Did you miss this week’s solar eclipse? Or are you simply an umbraphile – someone who travels the world chasing eclipses? Either way, 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year for solar tourism, with not one, but two total solar eclipses taking place within just six months.
Why 2027 is special for solar eclipse chasers
The first annular solar eclipse of 2027 will take place on February 6, sweeping across parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. But the real headline event comes later in the year. On 2 August 2027, a spectacular total solar eclipse – already dubbed the “Eclipse of the Century” – will cross southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
The eclipse is particularly extraordinary because of its unusually long period of totality. In the best locations, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun for up to six minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse visible from easily accessible land until 2114. For comparison, this week’s eclipse reached a maximum totality of just two minutes and 18 seconds.
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Where will the 2027 solar eclipse be visible?
According to the US National Solar Observatory (NSO), the path of totality will cross Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. Several major destinations sit directly beneath the path of totality, including Cádiz in Spain, Tangier in Morocco, Benghazi in Libya, Luxor in Egypt, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Luxor is likely to be one of the most sought-after destinations to view the eclipse.
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The best 2027 solar eclipse itineraries you can book now
If you want to turn the eclipse into a longer trip, build an itinerary around the event – from a Luxor and Nile cruise to a Morocco eclipse escape or a longer journey through Egypt’s sites. But act quick: those hoping to experience totality from a prime location should start planning from now as bookings are expected to be in high demand.
Solar eclipse aboard the Steam Ship Sudan, Original Travel
Watch the solar eclipse during a cruise aboard the Nile’s most iconic boat, the Steam Ship Sudan (which Agatha Christie once sailed, inspiring Death on the Nile). The trip begins with two nights in Cairo with sight-seeing of the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. From there, you’ll fly to Aswan to Steam Ship Sudan for a cruise lasting six nights and finishing in Luxor. For those interested in learning more about the natural phenomenon, special lectures and experiences around the eclipse and astronomy will take place on board.
Book here from £25,590 (approx. $34,615)
Azores to Barcelona voyage, National Geographic
This 13-day expedition begins in Portugal before spending days at sea sailing toward Morocco before heading to Spain. Mid-way through the trip, as you sail through the Strait of Gibraltar, the only natural waterway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, the total solar eclipse will take place overhead. The National Geographic Orion ship has 53 cabins and holds up to 103 guests.
Solar eclipse Sojourn, SeaDream Yacht Club
Why not view the solar eclipse from a private yacht in the Med? This journey takes place from Valletta to Rome, and on the morning of August 2, the yacht will be in the path of the solar eclipse, allowing for a viewing where the moon will completely cover the sun. After that, you can sit back and enjoy exploring the destinations on the route, including Sicily and the Amalfi Coast.
Total solar eclipse from Greece and Malta, Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is offering an itinerary with solar eclipse viewings from one of the best vantage points in the world between Spain and Morocco, lasting approximately 3 minutes. The expedition, which lasts nine days, also explores hidden gems like Monemvasia, Greece’s ‘Gibraltar of the East,’ and the vibrant town of Trapani in Sicily. Embarkation and debarkation takes place in Athens.
