Where to see the solar eclipse of August 12 in Tenerife: best viewpoints by area

On August 12, 2026, at sunset, the sky over Tenerife will darken in a way that won't be repeated for a long time. The Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, and although the island won't see the total eclipse that will cross part of the Iberian Peninsula, the spectacle will be one of the most memorable in the Canary Islands in recent decades.

If you're in Tenerife that afternoon, the important question isn't just "what time?", but "where can I get the best view?". That's exactly what we're going to answer in this guide.

What exactly is going to happen on August 12th?

The eclipse will occur during sunset, giving it an added visual component: it will not only be the Moon covering the Sun, but a sunset with the solar disk partially hidden sinking below the horizon.

In Tenerife, the phenomenon will be partial, with approximately 68-70% of the sun's disk obscured, depending on the exact area of ​​the island. This means the sky will darken considerably, although it will not reach the total darkness experienced by cities in northern Spain, such as León and Zaragoza, which lie within the path of totality.

If it's your first eclipse: 3 things you should know before anything else

It won't get completely dark, but the light will change noticeably. With 68-70% of the sun covered, the fading light is similar to a very intense sunset, albeit a bit cooler in tone, not total darkness. It's a beautiful effect, but it's best to have realistic expectations if you've never experienced one before.

You won't see the famous "diamond ring" or the solar corona. Those iconic images circulating on social media (the completely black sky with a ring of light around the Sun) only occur during totality, which in this eclipse will only be visible in part of the Iberian Peninsula. In the Canary Islands, the Sun will never completely disappear: a thin sliver of visible light will always remain, and therefore it will always be dangerous to look at it without protection at any point during the phenomenon.

“Partial” does not mean “unspectacular.” Although technically a partial eclipse, seeing almost three-quarters of the Sun covered just as it is setting over the Atlantic is, in practice, one of the most unique sunsets that can be witnessed on the island.

How much you can see depends on where you are in Tenerife

The concealment percentage varies slightly depending on your exact location on the island, being somewhat higher further east. Here are some references:

Area	Approximate concealment	Peak time
Santa Cruz de Tenerife	~69,7%	19:53 h
La Laguna	~69,7%	19:53 h
Playa de las Américas / Arona	~68,3-68,5%	19:53 h
Los Realejos / Puerto de la Cruz	~69,2%	19:53 h

The difference between different areas of the island is small, so it's not worth traveling long distances just to gain a percentage point. What does make a real difference is the orientation and altitude of your location, as we'll see now.

All times in this guide are in local time in the Canary Islands. If you have seen news about the eclipse giving times for Madrid, Barcelona or any peninsular city, subtract an hour to know the real time in Tenerife.

Eclipse timeline in Tenerife (local time)

Moment	Approximate time	What you will see
Start of the eclipse	~06:58 PM	The Moon begins to "bite" the edge of the Sun. The change in light is barely perceptible at first.
Remarkable concealment	~07:30 PM	The Sun already has a visible portion covered; the light is beginning to dim noticeably.
Maximum of the eclipse	~07:53 PM	The peak: up to 68-70% of the sun covered, coinciding almost with sunset.
Before sunset	~8:10-8:15 PM (approx., varies by area)	The Sun, still partially eclipsed, begins to set shortly afterwards over the Atlantic horizon.
End of the eclipse	~08:44 PM	The Moon finishes clearing the Sun, although in most places this will already be below the horizon, without being visible.

Note: These times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your exact location on the island.

In practice, this means that the "good window" for observation (from when the change in light is noticeable until the sun sets) lasts approximately between 40 minutes and an hour, so there is no need to arrive at the viewpoint hours in advance, although it is advisable to arrive with time to find a good spot and parking.

The best places to see it well

Since the eclipse occurs practically at the same time as the sun sets, the most important factor is not the altitude itself, but having a completely clear western horizon, without mountains, buildings or low clouds covering the sun in its last minutes.

