We are planning a 10 day trip to Spainwrapped around the eclipse in Valencia in August. Six adults and three children. We are thinking Seville and/or Granada/Cordoba and Barcelona. We know it will be hot and maybe crowded. So we will need water time for kids. Itinerary suggestions please. Fly into Madrid or Barcelona? Thank you.
Posted by
5734 posts
What a great idea!
First, make sure you do some research into locations within the path of totality because you want to do it to the ultimate since this is an expenditure of time and money. Don’t spend all that money and travel just to see it partially.
Ten days to me means no more than three stops, maybe fewer with kids and a large party—and none of those places are within the path of totality. Madrid is just on the outskirts. One local meteorologist I follow will be in Zaragoza, a city that gets ample praise here. Many appealing cities are within this area. I loved Cuenca, a short trip from Madrid. I would save the Andalusia region for a time when you can see it at its best (not August). Some coastal places to consider include Tarragona, Valencia, cute little Peniscola in between. Or, consider northern Spain or the Balearic islands. All would be amazing locations for an amazing experience, even in August!
You have a year to plan, but accommodations will book early so I would plan well in advance. Once you settle on locations, we can suggest ideal airports.
I really wish I was doing this, I’ll have to start working on my husband to convince him…
This map shows the zone you need to be in for the eclipse: https://eclipsophile.com/tse2026/
If you have your heart set on Barcelona for example, you could fly into Madrid, go to Cuenca for the eclipse, then continue to Barcelona. Cuenca will be scorching, but down in the gorge there is a swimming area. https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g262065-d28015453-Reviews-Playa_Artificial_Municipal-Cuenca_Province_of_Cuenca_Castile_La_Mancha.html
There are also many natural pools in the area, requiring a car.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2711 posts
Consider flying into one city and out of the other to avoid backtracking. There’s an airport in Granada. Know that Seville is in the hottest part of the country. Hot is an understatement.
Granada is one of my favorite places in the world. With small kids, over 10 days, I would stay at least 3 nights in each place.
Posted by
Sevilla
1313 posts
Are you planning to use public transport or will you hire a car? If the former, then I'd focus on flying into and out of Barcelona. Travel to and back from Valencia by rail. If you want to add a third city then consider Barcelona to Valencia to Madrid (or the other way round).
Valencia to Granada or Seville by train or car isn't an easy trip.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7611 posts
The hotel/Parador de Benicarló is along the centerline of the eclipse and it has a pool. It is on the coast and between Valencia and Barcelona. A rental car might be best in that area.
Posted by
la rioja
655 posts
Have you thought about staying in Santander or Castro Urdiales, or even Bilbao, all which are in the path of the eclipse. It will be cooler up north, and it is usually less crowded than some of the cities you mentioned.