How far out to schedule for eclipse trip in 2026?

I would go ahead and reach out to hotels of interest by email right now. I have no experience in Spain but when the solar eclipse traveled across Idaho and Wyoming a few years ago things actually booked up TWO YEARS out for private hotels and booked immediately for in-park lodging the day they opened for reservations.

I would also book all the hotel rooms you think you might need and cancel those which you don't need rather than trying to look for more hotels later. I know that sounds greedy but you may wind up with nothing.

I agree with Pam. You should start booking yesterday!

I'm sure there will be tour companies snatching up rooms to sell at a huge markup.

Send emails and get confirmation and rates in writing.

I also have family in the area and have been periodically checking availability for months and I think it’s still too early. Most don’t take bookings over a year in advance (many less). I’d suggest researching where you want to watch and checking regularly.

Viewing location will be critical as the sun will be at very low altitude, only 10 degrees above the horizon, and terrain and buildings may block the view. Many inland sites especially those in mountains, will be less than ideal. Look for a site with an unobstructed horizon for the suns azimuth at totality (280 degrees, slightly to the north of west).

Another ditto to start finding places yesterday. I lived in the path of totality for the eclipse in 2017 and there were places booked solid two years ahead (at least the ones accepting reservations). Some places might be a 365 day reservation window. So do your research and be online to the day in August to get your spots, especially since you have a big group and may have limited options for a large number of people.

I also strongly suggest that you travel to the place you intend to view the eclipse a few days ahead of the event. Traffic here from day trippers was INSANE, including people parking illegally along the interstate and interfering with traffic. I wouldn't want to miss it because I was stuck in a travel nightmare.

Hi Naomi, totally agree with the other posters, you should get on it now. A quick search of the forum will show that there have already been several similar posts.

You mention the "north" which is a big area. I would say that the cities on the coast will fill up first, as it is August and vacation time. Though it is also possible that it will be cloudy and visibility might not that good.

The second row cities might be a better choice. I like Burgos a lot, but Leon and Zaragoza are good choices.

Of course Valencia and Palma will be in the fringe of the shadow. I have already seen, in reports about overtourism, some mentions of the stress it may put on those place as they wrestle with the tourism question.

"I also strongly suggest that you travel to the place you intend to view the eclipse a few days ahead of the event. Traffic here from day trippers was INSANE,"

This is a really good point! The hotels may have a minimum stay as well.

Take into account that northern Spain is an area where rain and cloudy skies are a strong possibility, even in the summer.