Santa Pola
38.192°, -0.566° · 7 m a.s.l.
Visible
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
The Sun clears local terrain by 3.57° at peak.
70/100Good
99%
Partial eclipse · 99% obscuration
See the eclipse from Santa Pola minute by minute
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Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Cookie assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
About Santa Pola
Santa Pola is a coastal municipality in the province of Alicante, integrated into the Valencian Community, with a population of approximately 31,760 inhabitants. Located just 7 meters above sea level, the urban core extends along the Mediterranean, between the salt marshes and the cape that bear its name. Its economy combines artisanal fishing, salt industry, and sun-and-beach tourism, activities that have shaped its character and coastal landscape.
For this eclipse
On August 12, 2026, Santa Pola will witness a partial solar eclipse. Maximum eclipse will occur at 20:34 local time, with the Sun at 4 degrees above the horizon and a clearance of 3.5 degrees from the topographic horizon: the eclipse will be fully visible from the coast. The Sun's position—toward the west-northwest, at azimuth 286°—suggests seeking a location with a clear horizon in that direction, such as the waterfront.
The weather in August
August is the warmest and sunniest month in Santa Pola. According to AEMET data from the 1991–2020 period, the average monthly temperature reaches 26.4 °C, with highs of 30.8 °C and lows of 22 °C. The municipality receives about 310 hours of sunshine during the month, with a clear sky probability of 75%. Average precipitation is low at just 10.2 mm, although there is a moderate risk of Mediterranean-type thunderstorms in August.
Past eclipses
The last total eclipse visible from Santa Pola occurred on May 28, 1900, 126 years ago, lasting 76 seconds of totality. More recently, the annular eclipse of October 3, 2005 obscured 90.4% of the solar disk for 98 seconds. After the eclipses of 2026, 2027, and 2028 pass, one must wait until July 13, 2075 for the next annular eclipse visible from this municipality.
Direction and altitude of the Sun
At the moment of maximum eclipse, at 20:34, the Sun will be toward the west-northwest, with an azimuth of 286°. Its height above the horizon will be just 4 degrees, requiring a clear horizon in that direction. From Santa Pola's coast, facing open sea, the viewing angle is clear with a margin of 3.5 degrees above the topographic horizon, ensuring that the maximum phase of the eclipse is observable.
Editorial text by eclipses.app · Data: Wikidata, AEMET, NASA and astronomy-engine.
Eclipse schedule in Santa Pola
| Phase | UTC | Local time | Sun alt. | Sun az. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 — Partial begins | 17:40 UTC | 19:40 | +14.3° | 277.8° |
| Maximum | 18:34 UTC | 20:34 | +4.0° | 285.8° |
| C4 — Partial ends | 19:25 UTC | 21:25 | -5.0° | 293.8° |
Sun direction and altitude at C4
Look toward WNW (293.8°)
Azimuth at C4
293.8° WNW
Sun altitude at C4
-5.01°
Terrain horizon
0.44°
Sun−terrain margin
+3.57°
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 Santa Pola
| Peak | Elevation | Distance | Azimuth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt de Sant Pascual | 555 m | 22.5 km | 339° NNW |
| Serra de la Venta | 515 m | 23.0 km | 344° NNW |
| Sierra de las Águilas | 505 m | 22.6 km | 343° NNW |
| Puntal de l'Alcoraia | 484 m | 22.0 km | 340° NNW |
| Alt de Fontcalent | 446 m | 18.0 km | 353° N |
| Serra Mitjana | 407 m | 21.4 km | 353° N |
| Tabaià | 403 m | 19.1 km | 322° NW |
| Penya NegraIn the Sun's direction | 371 m | 24.5 km | 292° WNW |
Weather in Santa Pola in August
Avg. temp.
26.4°C
Max / min
30.8° / 22°
Precipitation
10.2 mm
Storm risk
Medium
Station ALICANTE-ELCHE AEROPUERTO, 10 km away · Period 1991-2020 · Source: AEMET
Historical cloud cover
P25 — clearer days
1%
Median cloud cover
4%
P75 — cloudier days
19%
Source: ERA5 (ECMWF), 10-year average at the eclipse hour.
Other eclipses seen from Santa Pola
- Last total eclipseMay 28, 1900126 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 Santa Pola
Will the eclipse of August 12, 2026 be visible from Santa Pola?
Yes, partial eclipse: the Sun will be 99% covered at maximum from Santa Pola.
What time is the eclipse maximum in Santa Pola?
Maximum occurs at 20:34 local time (18:34 UTC) in Santa Pola.
Which direction to look to watch the eclipse from Santa Pola?
Look WNW (azimuth 286°); the Sun will be 4° above the horizon at maximum from Santa Pola.
Is Santa Pola a good place to watch the eclipse?
Santa Pola is a good option (score 70/100): 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 Valencian Community →Where to stay in Santa Pola
For the August 12 eclipse. Recommended stay: Aug 10–14, 2026.
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