If you’re planning on viewing the total solar eclipse in Spain on August 12th, you’ll need safety glasses. Here are all the places where you can get them for free.
Spain is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse on August 12th, the first one to be seen in the country in over 120 years.
It will travel from the northern regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria through parts of Castilla y Leon, La Rioja, parts of the Basque Country, parts of Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, southern Catalonia and northern Valencia. Finally, it will be able to be seen from the Balearic Islands just before sunset.
READ ALSO: Spain to see its first total solar eclipse in over a century in 2026
According to NASA, you can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the moon completely covers the sun. During the time leading up to total eclipse, it’s worth keeping in mind that the only safe option is to use certified eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 approval or indirect viewing systems. If viewed without safety glasses or similar, it could cause severe eye damage.
If you want to be able to view the eclipse safely, the good news is that several Spanish towns and cities are distributing free glasses for the event.
In addition to these regional distributions, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the ONCE Social Group will distribute two million pairs of safe eclipse glasses.
READ ALSO: How Spain is gearing up for August’s total solar eclipse
Asturias
The Government of Asturias has already distributed more than 50,000 free, certified eclipse glasses for the safe viewing of the total solar eclipse. They have been distributed via town halls and tourist offices throughout the region. Big cities like Gijón and Avilés have received 5,000 units, while smaller municipalities have received 500 units each.
In Oviedo, the main municipal tourist office is offering eclipse packs including certified glasses, a guide, and a commemorative magnet, which are available starting on July 27th and 28th at San Francisco.
A further shipment of almost 52,000 more pairs of glasses will arrive in August.
To get a pair, head to your local town hall or tourist office.
READ ALSO: Where to travel in Spain to see the solar eclipse this summer
Galicia
In Galicia, several newspapers will include free glasses with their morning editions.
Ideal Gallego, Diario de Ferrol, Diario de Bergantiños and DxT Campeón will give away special glasses in their Sunday, August 9th editions.
Madrid
The City Council is distributing glasses from now through to August 12th at several locations in the city including:
Madrid Planetarium
Madrid History Museum
San Isidro Museum
Conde Duque
Local municipal libraries
Valencia
València Sostenible is distributing a free pair of safety glasses per person to those who visit the Energy Offices (Aiora, Parc de l’Oest, and Torrefiel neighbourhoods) and the Climate Change Observatory (Doctor Lluch Street).
Catalonia
The Catalan government will give away 150,000 pairs of certified glasses
These will be handed out free of charge at the 23 official observation points set up in 18 Catalan municipalities in the south of the region, where approximately 50,000 people are expected to attend.
Castilla y León
In the province of Soria, the provincial council is supplying free glasses directly to over 49,000 registered residents in rural regional villages.
La Rioja
Logroño City Council has 2,500 eclipse glasses to give away. They will be distributed at various activities scheduled at the Science Centre.
The Haro Town Hall has 1,000 certified protective glasses which will be given out completely free of charge. Specific locations for collection are yet to be announced. Another batch will be distributed on the 12th in the areas with the highest attendance.
Aragón
The Zaragoza city Council will distribute free certified glasses at municipal tourist offices, community and civic centres and other designated locations.
Caja Rural Aragón bank will also be handing out 60,000 glasses at its branches.
