22nd July 2026 
Leave a commentWill you be in Málaga in mid-August 2026? Then a delightful celestial surprise awaits you! Don’t miss the deep partial solar eclipse visible from many locations in Malaga and the province’s interior. Here is everything you need to know!
Safety Reminder to watch the Solar Eclipse
Always use certified solar eclipse glasses or approved solar filters during all phases of a partial solar eclipse to prevent permanent eye damage.
How can you tell if eclipse glasses are certified?
Look for the “EN ISO 12312-2” marking on the glasses, their packaging, or the instructions. If they only state “ISO 12312-1” (general use), they are not suitable for viewing the Sun.
If purchased in the EU, they must bear the authentic CE mark—not merely a printed or stamped version lacking further substantiation. Check the labeling.
Solar Eclipse Malaga & Partial lunar eclipse
In fact, two astronomical events await you this month: a solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse. Naturally, the solar eclipse is rarer and more spectacular.
However, the mild August temperatures also invite you to watch as the full moon gradually darkens.
Exact local times for Malaga Solar Eclipse
In Malaga, the eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be a deep partial solar eclipse, with the Moon obscuring 94.54% of the Sun’s surface at its peak.
The exact local times for Malaga (CEST / UTC+2) are
- Eclipse Begins 7:43 pm
- Maximum Eclipse (Peak): 8:38 pm
- Sunset: 9:12 pm. The Sun will set while still partially eclipsed.
- Eclipse Ends (Below Horizon): 9:29 pm
Viewing Advice
Because the peak happens just before sunset, the Sun will be very low in the sky—only about 5.8° above the horizon at maximum eclipse.
To get a good view, you will need to find a high point or an unobstructed area with a clear line of sight (with zero obstructions like buildings or trees) facing West-Northwest.
Also this month: Partial lunar eclipse
The full moon of August 2026, also known as the “Sturgeon Moon,” will occur on August 28. That same night, the event will be notable for coinciding with a partial lunar eclipse visible across Europe.
During the eclipse, approximately 93% of the Moon’s visible surface will darken and take on a reddish hue as it enters Earth’s shadow. The peak of the eclipse will occur around 04:13 (Peninsular time), right at the moment of the full moon phase.
Best spots in Malaga city to watch the Eclipse
If you are located in the city and don´t want to move very far, here are the best city-spots. Yet be advised that there will probably large numbers of people having the same idea, be prepared for crowds.
Elevated mountain viewpoints
The beautiful city of Malaga boasts several elevated mountain viewpoints just a short distance from the centre.
Gibralfaro Castle Viewpoint
This is the most famous high point in central Malaga. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the port and the city.
Tip: It tends to get very crowded, so walk up or arrive early to secure a spot along the west-facing stone walls.
Mount San Antón
Located just east of the city centre, this peak offers a higher vantage point and a completely unobstructed view of the horizon.
Tip: It requires a hike, so bring a flashlight or headlamp for the descent in the dark after sunset.
Beach
There are also several coastal and beach locations from which to view the eclipse.
Playa de la Malagueta
Walk as far west as possible toward the harbour pier (Muelle Uno) so the city buildings do not block the sunset angle to the West-Northwest.
Baños del Carmen
This historic seaside terrace is situated in the easternmost part of Malaga. It sits on a small cape jutting out into the sea, offering a classic, open view of the bay of Malaga as the Sun goes down.
Playa del Peñón del Cuervo
Situated in the easternmost part of Malaga city, this is a beautiful coastal beach marked by a massive rock outcrop jutting from the sea. The horizon over the sea looking west is wide open.
It has two large, free gravel parking lots right off the MA-24 highway, making it much easier to park than the city centre beaches.
Urban Rooftops & Terraces
Muelle Uno (Pier One)
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre is this beautiful marina, featuring shops and restaurants. The upper pedestrian walkways of the modern port area offer great open sights over the water facing the correct direction.
