Solar eclipse 2027 › Where to see it
Where to see the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
The central decision is simple: choose a verified point inside the path of totality. Southern Spain, North Africa and Egypt are all on the route. A location just outside the path sees a partial eclipse, even when almost the entire solar disc is covered.
The path decides what you will see
The path is about 258 km wide. It crosses the Atlantic, the Strait of Gibraltar, southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. It then continues over the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Inside the path, the Moon completely covers the solar disc and the corona appears. Outside it, some photosphere remains visible. The light does not fall in the same way, the corona does not appear and solar filters must remain in use throughout.
Southern Spain
Southern Spain offers several practical bases, but city names alone can mislead. Totality lasts 4 minutes 48 seconds in Ceuta, 4 minutes 39 seconds in Tarifa, 4 minutes 28 seconds in Algeciras and 3 minutes 17 seconds in Marbella. Cádiz has 2 minutes 52 seconds.
Farther east, Almuñécar has 1 minute 53 seconds, Málaga 1 minute 51 seconds, Motril 1 minute 40 seconds and Roquetas de Mar 1 minute 37 seconds. Nerja has 1 minute 36 seconds. The shorter durations make an accurate position and a settled observing plan especially important.
Jerez de la Frontera has 1 minute 41 seconds and Ronda 1 minute 20 seconds. Melilla, on the North African coast, has 4 minutes 33 seconds.
The nearby cities that are not in totality
Almería city, Granada, Huelva, Seville and Córdoba are outside the path. They may be convenient places to stay, but a traveller based there must move to a verified observing point if totality is the objective.
| Location | Maximum coverage |
|---|---|
| Almería city | 99.99% |
| Granada | 99.2% |
| Huelva | 98.7% |
| Seville | 98.4% |
| Córdoba | 96.7% |
Almería city is 16 km from Roquetas de Mar. The city reaches 99.99% coverage but has no totality. Roquetas de Mar is inside the path. This is why accommodation and observing coordinates must be checked separately.
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya
The path continues across a long section of North Africa. These countries may suit travellers already planning a regional journey, but the same rule applies everywhere: verify the exact site within the path rather than relying on a destination name.
Before committing, check current entry rules, local transport, access to the observing point and a fallback location. Those matters can change and must be confirmed from official travel sources close to departure.
Egypt and the global maximum
The maximum global duration is 6 minutes 23 seconds near Luxor. It is the longest total solar eclipse visible from land until 2114. For travellers prioritising duration, this is the key region.
Duration does not remove logistical risk. Confirm where the planned observation will take place, how it will be reached and whether the organiser identifies a precise point inside the path. Treat vague claims about being “near Luxor” as incomplete until coordinates are supplied.
How to choose between regions
- Start with totality. Reject any base or viewing site that cannot be confirmed inside the path.
- Then compare duration and access. A longer total phase is useful only if the site can be reached reliably.
- Keep a local fallback. Choose an alternative point that remains inside the path and can be reached without an improvised cross-border journey.
On mainland Spain, totality falls between 10:45 and 10:52 CEST. The times guide lists verified durations and the wider eclipse window. Wherever you go, take compliant viewers and read the eye-safety rules before the event.
Preparation at the observing site
Reach the chosen point with time to check the view, organise the group and inspect every filter. Carry water, shade and any essential medication. Do not plan to make a long transfer immediately before totality.
For cameras, binoculars and telescopes, eclipse glasses are not enough. A suitable solar filter must cover the front of the objective. Never place a solar filter at the eyepiece.
Last updated: 14 August 2026 · Editorial team