Millions of people gathered across Spain on Wednesday to witness a rare total solar eclipse, marking the country's first such event in more than a century. Crowds carrying eclipse glasses, lawn chairs and umbrellas assembled in cities and towns along the path of totality, cheering as the Moon completely covered the Sun and plunged parts of the country into darkness. The eclipse was also visible across Portugal, Iceland and parts of Greenland.

In Spain, the eclipse arrived in the evening, with totality lasting around a minute in some locations before sunset. In Medinaceli, a historic hilltop town in northeastern Spain, spectators applauded and cheered as the sky darkened. Across northern and central Spain and Portugal, millions sought clear skies for what was considered one of mainland Europe's best opportunities to experience the phenomenon.

The event was expected to attract at least 500,000 additional visitors to Spain, according to authorities. Hotel demand surged in cities along the eclipse's path, while officials established around 350 viewing sites across the country. More than 33,500 law enforcement personnel were deployed to observation areas and access points as authorities prepared for large crowds amid temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in several regions.

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The eclipse also drew large crowds in Iceland, although cloudy and rainy conditions affected visibility in parts of the country. In Reykjavik, hundreds gathered near the Hallgrimskirkja church as the sky darkened, cheering when the first light returned. Hotel rooms in the Icelandic capital averaged more than $1,000 for the night, with the country expecting up to 20,000 additional international visitors during an already busy tourist season.

In eastern Greenland, passengers aboard the MS Spitsbergen cruise ship gathered as its captain tried to position the vessel under clear skies for the eclipse. The event briefly interrupted the region's continuous Arctic daylight, with passengers experiencing around two minutes of darkness. Britain also saw the Sun more than 90 per cent obscured in some areas, prompting people to gather at parks and elevated locations for views of the eclipse.

Special eclipse glasses were strongly recommended for anyone watching the event, as looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage. The glasses use specialised filters to block harmful solar radiation. The rare celestial event generated excitement across Europe, with spectators describing the experience as emotional, unforgettable and even a "birthday present from the universe."

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