Spain

Experiencing Spain's Solar Eclipse in True The Real Thing Style

On 12 August 2026, Spain will play host to one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles as a solar eclipse sweeps across the country. This rare celestial event, which sees the moon pass between the Earth and the sun, will draw travellers from around the globe eager to witness a moment that won't be repeated in Europe for decades.

Yet an experience this remarkable deserves an equally remarkable setting. Whether it's watching the changing light dance across Mallorca's Mediterranean coastline, taking in the spectacle from the heart of sophisticated Valencia or witnessing it against the dramatic backdrop of Bilbao's Bay of Biscay, the destination becomes as much a part of the story as the eclipse itself.

Because at The Real Thing, even the stars are best enjoyed with a touch of luxury.

Palma de Mallorca

With its golden-stone old town, sparkling Mediterranean waters and laid-back island glamour, Mallorca is one of Spain’s most captivating destinations. Perched on the cliffs of Port de Sóller, Jumeirah Mallorca boasts spectacular terraces and balconies overlooking the Mediterranean, providing an exceptional setting to witness the eclipse unfold.

Spend the day exploring Palma’s charming streets, designer boutiques and waterfront cafés before retreating to the hotel’s luxurious surrounds. As the light begins to shift across the sea, enjoy uninterrupted ocean views from one of the island’s most enviable vantage points. It’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles, framed by the beauty of Mallorca’s coastline.

Bilbao

Home to world-class gastronomy, striking architecture and the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao offers a sophisticated base in northern Spain. Spend the day on a private tour of the Guggenheim, discovering its renowned collection and remarkable architecture before returning to Palacio Arriluce, one of the city’s most elegant addresses.

Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, the hotel offers a spectacular setting from which to experience the eclipse, with sweeping coastal views creating a dramatic backdrop for the celestial event. As the sky transforms above the water, guests will enjoy an unforgettable viewing experience from the comfort of this historic property. For those seeking culture, luxury and extraordinary moments, Bilbao delivers on every level.

Valencia

Valencia effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary sophistication, from its grand architecture to its vibrant culinary scene. Spend the day exploring the city through a guided food tour, sampling local specialties before hopping between some of Valencia’s acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants.

Nestled within a beautifully restored 19th-century palace, Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar provides an elegant sanctuary in the heart of the city and a refined setting from which to experience the eclipse. As the light begins to shift across Valencia’s skyline, guests can retreat to the hotel’s tranquil terraces to witness this rare celestial event unfold. It’s a memorable combination of exceptional gastronomy and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.

A solar eclipse is more than an astronomical event; it's a reminder of how extraordinary our world can be. Whether you're drawn to Mallorca's Mediterranean beauty, Valencia's timeless elegance or Bilbao's cultural sophistication, Spain offers exceptional settings from which to experience this remarkable moment.

At The Real Thing, we believe life's most memorable experiences deserve an equally unforgettable backdrop. After all, some moments are worth travelling for.

Where?
Across Spain, with exceptional viewing opportunities in Mallorca, Valencia and Bilbao.
When?
12 August 2026.
Why?
To witness one of Europe's rarest celestial events from some of Spain's most luxurious addresses.
Photography credits
Jumeirah Hotel, Palacio Arriluce, Hotel Hospes Palau de la Mar, Unsplash

ABOUT US

Hola! Welcome to THE REAL THING
The Really Top DMC in Spain & Portugal

We plan the trips that dreams are made of: trips tailored to your tastes and interests, with sophisticated proposals and all-around excellence. We help you discover the soul of vibrant cities and picturesque villages, the best coastal enclaves, the true countryside, and the natural beauty of rivers and mountains in their purest state.

You will enjoy food and wine like never before and soak up history and art at every turn; you will take part in our traditions and immerse yourself in our culture. Always in superb spaces, in great company, with an emphasis on quality, exclusivity and good taste.

We know how to have fun and how to make your trip truly enriching, connecting you with the local spirit: its people, its art, its cuisine, and its land.

What we do

We make sure you enjoy every moment of your trip, arranging one unforgettable experience after another.

We take care of absolutely everything so you don’t have to worry about absolutely anything. Our job is to ensure that your travels in Spain and Portugal are a pleasurable experience. We work for people with high standards (we have them, too), both on an individual and corporate level. We are flexible, but we like to have everything under control. And we aim to exceed expectations, including those of children: we love kids and know how important they are.

We put together packages based on what you want to experience. We are very well-versed in the cultural and dining scenes, and we have a long list of exceptional locations and contacts at our disposal. We open the doors of a convent full of precious art work just for you, we invite you to discover an enchanting Andalusian city guided by a viceroy, we take you to harvest oysters in the sea and cook with a chef, we send you sailing through Lisbon at dusk while listening to fados live… The accommodations, means of transport and restaurants, like everything else, will always be superb and fit with your style and preferences.

We highlight the local historic, artistic, natural and traditional heritage with a contemporary approach. We stand for a high-quality, inclusive, sustainable and respectful form of tourism. We want you to feel like a local, but not just any local: we provide you with the best of the best because there are so many wonders to see and no time to waste.

Monuments, museums, urban vibes, shopping, heritage, traditions, festivals, local cuisine, wine, crafts, relaxation, slow life, wellness, sports, adventure, nature, sea, music, fun, the good life…

During your travels will we be available to assist you 24/7 and help you with whatever you need.

Letting go is easy when everything feels so good. THE REAL THING always makes your wishes come true.

Who we are

We are your hip insiders, the guardian angels of your travels.

Gloria Pou and Marta Muñoz
Glòria Pou and Marta Muñoz Recarte

We are a small but strong team led by Marta Muñoz Recarte and Glòria Pou. Both of us had long-standing careers in the art world until 2013, when our passion for travel led us to create THE REAL THING.

We are based in Madrid and Barcelona, where we design and oversee your journeys. We have a close-knit network of choice collaborators that make us the really top DMC we are. They include hoteliers with class, tour guides with cachet and chauffeurs with an eye for detail and impeccable timing; people who hold the keys to historic and unique buildings, art curators, cultural ambassadors and personal shoppers; contacts at the trendiest restaurants and bars of our cities, musicians, DJs, flamenco dancers, chefs, sommeliers, bartenders… Farmers and winegrowers, ceramicists, cheesemakers, sports instructors, massage therapists, fishermen, percebeiras (goose barnacle hunters), sailboat captains, jugglers, magicians… Want to meet them?

We like to keep up with the latest developments and traverse villages and cities in search of the best locations, hotels, businesses and restaurants.

We’re passionate about fine dining, great wine, and—above all—art. Creative, communicative, and detail-driven, we deliver impeccable service at every step.

Postcards

Welcome to our Postcards, a curated collection of travel inspiration from across Spain and Portugal.

This section is your gateway to the destinations, experiences, stays, flavors, and cultural gems that shape The Real Thing’s bespoke itineraries. Each Postcard offers a glimpse into the essence of our journeys – exclusive, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Whether it’s a hidden boutique hotel, an unforgettable dining experience, a must-see art exhibition, or a private escape to a secluded beach, each Postcard reflects the detail, creativity, and luxury that define our approach to travel.