30/07/2026
🌑 Something extraordinary is happening above the Algarve on 12 August 2026.
This summer, the Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse across parts of Europe. The path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a very small corner of northern Portugal, while much of Europe — including the Algarve — will experience a spectacular partial eclipse.
And the Algarve is actually in a pretty special position for it. In Faro, around 92–93% of the Sun will be covered at maximum eclipse, meaning that for a short period the Sun will appear as a dramatic crescent in the sky. The eclipse is expected to begin at around 18:42, reach its maximum at approximately 19:38, and finish at around 20:27, lasting roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes in total.
Further north, things become even more extraordinary. Around Rio de Onor, near Bragança, a tiny area of northern Portugal falls within the path of totality, where the Moon will completely cover the Sun and daylight will briefly give way to darkness. This is the only small area of mainland Portugal where totality will be visible.
So what should you expect here in the Algarve? Not complete darkness, but a noticeable change in the light. As the Moon moves across the Sun, daylight will gradually become more muted and the landscape can take on an unusual, almost surreal quality. NASA notes that across western Europe, the Sun will set while the eclipse is still underway.
It’s one of those rare moments when the Algarve’s beautiful evening light is going to look a little different and we think it’s definitely worth looking up for. 🌒☀️
12 August 2026. Put it in the diary.
