HOW TO SAFELY WATCH THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
To safely enjoy the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, you must properly
protect your eyes during all partial phases of the eclipse. The only exception is the brief period of totality, which in Salou will last a maximum of roughly 1 minute and 8 seconds.
It is strictly recommended to use eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 certification.
Never use homemade methods such as regular sunglasses (even very dark ones), smoked glass, CDs, X-rays, or similar items. None of these filter the Sun's infrared radiation, which can severely damage your eyesight and cause retinal burns.
Keep in mind that infrared light is invisible to the human eye—hence the prefix "infra-" (meaning below)—but it is what causes the burning sensation we feel on our skin when exposed to the sun.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE ON THE DAY OF THE ECLIPSE IN SALOU?
Weather forecasts cannot be accurately predicted until 4 or 5 days before the eclipse. We won't know until the last minute if clouds or bad weather might spoil the view, despite the great anticipation.
However,
Salou is a Mediterranean municipality, and historical data tells us that
August 12 usually enjoys anticyclonic stability, meaning sunshine, heat, and good weather. That being said, at the time of the eclipse (8:30 p.m.), and precisely because of the heat, we cannot rule out the presence of
calima (suspended dust and salt particles that cloud the air and give it a slight opacity) or
high humidity from the sea breeze, which could prevent a perfectly clear view of the eclipse.
THE BEST PLACES TO OBSERVE THE TOTAL ECLIPSE IN SALOU
Given the time
the eclipse will occur (8:30 p.m.) and
its orientation (west-northwest), the best option is to find a high vantage point—such as a rooftop or a fifth-floor balcony—facing inland toward the mountains (with your back to the sea).
Another option is to take the natural paths of Barenys or Emprius. This allows you to step
away from the urban center and observe the eclipse without obstacles from the agricultural areas located past the A-7 and AP-7 highways. These paths include safe underpasses to cross the highways. If you choose this option, don't forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight for the walk back, and be respectful and cautious in this natural environment.
If neither of these proposals works for you, don't worry. Even if you can't see the Moon directly covering the Sun, you
will still be able to experience the total solar eclipse: you will notice how it suddenly turns to night and how the temperature drops.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENJOYING THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
- Protect your eyes: Observe the eclipse ONLY with glasses approved according to ISO 12312-2.
- Constant use: Wear your approved glasses the entire time you are looking at the Sun to avoid serious eye injuries.
- Equipment safety: Use approved solar filters for cameras, smartphones, binoculars, or telescopes to protect your eyesight and prevent sensor damage.
- Do not improvise: Never use regular sunglasses, smoked glass, CDs, or X-rays to observe the eclipse.
- Plan ahead: Plan your arrival at your chosen observation point well in advance. Remember that August 12 is peak tourist season in Salou and coincides with the Nits Daurades festival.
- Mobility: Whenever possible, use public transport, park-and-ride facilities, or simply walk. Be patient, especially when the eclipse ends and people are leaving the observation areas.
- Exercise caution: Do not choose dangerous locations, such as areas with a risk of falling, restricted access sites, fire-prone zones, or overly crowded spots.
- Beat the heat: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, use sun protection, wear a hat, and avoid excessive sun exposure beforehand.
- Protect the vulnerable: Pay special attention to children and vulnerable people to ensure they use their approved glasses correctly and stay protected from the heat.
- Civic responsibility: Respect the environment and local residents: do not trespass on private property, do not litter, take care of your observation space, and respect others enjoying the event.
- Follow instructions: Follow the instructions of the authorities at all times: Salou City Council, Local Police, Generalitat de Catalunya, and Civil Protection.
- In case of emergency, call 112.
Content sponsored by the City Council of Salou
