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The total solar eclipse that’s set to happen this summer will no doubt be one of this year’s most memorable events.
Make sure to put a note in your diaries because on 12 August 2026 the solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe and the north Atlantic.
The path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small area of northeastern Portugal, said the European Space Agency (ESA). This will see cities and towns located in the path of totality plunged into darkness for up to two minutes. Meanwhile, other parts of Europe will see a partial solar eclipse.
During the spectacle, Spain will experience the “largest area of totality in Europe”, according to the ESA, offering “favourable viewing conditions as the eclipse crosses the country from west to east and continues over the Balearic Islands”.
The 2026 solar eclipse is well worth travelling for – as is 2027’s predicted “eclipse of the century”.
For this year though, there’s plenty of options for eclipse trips and events, including a rave with Björk in Iceland, as well as cruises and historic train rides.
An ultra-exclusive trip to Spain
Many eclipse chasers this summer will no doubt head to Spain as it will be the first time in more than a century that the totality of the eclipse can be observed in the country.
If Spain is on your radar this August – and you happen to have a couple of hundred thousand euros to spare – then Meliá Hotels International may just have the trip for you.
Going straight to the top of our bucket list, the Spanish hospitality brand has unveiled an eclipse travel package to the Balearic Islands that’s so exclusive that it’s limited to a single booking at each of its participating properties: Mallorca’s Hotel de Mar, a Gran Meliá Hotel, and Menorca’s Villa le Blanc Gran Meliá.
Costing from €200,000 for each journey, only those with pockets deep enough will get to enjoy this ultra-exclusive eclipse trip.
Private jets, presidential suites and luxury yachts
The journey will start with a private luxury transfer from your home to the airport, where a private jet awaits for a flight to Mallorca. Private jet travel will only be available from European destinations. Once onboard and settled in, there will be a dedicated flight attendant and premium catering service.
After arriving in the Balearics in style, guests will get private transfers to the hotel. Throughout their stay, a chauffeur-driven vehicle will remain at their disposal 24 hours a day. They will then enjoy a four-night stay in each of the hotel’s most prestigious suite categories, including the Presidential Suite.
The real highlight of the trip will be on 12 August with an exclusive viewing of the total solar eclipse at sea, aboard a private Riva yacht in Mallorca or a traditional Menorcan llaüt in Menorca. Guests will also receive bespoke catering, premium refreshments, and a curated eclipse kit.
As the brand says, a “phenomenon this rare” deserves an experience “equally extraordinary”. We fully agree. Now, who’s got a spare €200,000 they can lend us?
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