Blanes
41.674°, 2.790° · 16 m a.s.l.
Marginal
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
Marginal: only 1.46° between the Sun and the local skyline at peak.
60/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Blanes minute by minute
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Photo: CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
About Blanes
Blanes is a municipality in the province of Girona, Catalonia, with a population of just over 40,000. Located merely 16 meters above sea level, it marks the southern boundary of the Costa Brava and the point where the Mediterranean coastline shifts its orientation. Its coastal position, with Sant Joan castle dominating the cliff, gives it a distinctive geographic location that also determines the astronomical observation conditions from the municipality.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Blanes will experience a partial solar eclipse with maximum occurring at 20:28 local time. At that moment the Sun will sit just 3.7° above the horizon, with only a 1.4° margin above the terrain, making visibility marginal and heavily dependent on having a clear horizon line toward the west-northwest. An elevated location with unobstructed views in that direction is recommended.
The weather in August
August in Blanes coincides with the Mediterranean summer season, with long days and predominantly clear skies. The risk of thunderstorms is low according to historical AEMET records (1991–2020 period), which favors conditions for nighttime and evening astronomical observation. The marine influence moderates peak temperatures compared to inland Catalonia.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Blanes occurred on May 12, 1706, 320 years ago. More recently, on November 11, 1901—125 years ago—the city witnessed an annular eclipse with an obscuration of 82.2%. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027, and 2028, the next expected annular phenomenon over this location is forecast for July 13, 2075.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, the Sun will be 3.7° above the horizon, oriented toward the west-northwest, with an azimuth of 287°. At such a grazing position relative to the horizon, small obstacles—buildings, trees, or terrain features—can block the view entirely. The coastal strip or elevated viewpoints facing the sea offer the best perspectives in that direction.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Blanes
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:34 UTC | 19:34 | +13.4° | 278.1° |
| Maximum | 18:28 UTC | 20:28 | +3.7° | 286.7° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:19 UTC | 21:19 | -4.8° | 295.3° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (295.3°)
Azimuth at C4
295.3° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-4.78°
Terrain horizon
2.24°
Sun−terrain margin
+1.46°
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 Blanes
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turó d'en Vives | 760.3 m | 19.6 km | 265° W |
| Turó de la Font | 758.8 m | 19.3 km | 265° W |
| Turó Gros | 758 m | 17.8 km | 266° W |
| Turó de la Freixa | 734.7 m | 18.7 km | 265° W |
| Turó de Santa Maria de Montnegre | 726.4 m | 17.0 km | 264° W |
| Turó de Ca n'Alomar | 711 m | 16.5 km | 264° W |
| Turó de les Femades | 697.3 m | 24.7 km | 316° NW |
| Turó d'en Cona | 668.6 m | 15.4 km | 263° W |
Weather in Blanes in August
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
5%
Median cloud cover
27%
P75 — cloudier days
62%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Blanes
- Last total eclipseMay 12, 1706320 years ago
- Last annular eclipseNovember 11, 1901125 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 Blanes
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Blanes?
Yes, but marginally: with 99% obscuration, the topographic horizon from Blanes is very close to the Sun's altitude at the end.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Blanes?
Maximum occurs at 20:28 local time (18:28 UTC) in Blanes.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Blanes?
Look WNW (azimuth 287°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Blanes.
Is Blanes a good place to watch the eclipse?
Blanes is a good option (score 60/100): all eclipse phases are visible, though not the regional optimum.
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 Catalonia →Where to stay in Blanes
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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