Eclipse on August 12, 2026, in Naples: Best Areas and Those to Avoid

On August 12, 2026, the partial solar eclipse will be visible at sunset over Naples and Campania, but not from all parts of the city. The sun, low on the horizon in a west-northwest direction, may be hidden by hills, promontories, or mountains, depending on your location. A visibility map created for the event clearly shows the most favorable areas (in yellow/orange) and the most difficult ones (in purple/black). Here's a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide.

For those who are not yet familiar with the times and details, we recommend first reading the general article on the times, duration, and how to observe the eclipse in Campania.

The visibility map in Naples

The map, commissioned specifically to evaluate the impact of natural relief on observation, classifies areas based on the percentage of free horizon in the direction of sunset:

• Yellow/orange (80-100%): clear horizon, optimal conditions
• Magenta/Pink (40-80%): partial visibility, partial obstacles
• Dark purple/black (0-40%): horizon blocked by reliefs, eclipse little or not at all visible

The best areas to see the eclipse in Naples

Vesuvian coast (Portici, Herculaneum, Torre del Greco, Torre Annunziata, Castellammare)

This is probably the most promising area in the entire province. The Vesuvian coast enjoys an unobstructed sea horizon to the west-northwest, with no mountains to obstruct the view. The Torre del Greco and Castellammare di Stabia seafronts offer perfect vantage points, with the sun setting over the Gulf of Naples with the outline of Capri and Ischia on the horizon.

Phlegraean Coast (eastern part)

Some stretches of the Phlegraean coast, especially those with clear views of the open sea, are among the best areas. Be careful, however, around the promontories: Capo Miseno and Monte di Procida have dark areas, but by moving a few meters away, you can find spots with a clear horizon.

Caserta city and plain area

According to the map, the city of Caserta will have 46,12% coverage with a 29-minute visibility window (19:34 PM–20:02 PM). The Royal Palace of Caserta and its gardens could be a picturesque spot, provided there is a clear view to the northwest.

Areas to avoid (or carefully evaluate)

West Naples and the Phlegraean Fields (Quarto, Cigliano, Pozzuoli, Coroglio)

Here the map shows a large black/purple area. The Astroni crater , the Camaldoli hills, and the Campi Flegrei mountains close the horizon to the west-northwest, precisely in the direction of the setting sun. If you live in Quarto, Qualiano, Pozzuoli , or the hilly areas of western Naples, you will have to move toward the coast or to a higher point.

Inner Vesuvian area (Ottaviano, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Terzigno, Boscoreale, Sarno)

Vesuvius and the surrounding hills completely block the view at sunset. The areas inland at the foot of the volcano are among the worst in the province: the sun will be hidden by the cone of Vesuvius or by the Lavinarie and Camaldoli della Torre mountains . It's best to move to the Vesuvius coast.

Nolano and Vallo di Lauro (Nola, Cimitile, Avella, Lauro, Quindici, Moschiano)

The pre-Apennine mountains block the horizon in these areas, leaving large black spots on the map. The eclipse will be difficult to observe here: it's best to find a high point with a clear view to the northwest or move toward the plain.

Caudina and internal Caserta area (Cervino, Arpaia, Airola, Rotondi, Cervinara)

The valleys and mountains of Partenio and Taburno heavily obstruct the horizon. In these areas, although the theoretical coverage is identical to Caserta, the Sun could already be behind the mountains at the time of the eclipse.

Practical advice area by area

For further information on the most critical areas, we have dedicated a specific article to the areas of Campania where the sun will be blocked by mountains and hills.

FAQ

Q: Is the Naples waterfront a good location?
A: Yes, but only if you have a clear view to the northwest. The Via Caracciolo and Mergellina waterfronts face west-southwest, which isn't ideal. Points like Posillipo or Molosiglio are better.

Q: And in Vomero?
A: Elevation helps, but it depends on the exposure. Spots with a view of Posillipo and the sea to the northwest are excellent.

Q: Is it worth going to Caserta?
A: Yes, Caserta has excellent locations if the horizon is clear to the northwest. The gardens of the Royal Palace are a suggestive location.

Q: Can you see better from Vesuvius?
A: From the crater of Vesuvius, yes, but only on the northwest slope. Be aware that trails are closed in the evening.