Photograph the 2026 Total Eclipse Above Northern Spain’s Dramatic Atlantic Coastlines.
Soaring Mountain Peaks, and Stunning Seascapes in One Extraordinary Week.
Photograph the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Northern Spain
Capture one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena on August 12, 2026, when a total solar eclipse sweeps across Northern Spain. Our photography tour positions you in the path of totality with expert guidance to master this once-in-a-lifetime shot.
We will spend several days before and after the eclipse visiting amazing coastal landscape locations along the way plus some amazing architectural photography in Bilbao.
Photograph some of Northern Spain’s best coastal seascapes
Beyond the eclipse, Northern Spain’s coastline offers photographers endless possibilities. The rugged Cantabrian Coast and Basque shoreline feature dramatic sea cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, ancient lighthouses perched on rocky headlands, and traditional fishing villages clinging to steep hillsides.
Capture long-exposure seascapes with natural stone arches, photograph golden hour over San Sebastián’s crescent bay, and explore the wild beaches of Asturias where green mountains meet crashing waves. The region’s changeable weather creates moody skies and dramatic light – perfect for atmospheric coastal compositions.
Picos de Europa Mountain Photography
The Picos de Europa rise dramatically just 20km inland, creating Spain’s most stunning mountain photography. These limestone peaks soar to 2,600 meters, offering photographers alpine meadows dotted with traditional stone shepherds’ huts, deep gorges carved by glacial rivers, and jagged ridgelines often shrouded in dramatic cloud formations.
Capture dawn light illuminating the Naranjo de Bulnes pinnacle, and photograph grazing cattle against mountain backdrops. The region’s microclimates create ever-changing conditions – morning mist in valleys, afternoon storms, and crystal-clear evenings perfect for sunset alpenglow on the peaks.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Photography
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a photographer’s dream – a masterpiece of contemporary architecture wrapped in titanium curves that shimmer and shift with changing light. Frank Gehry’s iconic design creates endless compositions with its flowing organic forms, reflective surfaces mirroring the Nervión River, and dramatic interplay of light and shadow.
Photograph the building’s sculptural exterior from multiple angles – early morning reflections in still water, midday geometric abstracts in the titanium panels, and golden hour when the metal glows warm against blue skies. The surrounding plaza and riverside walkways offer varied perspectives of this architectural icon.
A few important Notes
There are only three places available on this trip, making four people in total including myself.
The cost is higher than my other seven-night trips, as hotels increase their prices for this event during peak season.
Photographing the eclipse requires special filters to block the sun’s damaging rays. You can use a 10-stop ND filter, sometimes combined with a 3 or 6-stop filter, which can often suffice instead of purchasing a dedicated solar filter.
I will provide solar glasses for viewing the eclipse.
The eclipse will occur in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set, and we should experience just over two minutes of totality.
Viewing and photographing the eclipse depends on clear skies, so please understand this is beyond anyone’s control. Even if the sky is cloudy, we will still experience significant darkening of the sky and landscape.
No food or breakfast is included, as we may be out for sunrise most days and will likely miss hotel breakfast. This gives us the flexibility to find breakfast or brunch as it suits us, prioritising the photographic opportunities.
Trip Schedule
I will most likely arrive on Sunday, 9th August 2026 on a Ryanair flight from London Stansted, departing at 11:40 and arriving at 14:40.
We will have a spacious people carrier for the tour. Over the week, we will stay in four different hotels, including the five-star Artist Grand Hotel of Art overlooking the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Our daily schedule will be flexible, focusing primarily on seascapes at sunrise and sunset, as well as a visit to the Picos de Europa mountain range. We’ll position ourselves at a hotel located in the centre of the path of totality for the eclipse.
We will return on Sunday, 16th August on a Ryanair flight from Santander to Stansted, departing at 15:05 and arriving at 15:55.
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Seascape techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Northern Spain
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Photo reviews and critique
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced landscape and travel photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers
Images from our previous Northern Spain visits
This collection may feature more locations than we will visit.
