Benalmádena Cable Car invites visitors to watch the solar eclipse from Calamorro’s summit

Benalmádena is preparing for one of the summer’s most significant astronomical events. Benalmádena Cable Car is inviting visitors to travel to the summit of Mount Calamorro on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to watch the solar eclipse from a location more than 700 metres above sea level, with wide views towards the western horizon.

Although the eclipse will be total in other parts of Spain, it will appear as a partial eclipse from the Costa del Sol. At the summit of Calamorro, the Moon is expected to cover approximately 94.22% of the solar disc, according to data provided by Spain’s National Geographic Institute.

The eclipse will reach its maximum at 8.38 pm

In Benalmádena, the eclipse will begin at approximately 7.43 pm. It will reach its maximum at 8.38 pm, when the Moon covers more than 94% of the Sun, before ending at around 9.12 pm, close to sunset.

Because the Sun will be low on the horizon during the event, observers will need a location with clear views to the west and no buildings, mountains or other obstacles blocking the view.

Thanks to its altitude and open surroundings, the summit of Calamorro is being promoted as one of the most suitable places in Málaga province from which to experience the eclipse.

The National Geographic Institute notes that the 12 August event will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in more than a century, although the path of totality will mainly cross the north and east of the country.

Extended summer opening hours until 11 pm

To make it easier for visitors to reach the summit during the late afternoon, the cable car operates on a special summer timetable throughout July and August, opening daily from 10 am to 11 pm.

Visitors will therefore be able to travel up in advance, explore the natural surroundings and remain at the summit until after the eclipse.

The cable car links Arroyo de la Miel with the summit along a 2,646-metre route lasting around 15 minutes. Its four-person cabins climb a vertical distance of 636 metres while offering panoramic views across the Málaga coastline.

The visit can also be combined with the venue’s regular attractions, including birds-of-prey presentations organised by the Valle de las Águilas Foundation and food and drink options available at the summit.

During July and August, bird displays take place several times throughout the day, although admission is not included in the standard cable-car ticket.

How to watch the eclipse safely

Organisers and astronomy authorities stress that the eclipse must only be observed using suitable protection.

Looking directly at the Sun, even when most of its surface is covered by the Moon, can cause serious and permanent eye damage.

Observers should use certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters that are undamaged and purchased from a reliable supplier. Ordinary sunglasses, X-ray film, smoked glass and homemade filters do not provide adequate protection.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must also never be pointed directly at the eclipse unless an appropriate solar filter has been correctly fitted to the front of the device.

Selwo Marina explores the sound of whales

Benalmádena’s summer programme also includes another experience focused on science and nature. Selwo Marina has launched Pacificanto, an immersive attraction combining images, lighting, music and sound to introduce visitors to the world of whales.

The experience takes place in the cinema room within the Amazonia area and includes a recreation of a whale’s heartbeat, alongside recordings inspired by the songs of humpback whales.

The attraction draws on the research of Colombian engineer Jorge Reynolds, a pioneer in recording the heartbeat of a whale living in the wild.

The approximately 15-minute experience explores how whales communicate and how their songs can travel over great distances beneath the ocean.

Available until 6 September

Pacificanto will remain available until 6 September 2026, with continuous sessions in Spanish and English between 10.30 am and 5.30 pm.

The activity costs an additional €6, and the screening room has capacity for 63 people.

Together, the two experiences combine astronomy, nature and science, inviting visitors to look towards the sky from the summit of Calamorro and then immerse themselves in the sounds of the ocean.

Eclipse date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Start time in Benalmádena: 7.43 pm
Maximum eclipse: 8.38 pm
Solar coverage: 94.22%
Recommended location: Summit of Mount Calamorro
Cable-car opening hours in August: 10 am–11 pm

Information sources: Andalucía Información, Spain’s National Geographic Institute, Benalmádena Cable Car and Selwo Marina.