August is synonymous with the beach, but also with rare astronomical phenomena. And there’s a very special one about to happen. We’re referring, more specifically, to the solar eclipse—the first total eclipse visible in Portugal since 1912.
On August 12, in the late afternoon, in the Porto region , the Moon will cover about 98% of the Sun’s disk. It will be a very deep partial eclipse, although totality will only occur in Bragança.
In any case, this is one of those moments you won’t want to miss, since the next total eclipse visible in Portugal isn’t expected until 2144. That’s why we’ve put together a list of places in Porto and the surrounding area where you can safely view the phenomenon—many of them offering free eclipse glasses and scientific guidance, or even themed activities.
To mark this astronomical phenomenon, the Centro Multimeios and the local municipality of Espinho are hosting a public viewing event near the sea.
The Planetarium team will be on hand to explain everything that’s happening in the sky, answer questions, and provide certified observation equipment.
Here’s the organization’s crucial warning: do not look directly at the Sun or use homemade devices such as X-ray films or regular sunglasses, as safe observation can only be done with appropriate optical filters.
You’ll be able to watch the solar eclipse from the Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks.
Access to the tower is available between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. This experience includes a spectacular view of the city from the top of the tower and complimentary eclipse glasses to observe the phenomenon.
Each visit is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes at the top of the tower. Advance reservations are required through the official website .
Porto Planetarium
The Porto Planetarium – Centro Ciência Viva has been showing, since June 26 and through the day of the eclipse, the “3CLIPSE” session, an immersive experience dedicated to the solar eclipses visible on the Iberian Peninsula in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Until August 12, anyone who purchases a ticket for Planetarium shows— including 3CLIPSE— will receive certified eclipse glasses so they can safely observe the phenomenon that day. The idea is to prepare the public in advance and discourage them from observing the eclipse on-site.
Vila Nova de Gaia
The Vila Nova de Gaia City Council will mark the eclipse with two days of activities dedicated to astronomy, which will also be part of the celebrations for International Youth Day.
In Gaia, the eclipse is expected to reach a magnitude of about 98%, and the municipality will provide free eclipse glasses on site, while supplies last .
Time Out Market Porto
According to information from the Eclipse2026 website , Time Out Market Porto invites visitors to watch the eclipse from its outdoor plaza, which , in addition to offering a view of the eclipse, is also a vantage point for the Clérigos Tower.
To mark this occasion, the market has also created a new themed cocktail called “Eclipse.” Anyone who purchases this new drink will receive a pair of eclipse glasses (while supplies last).
Vila do Conde Ciência Viva Center
The Centro Ciência Viva in Vila do Conde is organizing an eclipse viewing event starting at 4:00 p.m., with the eclipse itself beginning at 6:34 p.m. The event includes the distribution of eclipse glasses and scientific guidance, and the venue is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. This activity is recommended for children ages 6 and up.
Paços de Ferreira Municipal Environmental Observatory
The Paços de Ferreira Municipal Environmental Observatory is taking the eclipse viewing to one of the region’s most important archaeological sites: the Sanfins Citadel.
We’ll meet at 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot on site; the eclipse will begin around 6:34 p.m. and end around 8:25 p.m. There are 40 pairs of solar viewing glasses reserved for the first 40 people to register.
Please note that participation in this event requires prior registration, which must be completed using this form, and is limited to the venue’s capacity.
