Italy will see a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August 2026. The Moon will cover a large section of the Sun shortly before sunset, with the strongest view expected in north-western Italy and north-west Sardinia.
The 12 August 2026 solar eclipse in Italy
A solar eclipse takes place when the Moon aligns between the Earth and the Sun. On 12 August 2026, the Moon’s shadow will pass along a totality path around 290 kilometres wide.
That path will cross north-eastern Greenland, western Iceland, a small part of north-eastern Portugal, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Italy sits outside it, so the country will experience a partial solar eclipse.
During a partial eclipse, the Moon blocks a substantial part of the Sun’s disc, but a thin, bright crescent remains visible. The solar corona, the halo of plasma around the Sun, will not be visible from Italy.
Solar eclipse Italy timings on 12 August 2026
The partial phase in Italy is expected to begin at around 19:30. Maximum coverage will occur between roughly 20:00 and 20:27, depending on the location. In many places, the end of the eclipse will coincide closely with sunset.
Location | Approximate time of maximum eclipse | Estimated maximum coverage |
|---|---|---|
Milan | 20:20 | 93% |
Turin | 20:21 | 93–94% |
Rome | 20:11 | 69% |
Naples | 20:02 | 45% |
Where to see the solar eclipse in Italy
North-western Italy will have the greatest coverage. A location with a clear view towards the west will matter just as much as being in an area with a high eclipse percentage, as the Sun will be low above the horizon.
Liguria
Liguria is among the strongest mainland areas for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse in Italy.
- Ventimiglia and the western Ligurian Riviera: up to around 94.84% coverage
- Imperia: around 94.56%
- Savona: around 93.90%
- Genoa: around 93.61%
- La Spezia: around 93.64%
The coast has direct views over the sea, which can provide a less obstructed western horizon.
Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta and Lombardy
Turin and western Piedmont are expected to see around 93–94% coverage. The westernmost parts of Valle d’Aosta should experience more than 90% coverage.
In Milan and elsewhere in Lombardy, maximum coverage will be close to 93%, with a noticeable reduction in daylight.
Tuscany, central Italy and Sardinia
The westernmost parts of northern Tuscany are expected to exceed 90% coverage. Florence and parts of central Italy should see coverage close to 90% shortly after 20:00.
In north-west Sardinia, including the Asinara area, coverage is expected to approach 95%. The Sun will be very low above the horizon by then.
Viewing the eclipse close to sunset
The eclipse will take place as the Sun is setting in Italy. An unobstructed western horizon is therefore important.
Tall buildings, hills, trees and coastal headlands can block a low Sun. This is relevant in cities as much as in rural areas, particularly for anybody planning to watch the peak of the partial eclipse.
Solar eclipse safety in Italy
Looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can permanently damage the retina. This remains the case during a partial eclipse, even if around 90% of the Sun is covered. The damage may happen without pain or an immediate warning.
Ordinary sunglasses, including very dark or polarised pairs, do not provide enough protection.
Certified eclipse glasses
Direct observation requires eclipse glasses or filters certified to ISO 12312-2. Filters should be checked before use to make sure they are intact.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes
Binoculars, telescopes and telephoto lenses should never be used to look at the Sun unless a dedicated solar filter is fitted in front of the lens.
Cameras and smartphones also need an appropriate solar filter for photographing the eclipse.
Indirect observation
Pinhole projection is an indirect way to observe the event. A small hole in a piece of card projects an image of the Sun onto another surface, avoiding the need to look at it directly.
Italy’s partial eclipse and totality in Spain
Italy will see a partial eclipse, while northern Spain and the Balearic Islands lie within the totality path. In those areas, the Sun will disappear completely for a short period, and the solar corona will be visible.
Palma de Mallorca is expected to have around two minutes of totality. Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are outside the path of totality, despite seeing a deep partial eclipse.
Stay in the know about living in Italy as a foreigner—get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
