On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse dubbed the 'eclipse of the century' will cross southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. This occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, completely covering the sun's surface and leading to a spell of darkness known as 'totality.'
Following the partial solar eclipse visible over the UK on August 12, 2026, when over 90% of the sun was covered, travellers are already seeking the best spots for next year's celestial event. Here are four recommended holiday destinations.
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor, the capital of ancient Egypt and home to the Nile, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, will be a prime location for eclipse chasers. The city sits close to the point of greatest eclipse, with totality lasting approximately six minutes and 22 seconds.
One suggested way to view the eclipse is on a Nile River cruise. G Adventures offers an 11-day total eclipse trip through Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, with passengers drifting along the river on a traditional boat and enjoying an exclusive eclipse viewing party. Prices start from £5,799 per person.
Southern Spain
Spain, already the most popular UK holiday destination, is another eclipse hotspot. Next year, the south, including Málaga and Cádiz, lies 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 stops in La Coruña and Vigo, before heading to Cádiz and Gibraltar, where astronomers will provide expert commentary.
Morocco
In Morocco, Tangier will see totality for four minutes and 51 seconds. Perched on the Strait of Gibraltar, the city offers beaches along the Bay of Tangier likely to be filled with eclipse chasers. For a more remote experience, Travel and Trek has released a second solar eclipse tour trek after the first sold out. The eight-day trip includes a visit to Chefchaouen and a four-day trek in the Rif Mountains, with unobstructed views. Prices start from £1,090, excluding flights.
Elsewhere in North Africa, several Tunisian cities lie in the path of totality, including Sfax, which will experience darkness for two minutes and 56 seconds.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah on the Red Sea will experience an eclipse lasting around 5 minutes and 53 seconds. The port city is a growing tourist destination with a UNESCO-listed Old Town and coastal spots offering scuba diving, coral reefs, and marine life. It also serves as a gateway for pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina.
For those seeking a guided trip, Exodus Adventure Travels offers a 14-day Saudi Arabia Explorer – Total Eclipse, combining history and science, with prices starting at £6,489 per person.