Hotel Rooftop Bars
Spots like the AC Hotel Málaga Palacio Roof Top Terrace offer high, comfortable vantage points above the city streets.
Tip: You will need to reserve a table well in advance for eclipse evening, and double-check that their specific terrace seating faces west.
Have a car? Nature & Mountains
Having a car completely changes the game for the August 2026 eclipse. Because the eclipse peaks when the Sun is extremely low (just 5.8° above the horizon), driving to elevated peaks outside the dense city centres guarantees you clear lines of sight to the West-Northwest (WNW) without buildings blocking your view.
Torcal de Antequera Natural Area
El Torcal is a spectacular karst formation situated 1,200 metres above sea level. The views from there are simply magnificent. With a completely open horizon, it offers arguably the best atmospheric conditions and views in the province.
This nature reserve is approximately a one-hour drive from Málaga. It features ample parking, a visitor centre and an astronomical observatory.
Tip: Even though it is hot on the coast, it is very important to bring warm clothing. The temperature drops by one degree for every 100 metres of elevation.
Montes de Malaga Natural Park
A few kilometres from Malaga (25–35 minutes north of the city centre) begins this natural park with Mediterranean flora. These high-altitude mountain viewpoints overlook the Malaga coastline and the western mountains.
Tip: You can pair this with an early dinner at one of the traditional mountainside restaurants (Ventas) along the highway before heading to the viewpoint.
Cable Car Benalmadena
You can get up to Monte Calamorro, 800 metres above sea level, in a comfortable cable car. From there you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Malaga coastline.
Due to its proximity to the popular coastal town of Benalmadena, this will also be an option that many will take advantage of.
Nerja and Maro Cliffs
The Balcon de Europa will be another crowded spot from where many people will be watching the celestial spectacle.
However, a few kilometres away is the natural park Cerro Gordo, where you can surely have a little more peace and quiet to enjoy the astronomical event.
White Villages
Some of Málaga’s most beautiful white villages also offer the right conditions for viewing the eclipse: altitude and a westward orientation.
Mijas Pueblo
This famous white village is built directly into the side of a mountain. The Mirador de Mijas (or the gardens near the bullring) offers panoramic western views over the coast and landscape.
The village is just 7 km from Fuengirola and about 30 minutes west of Málaga via the AP-7/A-7.
The village has a massive multi-story public parking garage where you can park comfortably. Plenty of restaurants and cafes line the cliffs.
Comares
Known as the “Balcony of the Axarquía,” this village about 1 hour northeast of Malaga is perched on a cliff edge. It provides a stunning, high-altitude 360-degree viewpoint that looks directly over the western mountains where the Sun will drop.
This trip is maybe more for the adventurous along incredibly scenic, narrow roads.
Fancy Food, Drinks & Views?
If you’d like to combine an astronomical experience with a culinary one, here are a few ideas.
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro Restaurant (Malaga)
This is a historic, 4-star hotel restaurant perched high on the mountain directly above Malaga city overlooking the city and the bay. It faces directly west with perfectly uninterrupted sunset views. It takes about 10–15 minutes driving from the centre up Gibralfaro hill.
Crucial Tip: Don´t wait any longer to book a terrace table month in advance for the evening of August 12, 2026.
Higuerón Resort Terraces (Fuengirola)
Located on the hills just outside Benalmádena/Fuengirola, the 5-star hotel and its restaurants feature infinity pools and luxury terraces that face the western sky.
The you can enjoy high-end eating in the Michelin starred restaurant
Large, easy-to-access private parking lot available.
A traditional Inn in the Montes de Malaga
Ventas are traditional, rustic roadside restaurants in the mountains just north of the city and 20 to 30-minute drive from the city centre.
These Inns are famous for hearty local dishes like Plato de los Montes.
Mijas Pueblo Cliffside Restaurants
The village features several restaurants built directly into the cliffside.
Restaurants like The Secret Garden or those near the Mirador de Mijas offer stunning, wide-open panoramic views over the coast and the western sky.