Some general recommendations:

• Avoid urban areas with tall buildings to the west. Densely built-up areas of Santa Cruz or La Laguna can block the sun before the phenomenon ends.
• Look for viewpoints facing the Atlantic, especially on the north and northwest coast of the island, where the sea horizon guarantees clear visibility until the last second.
• Altitude helps, but it's not essential. High points such as areas of Teide National Park (not all of it) or mid-altitude viewpoints offer a good perspective, provided the west is clear of clouds or the characteristic "sea of ​​clouds" that sometimes forms on the island.
• West-facing beaches and coasts are an accessible and very valid option for those who do not want to go up to higher areas: being at sea level, with a clear sea horizon, the view of the eclipsed sunset can be spectacular.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to official access regulations implemented by the Tenerife Island Council for the Perseid meteor shower and the solar eclipse (August 12 and 13), access to Teide National Park is restricted for private vehicles between 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Please check public transport alternatives (TITSA) or any updates to the measures taken by the Tenerife Island Council. See the official notice: Read the notice

Observation points

Here are some viewpoints scattered across different areas of the island, all with good open views to the west. The map above shows more options if you'd prefer to explore other locations near you.

• Los Gigantes / Puerto de Santiago (west coast): One of the best-oriented spots, as the cliff itself faces directly out to sea without any obstructions to the horizon. It is also an area with good tourist access and several viewpoints along the promenade.

For example, the Mirador de los Guios.

Located next to the beach of the same name, at the foot of the cliffs of Los Gigantes, this viewpoint offers a direct and clear view towards the Atlantic, ideal for following the eclipse almost at sea level.

It's a good starting point if you're traveling around the coastal area of ​​Los Gigantes / Puerto de Santiago, as you'll find several similar viewpoints nearby (such as the Mirador de Archipenque, which is slightly higher) with the same westward orientation — so if this one is very crowded on the day of the eclipse, you have alternatives very close by without having to travel far.

• Tejita Beach (southeast coast): A wide, completely open beach, very popular with surfers due to the area's constant winds. Ideal if you're looking for a relaxing getaway combining beach time and an eclipse.

• Punta de Teno (westernmost point): The westernmost point of the island and one of the best natural sunset viewpoints in all of Tenerife for the rest of the year. It's a spectacular spot, although it's best to plan ahead: access by car is restricted and usually requires a shuttle bus or permit, so if you choose to go, check the access conditions in advance.

You also have options like Playa de las Arenas in Buenavista.

• Garachico (north coast): The north coast offers a different and less crowded perspective than the touristy south. Garachico's viewpoints and natural pools overlook the Atlantic, with a clear sea horizon to the west and a historic setting that enhances the experience.

For example the Mirador del Guincho.

• North Coast Viewpoints – Puerto de la Cruz/La Orotava (North): Observing the eclipse from the north of Tenerife is a unique experience: here, the vastness of the ocean blends seamlessly with the traditions of our coastline. From Puerto de la Cruz to the hillsides of La Orotava, these viewpoints offer the perfect vantage point to ensure you don't miss a single second of the spectacle.

For example, the Mirador de San Pedro on the coast of Los Realejos.

You also have the coast of Puerto de la Cruz, right at Playa Jardin, or the Humboldt Viewpoint in la Orotava. Another nearby spot on the coast that often offers beautiful sunsets and could be a good place to enjoy the eclipse is the Santa Úrsula coast, specifically in La Quinta, right at the Mirador de la Quinta viewpoint.

Important notice before choosing your observation point

The locations mentioned in this guide are indicative reference points, not guarantees. Before heading to any of them or any other location you may have found on your own, we recommend carefully checking the specific access information, capacity, and exact orientation, and confirming that you will actually be able to see the phenomenon under good conditions from that location at the time of the eclipse.

Also, pay close attention to the weather in the days leading up to your trip: low clouds, haze, or bad weather in the west can ruin visibility, even if the location is generally a good viewpoint. Check the forecast in advance and, if possible, have a backup plan in case your first choice doesn't offer good conditions that day.

Are you looking for greater precision for the eclipse?

