If you missed the solar eclipse in the UK on 12 August 2026—or if you simply caught a glimpse and immediately got bitten by the eclipse-chasing bug—I have good news and bad news.
The bad news? The UK won’t witness another total solar eclipse until 2081. That’s over five decades away, and frankly, I don’t fancy waiting around that long!
The good news? The next total solar eclipse is taking place on 2 August 2027, and it promises to be one of the most spectacular astronomical events of our lifetime. Known in the travel industry as the “Eclipse of the Century,” it sweeps directly across southern Spain, North Africa (including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt), Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
If you’re planning a trip from the UK to catch this celestial masterpiece, here is my breakdown of the top two destinations to set your sights on.
1. Southern Spain & Gibraltar (The Easy Quick-Getaway)
For UK travellers, southern Spain (Andalusia) and Gibraltar offer the most hassle-free route into the path of totality. Cities like Cádiz, Tarifa, and Marbella will experience minutes of total darkness in the mid-morning sky.
The Good
- Getting there is a breeze: Direct 2.5-hour flights operate daily from almost every UK regional airport (London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh) via British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair.
- No visa hassle: British passport holders can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days for holiday purposes.
- Post-eclipse vibes: You get to combine a world-class eclipse with tapas, sangria, and stunning Andalusian coastlines.
The Bad
- Shorter eclipse duration: You’ll get around 2 to 4 minutes of total eclipse depending on how far south you position yourself (Gibraltar gets ~4min 27s).
- Peak August crowds & prices: Southern Spain in August is already packed with holidaymakers. Flights and beach hotels will command a premium, so booking an ATOL-protected package early is critical.
Stuart’s Verdict on the solar eclipse in Spain and Gibraltar
8/10: Perfect if you want a familiar, easy-to-reach European holiday with a side of cosmic wonder, without straying too far from home or dealing with complex itineraries.
2. Luxor, Egypt (The Ultimate Eclipse Experience)
If you want the absolute ultimate eclipse experience, pack your bags for the Nile Valley. Luxor sits directly on the centre line, delivering an extraordinary 6 minutes and 23 seconds of totality under virtually 100% cloudless desert skies—with the backdrop of ancient pharaonic temples.
The Good
- Unrivalled duration: At over six minutes long, this is the longest land-based totality until the year 2114.
- Guaranteed clear skies: August in Upper Egypt offers near-zero cloud probability.
- Bucket-list backdrop: Watching the sun’s corona emerge over Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings is an unmatched, once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The Bad
- Extreme heat: Daytime temperatures in Luxor during August frequently exceed 40°C. You will need shade, proper hydration, and air-conditioned accommodation.
- Travel admin: British passport holders require an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival (approx. £20 GBP). Direct flights from London to Luxor fill up fast, though connections via Cairo are readily available.
Stuart’s Verdict on the solar eclipse in Egypt
10/10: The clear winner for serious eclipse chasers. Six minutes of darkness over the pyramids and temples is the stuff travel dreams are made of!
Essential Tips for UK Travellers
- Protect Your Money (ATOL First): Always book through an ATOL-protected travel agent or operator when bundling flights and accommodation to ensure your money is safeguarded if flight schedules change.
- Currency: Spain uses the Euro (€), while Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Pay in local currency on your card to dodge poor GBP exchange rates at airport kiosks.
- Partial Eclipse Option: If you can’t travel abroad on 2 August 2027, you’ll still be able to observe a partial solar eclipse across most of the UK and Europe—though nothing compares to the magical thrill of 100% totality!
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