If Wednesday’s solar eclipse has ignited your interest in astronomical pheneomena, you’re in luck. There is a total eclipse next year (and others in 2028 and 2030).
Many of next year’s dedicated eclipse group tours and cruises have sold out, as have some hotel rooms close to the best view points – but there are still holidays to be snapped up. Availability was correct at the time of writing.
When and where are the next eclipses?
On 2 August, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, with the path of totality lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds near Luxor, Egypt.
In 2028, there will be a total solar eclipse on 22 July crossing Australia and New Zealand.
There will also be annular eclipses on 6 February, 2027, and 26 January, 2028.
Annular eclipses occur somewhere on Earth around every one to two years and create a “ring of fire” when the Moon is in front of the Sun, but too far away to block it entirely. The 2027 annular eclipse will be visible along a path crossing South America and Africa, the 2028 annular eclipse will cross parts of South America, the Atlantic, Europe and Africa.
On 1 June, 2030, a total eclipse will begin in the Atlantic, cross over southern Africa (passing over Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho), and the southern Indian Ocean before ending in south-east Australia.
Where and how to see the 2027 total eclipse
The zone of totality will include the province of Cadiz, part of Malaga province, the southern-most areas of the Granada and Almeira provinces and the Strait of Gibraltar.
One option is to book an eclipse-themed tour of southern Spain. New Scientist Discovery Tours has a five-day short break departing 31 July, 2027, for which you can register interest and be among the first to be notified when it opens for booking. It includes four-star accommodation, a full day of expert talks on, and preparation for, the eclipse and a private group viewing area for the event itself, beginning at 9.40am.
Eclipse cruises can be a hassle-free choice. They including expert commentary, viewing tips and remove problems such as traffic and accommodation shortages on land.
Sail from the UK on Saga’s 16-night Portuguese Gems and the Solar Eclipse itinerary (round trip from Southampton, departing 25 July, 2027), from £6,943pp, or on Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s 11-night Spain Siesta and the Solar Eclipse cruise (round trip from Southampton on 27 July, 2027), from £1,699pp.
The eastern side of Gibraltar, looking out to sea, Europa Point on the southern tip of the peninsula, and The Skywalk, a glass-floor viewing platform on the Upper Rock, will be among the best viewing spots.
Rooms in many of Gibraltar’s highest-rated hotels have sold out around the 2027 eclipse. However, since there is now passport-free travel between Spain and Gibraltar, you could book accommodation on the mainland in Spain and head to a viewing spot for the start of the partial phase at 9.41am (totality will begin around 10.45am). Keep in mind that the eclipse could lead to heavier traffic than usual.
Alternatively, Holland America has a 38-day Legendary Solar Eclipse and Cosmic Port Explorer cruise that includes a day in Gibraltar followed by a day of scenic sailing for the eclipse. Departs 9 July, 2027, round trip from Dover. From £3,749pp.
The eclipse will last up to six minutes and 23 seconds in Luxor, Egypt. Also in the path of totality are parts of Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
Specialist tour operator Undiscovered Destinations has an eight-day Algeria Total Solar Eclipse tour departing 30 July, 2027, from £3,195pp.
Nile cruises in Egypt are a comfortable way to see the 2027 total eclipse. G Adventures has an 11-day total eclipse trip, including a Nile cruise, that takes in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. From £5,799pp.
You can also register your interest for a third Nile ship being launched by New Scientist Discovery Tours as its other Egypt eclipse departures have sold out.
New Scientist Discovery Tours has places left on one of its 12-day Morocco tours with viewing led by experts in the Rif Mountains. From £5,499pp.
Exodus Adventure Travels has a 14-day Saudi Arabia Explorer – Total Eclipse group trip departing from Riyadh on 24 July, 2027. From £6,489pp, excluding flights.
There is availability on Encounters Travel’s 10-day Tunis eclipse adventure. Departs 27 July, 2027. From £3,695pp.