Where to Watch the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Asturias
On 12 August 2026, Coto Bello will host the special programme “The road to the eclipse”. Check the mandatory registration, shuttle buses and official times before travelling.
A total solar eclipse will be visible from Asturias on 12 August 2026. Coto Bello viewpoint, also written as Cotobello, stands at almost 1,200 metres above sea level and offers a broad panorama over the mountains of Aller.
This page brings together the practical information published by Aller Tourism and the clarification supplied by its Tourism Department about access for guests, visitors and local residents. The arrangements may change, so check the official information before travelling.
Important: advance registration and access to Coto Bello
Aller Tourism has confirmed that every guest and visitor wishing to attend must register in advance.
A booking at La Fuente de la Quintana does not include or guarantee a place or admission to the event.
- Guests and other visitors: advance registration is mandatory.
- Residents of Aller: registration is not required.
- Residents must still travel to Coto Bello on the official shuttle buses.
- Do not assume that private vehicles will be admitted or that places will remain available without official confirmation.
- Check the official channel before departure, especially if weather or organisational conditions change.
Total solar eclipse times in Aller
Aller Tourism publishes the following astronomical times for 12 August 2026:
- Eclipse begins: 19:31:42.
- Totality begins: 20:27:22.
- Maximum eclipse: 20:28:16.
- Totality lasts approximately 1 minute 48 seconds.
- Eclipse ends: 21:21:10.
- Expected obscuration: 100%.
12 August programme: The road to the eclipse
The special programme runs throughout the afternoon and evening at Coto Bello. Some activities have limited capacity or require on-site registration.
- 16:00 — Astronomy talk “Eclipse: light and shadow”, by Isaías Gonzalo and Miguel Gonzalo.
- 16:30–17:30 — Live music by Spoiler.
- 17:30 — Talk “Eclipses, from the surface of the Sun to the fabric of the universe”, by Sara Rodríguez, PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Oviedo.
- 18:00–19:00 — Group yoga session. Limited places; registration on site.
- 18:00–19:00 — Live music by Spoiler.
- 19:00–21:30 — Total solar eclipse.
- 21:30–23:00 — Dinner with background music.
- 23:00 — Special Perseids astronomy workshop. Limited places; registration on site.
- 23:00–01:00 — Live concert by La chica Almovodar.
Shuttle buses, parking areas and stops
The official arrangements include a free shuttle-bus service. Allow extra time and follow the directions given by event staff.
- Shuttle service starts at 10:00.
- Last departure from Coto Bello: 02:00.
- Parking at Caborana, by the swimming pools.
- Parking at Sotiello.
- Parking at the Campera–La Arenina roundabout.
- Stops: official parking areas, the start of the Coto Bello road, Felechosa, Col.lanzo, Cabañaquinta and Corigos.
How to watch the eclipse safely
Looking directly at the Sun without approved protection can cause irreversible eye damage. Protection is required throughout every partial phase.
- Use solar-viewing glasses certified to ISO 12312-2.
- Do not use ordinary sunglasses, X-ray film or uncertified materials.
- Cameras, telescopes and binoculars require dedicated solar filters placed in front of the optics, never at the eyepiece.
- During totality, follow the instructions of the specialists and organisers before removing or replacing protection.
Why Coto Bello is a privileged viewpoint
Coto Bello combines altitude, an open horizon and low light pollution. These conditions are particularly relevant because totality will occur with the Sun low towards the west-northwest.
Observation still depends on the weather and the access plan. Being a good viewpoint does not mean that private vehicles can enter freely or that admission is available without registration.
- Altitude close to 1,200 metres.
- Wide panorama over the Aller mountains.
- Low light pollution.
- Favourable west-northwest orientation.
- A rural setting that combines astronomy, nature and rest.
Where to stay for the eclipse in Aller
La Fuente de la Quintana is in Santibáñez de Murias, around 15 minutes from the access to Coto Bello. Staying in Aller reduces unnecessary travel and provides a nearby base after the event.
The accommodation does not manage event registration or transport. Every guest must complete the official registration and follow the shuttle arrangements.
- Two independent rural apartments.
- Suitable for couples, small families or groups booking both apartments.
- Private parking at the accommodation.
- Wi-Fi, equipped kitchen and climate control.
- Pets accepted with a per-stay supplement.
La Fresnosa — rural apartment in Aller
Capacity: 2–4 guests.
Studio with a double bed and sofa bed.
Equipped kitchen, full bathroom and underfloor heating.
Wi-Fi and private parking.
El Rasón — rural apartment in Aller
Capacity: 2–4 guests.
Studio with two double beds, one on the mezzanine.
Equipped kitchen, full bathroom and aerothermal climate control.
Wi-Fi and private parking.
Santibáñez de Murias as a base for exploring Aller
Santibáñez de Murias is a small village in the Río Negro valley, surrounded by mountains, woodland and walking routes. Beyond the eclipse, guests can visit Xurbeo Waterfall, explore the mining landscape and discover central Asturias.
- Coto Bello: approximately 15 minutes to the access point.
- Cabañaquinta: approximately 10 minutes.
- Felechosa: approximately 15 minutes.
- Oviedo: approximately 40 minutes.
- Fuentes de Invierno and San Isidro: approximately 45 minutes.
Final accommodation option for the eclipse: check El Rasón
La Fresnosa is already booked for the eclipse dates. Check whether El Rasón is still available from 11 to 15 August 2026.
The configured rate is €300 per night, with a minimum stay of 4 nights. Availability and the final price are confirmed at the time of booking.