth and Sun align; in the case of a solar eclipse, the Sun's rays are blocked for a few seconds or minutes.

Media reports state that the 2026 solar eclipse in Portugal will have an obscuration of 92-100%, being fully observed in the district of Bragança, with the best location in the same district being Montesinho Natural Park. Although in other areas of the country the eclipse will be visible, but only partially.

Where to watch the solar eclipse in Portugal?

The solar eclipse of 2026 may have a duration of two hours, starting at 6:30pm and finishing around 8:30pm.

The total eclipse may be seen in Trás-os-Montes, but only for 26 seconds, in Montesinho Natural Park, as Ciência Viva Agency explains on its website. The agency also mentions that a Diamond Ring will be visible in the sky. Seconds later, it is expected that “the single ray of sunlight fragments into multiple points of light known as Baily's Pearls.” Later on, “the Sun disappears completely, revealing the Solar Corona, impossible to see at any other time.”

Besides the Natural Park, Guadramil, in the district of Bragança, will be the village with the best conditions to witness this phenomenon.

National events

There are already some events planned for the historic day, especially in the only place in Portugal that is in the zone of totality, the Montesinho Natural Park.

Around the country, there are different events prepared to witness the solar eclipse. On 12 August, in Montesinho Natural Park, there are a series of activities to promote the watching of the unique astronomical phenomenon.

For 12 August, there are already events scheduled so that people can get together and see the eclipse, mainly in the Montesinho Natural Park, where the eclipse will be seen in its entirety.

The Ciência Viva Agency will have events starting at 6:30pm in Bragança, along with the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences and the Bragança City Hall.

In the Algarve, there are also plans for people to gather and witness the eclipse. Even with the sun being 92% covered, it is still possible to make sure that the best of this event is considered.

For those living in Lagos, the activities will be held on Barragem da Bravura from 6pm. In the same region, activities will take place at Parque Ribeirinho de Faro from 6pm, and from 4pm at Paderne Castle, in the municipality of Albufeira.

Whether at the beach or in the city centre, Tavira will host different events celebrating the eclipse in Praia do Barril, Praia do Arraial and Praça da República, starting at 6:30pm.

Finding the right time

The peak of the eclipse will occur at 7:30pm, which is about the same time as sunset. Nevertheless, it is still expected that the eclipse ends before sunset.

The partial eclipse is expected to begin at 6:33pm, while the total eclipse will start one hour later, at 7:30pm, and will last for 25 seconds. The partial eclipse will end at 8:23pm.

Event of the century

The last time Portugal witnessed a total solar eclipse was in 1912, and after 2026, the phenomenon may only repeat itself in 2144.