On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse—dubbed the 'eclipse of the century'—will cross southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, offering up to six minutes and 22 seconds of totality in some locations. Travellers are already booking trips to prime viewing spots, with options ranging from Nile River cruises to mountain treks in Morocco.
Where to See the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse
The eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, completely covering the sun's surface and causing a spell of darkness known as 'totality.' The path of totality will sweep through several popular holiday destinations, making it an ideal opportunity for eclipse chasers and vacationers alike.
Metro has rounded up four of the best holiday destinations for the celestial spectacular, each offering unique experiences and varying durations of totality.
Luxor, Egypt: A Nile Cruise Experience
Luxor, the capital of ancient Egypt and home to the Nile, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, will be a prime spot for eclipse chasers. The city sits close to the point of greatest eclipse—when the axis of the moon's shadow cone passes closest to Earth's centre—with totality lasting approximately six minutes and 22 seconds.
Perhaps the best way to catch the eclipse here is on a Nile River cruise. Many are booking up fast. G Adventures offers an 11-day total eclipse trip journeying through Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Passengers will drift along the river on a traditional boat and enjoy an exclusive eclipse viewing party from the best vantage point on Earth. Prices start from £5,799 per person.
Spain: Southern Regions in the Path of Totality
Spain, the most popular UK holiday destination, is another eclipse hotspot. On August 12, 2026, regions like Galicia—dubbed 'Spain's Caribbean'—Castile and León, and the Balearic Islands were treated to a dazzling partial eclipse. A Metro reporter was among the lucky few on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, which transformed into a floating observatory in the open waters of Northern Spain.
Next year, the south of Spain will get most of the action, including Málaga and Cádiz, which lie in the path of totality. The eclipse will occur mid-morning, with an average totality of roughly two to four and a half minutes. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is running an 11-day 'Spain siesta and solar eclipse' trip from Southampton from £1,699. It will stop in La Coruña and Vigo, before heading to Cádiz and Gibraltar—another eclipse spot—where astronomers will provide expert commentary.
Morocco: Tangier and Beyond
In Morocco, Tangier will see totality for four minutes and 51 seconds. Perched on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, it has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe for centuries. After exploring its vibrant medina and historic fortress, head to the coast—the beaches along the Bay of Tangier will no doubt be full of eclipse chasers.
Tangier is also perfect for those seeking a remote, isolated eclipse experience. Travel and Trek has just released a second solar eclipse tour trek after their first one sold out. Over eight days, you'll visit the 'Blue Town' of Chefchaouen and enjoy a four-day trek in the Rif Mountains, where you'll get unobstructed eclipse views. Prices start from £1,090, excluding flights.
Elsewhere in North Africa, several Tunisian cities lie in the path of totality. For example, the southeastern port city of Sfax will experience darkness for two minutes and 56 seconds.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Red Sea Spectacle
Finally, Jeddah on the Red Sea will be treated to an epic eclipse for around five minutes and 53 seconds. The Saudi Arabian port city is a rapidly growing tourist destination, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town and popular coastal spots offering world-class scuba diving, coral reefs, and marine life. Jeddah is also a gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
For those making a pilgrimage in the name of astronomy, don't miss the 14-day Saudi Arabia Explorer – Total Eclipse from Exodus Adventure Travels. Prices start at £6,489 per person, but the guided trip combines history and science, with a few World Heritage Sites along the way.
