Altea
38.599°, -0.052° · 1 m a.s.l.
Hidden by terrain
Partial eclipse · 99.6% obscuration
Local terrain rises 0.80° above the Sun at peak.
45/100Marginal
99.6%
Partial eclipse · 99.6% obscuration
See the eclipse from Altea minute by minute
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Photo: Conrad Möller, Vielser Strasse 34, 33154 Salzkotten · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
About Altea
Altea is a coastal municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, with just under 24,000 inhabitants. Located practically at sea level, on the shores of the Mediterranean and between Benidorm and Calpe, the town is characterized by its whitewashed historic quarter, perched on a hillside overlooking the sea. Its position on the Costa Blanca makes it a natural observation point towards the marine horizon to the west.
For this eclipse
On 12 August 2026, Altea will experience a partial solar eclipse that reaches its maximum at 20:33 local time. At that moment, the Sun will be just 3.9° above the horizon, heading towards west-northwest (azimuth 286°). Calculations indicate that the local horizon exceeds the Sun's position by 1.3°, so the star will be hidden by the terrain or the sea line at the moment of maximum.
The weather in August
The month of August in the Alicante coastal strip follows the clearest Mediterranean pattern: dry heat, scarce precipitation and a notably low storm probability, according to data from the AEMET station in the area (1991–2020 series). The risk of stormy skies on the dates of the eclipse is reduced, which generally favours astronomical observations, although the Sun's position at the edge of the horizon reduces the margin of success for the eclipse itself.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Altea dates back to 12 May 1706, more than three centuries ago, when totality lasted close to three minutes. More recent is the annular eclipse of 3 October 2005, 21 years ago, with 90% obscuration of the solar disk. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027 and 2028, one must wait until 13 July 2075 for the next annular eclipse over this coast.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of greatest coverage, the Sun will be in the west-northwest direction—approximate azimuth of 286°, that is, almost west but slightly offset towards the north. With a height of barely 3.9° above the theoretical horizon, the solar disk will be practically at the sea line at sunset. For any attempt at observation, it is best to position oneself at a clear spot with a free view of the marine horizon in that direction.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Altea
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:39 UTC | 19:39 | +14.1° | 277.9° |
| Maximum | 18:34 UTC | 20:34 | +3.9° | 286.0° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -5.1° | 294.0° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (294.0°)
Azimuth at C4
294.0° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-5.07°
Terrain horizon
4.69°
Sun−terrain margin
-0.80°
What the contact points (C1-C4) mean
A solar eclipse is described by four key moments, the contact points between the discs of the Sun and the Moon:
- C1First contact: the Moon touches the edge of the Sun and the partial eclipse begins.
- C2Second contact: the Moon fully covers the Sun and totality begins.
- C3Third contact: the Sun reappears and totality ends.
- C4Fourth contact: the Moon leaves the Sun's disc and the eclipse ends.
Where the eclipse is only partial, the Moon never fully covers the Sun: only C1 and C4 occur, with no totality in between.
Peaks near Altea
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| AitanaIn the Sun's direction | 1559.4 m | 19.5 km | 287° WNW |
| Aitana OrientalIn the Sun's direction | 1549 m | 19.0 km | 288° WNW |
| Penya AltaIn the Sun's direction | 1504 m | 17.9 km | 289° WNW |
| Moleta d’AitanaIn the Sun's direction | 1466 m | 22.6 km | 286° WNW |
| Alt de TagarinaIn the Sun's direction | 1434 m | 17.3 km | 289° WNW |
| el Puigcampana | 1408 m | 12.3 km | 269° W |
| Pla de la CasaIn the Sun's direction | 1385 m | 23.4 km | 304° NW |
| la Mallada del LlopIn the Sun's direction | 1361 m | 21.1 km | 308° NW |
Weather in Altea in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
1%
Median cloud cover
8%
P75 — cloudier days
75%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Altea
- Last total eclipseMay 12, 1706320 years ago
- Last annular eclipseOctober 3, 200521 years ago
- Next annular eclipseJuly 13, 2075
Solar eclipses computed from astronomical ephemerides for the city's coordinates.
Frequently asked questions about the eclipse in Altea
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Altea?
Geometrically yes (99.6% obscuration) but the local terrain blocks the Sun before the eclipse ends from Altea.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Altea?
Maximum occurs at 20:34 local time (18:34 UTC) in Altea.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Altea?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Altea.
Is Altea a good place to watch the eclipse?
Altea is not the best choice: local terrain blocks the Sun before the eclipse ends. Consider a nearby viewpoint with a clear horizon.
Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse?
Yes, you need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during every partial phase. Regular sunglasses do NOT protect. Glasses can only be removed during the totality phase (when the Sun is fully covered); never during annular or partial eclipses. Pages flagged "visible" assume a clear horizon, not a viewing recommendation.
Nearby cities
All cities in Valencian Community →Embed this eclipse on your site
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