12/08/2026: Solar eclipse - Prepare for your visit

• The eclipse will be partial in Sintra: it is expected to begin at around 18:39, reach its maximum at 19:36, when approximately 95% of the Sun will be obscured, and end at around 20:29.

• Access to both events will be available from 17:00.

• Arrive in good time and have your ticket ready to present, preferably downloaded to your mobile phone.

• Check whether your ticket is for the National Palace of Pena or Cabo da Roca Lighthouse. Admission is valid only for the location indicated on the ticket.

• Each ticket includes a pair of eclipse glasses suitable for safely viewing the Sun.

• In Sintra, the eclipse will remain partial throughout: the glasses must be worn whenever looking directly at the Sun, including at the moment of maximum obscuration.

• Visibility of the phenomenon will depend on weather conditions.

In the Courtyard of the Arches, high on the Hill of the Moon, visitors will be able to watch the Moon move across the solar disc and witness the gradual transformation of the light over the Sintra Hills, the Park of Pena and the Atlantic horizon.

On arrival, visitors should go to the Palace Shop to collect the eclipse glasses included with their ticket. These must be worn whenever looking directly at the Sun.

• Times
  • Access to the Park of Pena: from 17:00
  • Expected start of the eclipse: 18:39
  • Maximum eclipse: 19:36
  • Expected end: 20:29
  • Park of Pena closes: 21:00
  • Palace Cafeteria: open until 21:00

• How to Get There
  • Private vehicles are not permitted to access the Park and National Palace of Pena by road. Do not attempt to drive to the entrance to the Park.
  • We recommend using the 434 Circuit, which connects Sintra Railway Station with the Park and National Palace of Pena. Exceptionally, on 12 August, the service will be extended until 21:00.
  • High demand for public transport is expected in the late afternoon. Arrive in Sintra in good time, allow for waiting times and also take into account the journey between the entrance to the Park and the Courtyard of the Arches. For your return journey, follow the instructions provided by the teams on site and make your way to the bus stop as soon as the event ends.
  • The event ticket does not include transport on the 434 Circuit. Tickets for the bus can be purchased on board.

In the grounds of Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, where continental Europe ends and opens out onto the vast Atlantic, visitors will be able to watch the Moon move across the solar disc against an endless horizon.

Between the power of the ocean, the dramatic cliff landscape and the light of the lighthouse, the eclipse will take on a truly unique dimension. Access to the grounds will be available from 17:00.

• Times
  • Access to the Lighthouse grounds: from 17:00
  • Expected start of the eclipse: 18:39
  • Maximum eclipse: 19:36
  • Expected end: 20:29
  • Cabo da Roca Cafeteria and Shop: open until 21:00

• How to Get There
  • Cabo da Roca Lighthouse is served by the following Carris Metropolitana routes:
    • 1253 — Sintra (Station) via Cabo da Roca | Circular
    • 1624 — Cascais (Terminal) – Portela de Sintra (North Station) via Cabo da Roca
  • We recommend using public transport. The large number of visitors expected may cause traffic restrictions and parking difficulties. Check the timetables in advance, plan both your outward and return journeys and do not leave your arrival until the minutes immediately before the eclipse.
  • Cabo da Roca is highly exposed to the wind and is located beside cliffs. Always remain within the area designated for the event, do not cross barriers or approach the cliffs or any unauthorised areas. Take particular care at the end of the event, when natural light levels will already be low.
  • Bring clothing suitable for windy conditions and the drop in temperature towards the end of the afternoon, as well as comfortable, stable footwear.

Never look directly at the Sun without appropriate protection. Unprotected viewing can cause serious and irreversible damage to the retina, without causing pain at the time the damage occurs.

The eclipse glasses included with your ticket must be worn whenever you look directly at the Sun. Even at 19:36, when around 95% of the solar disc will be obscured, there will be no point in Sintra at which it is safe to view the Sun without protection.

Use your eclipse glasses correctly

1. Before using them, check the glasses for holes, scratches, tears or other damage. If they are damaged, do not use them and inform a member of the event team.
2. Put the glasses on before looking towards the Sun.
3. After observing the Sun, look away from it first and only then remove the glasses.
4. If you wear prescription glasses, place the eclipse glasses over them.
5. Follow the instructions and the maximum continuous viewing time indicated on the glasses themselves.
6. Remove the glasses before walking, as the lenses are extremely dark and almost completely block your view of the surrounding area.
7. Children must use the glasses under the constant supervision of an adult.

Do not use

• Ordinary sunglasses, however dark the lenses may be;
• Tinted glass, film, X-rays or other improvised filters;
• Damaged eclipse glasses;
• Binoculars, telescopes or cameras without suitable solar filters correctly fitted to the equipment.

Eclipse glasses are designed for direct viewing and must not be used as a filter placed in front of binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. The concentrated light produced by these devices can damage the filter, the equipment and your eyes. Mobile phones and cameras may also be damaged if pointed directly at the Sun without appropriate protection.

If you experience discomfort or notice any changes in your vision after viewing the eclipse, seek medical advice.

• Bring water and sun protection for the period before the eclipse;
• Wear comfortable footwear suitable for the location;
• Bring a warm layer of clothing, particularly if your ticket is for Cabo da Roca;
• Keep access points, circulation routes and emergency routes clear;
• Do not go beyond the designated areas and follow the instructions of the Parques de Sintra teams and the authorities present;
• Help protect the heritage and landscape by disposing of waste in the appropriate places.

Weather Conditions

Both events will take place outdoors and visibility of the eclipse will depend on weather conditions. Clouds, fog or overcast conditions may limit or prevent observation of the Sun.

Even when it is cloudy, always wear the eclipse glasses whenever the Sun is visible. Always follow the instructions provided on site.

Are eclipse glasses included?

Yes. Each participant will receive a pair of glasses suitable for safely viewing the Sun.

Can I remove the glasses at the moment of maximum eclipse?

No. In Sintra, the eclipse will remain partial throughout the phenomenon. The glasses must always be worn whenever looking directly at the Sun.

Can I wear sunglasses?

No. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection, regardless of how dark the lenses are.

Can I photograph the eclipse?

Only with equipment and solar filters specifically designed for this purpose. The glasses provided to participants must not be placed in front of a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope.

Does my ticket allow me to choose between Pena and Cabo da Roca?

No. The ticket is valid exclusively for the location identified on it. Check the location before starting your journey.

Is public transport included in the ticket?

No. Public transport tickets must be purchased separately.