Tenerife versus the rest of the Canary Islands

If you have the flexibility to travel around the archipelago during those days, it's worth knowing that not all islands will have exactly the same experience. The eastern islands of the archipelago, such as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, will experience slightly higher percentages of eclipse, closer to 70%, due to their more easterly position within the eclipse's path.

The difference with Tenerife is small and, for most observers, practically imperceptible to the naked eye. It's not a compelling reason to change islands if you're already in Tenerife, but if you're planning your trip in advance, it's an interesting fact to keep in mind.

A quick look at each island

Remember that this guide focuses on Tenerife. However, we've also included some reference information for the other islands. Additionally, theIGN's visualization tool will help you find the best place to observe the eclipse from your island.

Gran Canaria: Coverage around 70%, with a maximum at about 7:53 pm.

Lanzarote: The island with the highest confirmed coverage, close to 73%, peaking around 7:51 p.m.

Fuerteventura: Coverage of around 72%, peaking at about 7:52 pm.

La Palma: 68% coverage, peaking at 7:53 pm.

La Gomera: Coverage close to 68%, peak at around 7:54 pm.

El Hierro: The lowest coverage in the archipelago, around 66%, with a maximum at about 7:54 pm.

These figures are approximate.

Weather forecast for August 12

Even the best viewpoint is useless if the west is shrouded in clouds or haze. In the days leading up to August 12, check:

• AEMET – Forecast by municipalities of Tenerife, for cloud cover and hourly visibility. For greater accuracy, you can use the HARMONIE-AROME numerical model to see cloud cover or any other aspect you wish to consider several days in advance.
• Applications like Windy or Meteoblue, which usually give better detail of low clouds and high layers than the generic mobile app.

Keep in mind that in the Canary Islands, the sea of ​​clouds can appear or disappear in a matter of hours, so the forecast for the morning of the 12th itself will be much more reliable than those from previous days. If your first option looks bad, move around: usually, changing direction (north-south) or going down/up a few meters in altitude can help you avoid a localized layer of clouds.

How to observe it safely

This point is non-negotiable: you should never look directly at the Sun without proper protection, not even during a partial eclipse like the one we'll see in the Canary Islands. Only during the phase of totality (which won't happen in the islands) would it be safe to look without protection, and only for those specific seconds.

To observe it safely in Tenerife you will need:

• Certified eclipse glasses, with specific certification for solar observation (normal sunglasses, no matter how dark they are, are not suitable).
• Certified solar filters if you are going to use binoculars, a camera or a telescope — looking through these devices without a specific solar filter can cause serious eye damage instantly.
• If you cannot get certified glasses in time, a safe and simple alternative is pinhole projection (a simple perforated cardboard projecting the shadow onto another surface), which allows you to follow the phenomenon without looking directly at the sun at any time.

Get glasses for the eclipse at Alpha Cygni, a store specializing in the sale of astronomical material:

An eclipse that had not been seen on the peninsula for more than a century

To measure the specialness of this event: The peninsula had not experienced a total solar eclipse visible from its territory in more than 100 years. Although in the Canary Islands we will experience it as partial, we continue to be part of a historical phenomenon on a national scale.

Closer to home, in the Canary Islands, you have to go back to 1959 to find the last total solar eclipse seen from the islands — a phenomenon that made such an impression on those who witnessed it that it became popularly nicknamed "the end of the world".

Moreover, this eclipse is not an isolated event: it is part of what is known as the "Iberian eclipse triad," a rare sequence of three solar eclipses visible from Spain between 2026 and 2028 — the one in August 2026, another total eclipse in August 2027 (with greater magnitude in the Canary Islands), and an annular eclipse in January 2028. Living in or visiting the Canary Islands during these years means having access to a truly exceptional astronomical cycle.

Remember that you have the option to follow it live via streaming:

• RTVE Play, with special free-to-air coverage from the Yebes Observatory and collaboration from the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC).
• IGN YouTube channel, official reference body for the eclipse in Spain.

Please note that the links above are focused on the totality of the eclipse, on the peninsula.

Frequently asked questions about where to see the eclipse in Tenerife