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On August 12, over 90% of the sun was covered by the moon above the UK in what’s known as a partial solar eclipse.
And, whether you managed to find a pair of elusive glasses or you raw-dogged the phenomenon (not recommended), there’s no denying it was a spectacular sight.
It’s no surprise, then, that travellers are already rushing to find the best place to catch the next one, which is due to take place on August 2, 2027.
Dubbed the ‘eclipse of the century,’ a total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East.
This version occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun and completely covers the sun’s surface, leading to a spell of darkness in what’s known as ‘totality.’
Don’t want to miss out? Metro has rounded up four of the best holiday destinations for next year’s celestial spectacular.
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor, the capital of ancient Egypt, and home to the Nile, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, will be a prime spot for eclipse chasers next summer.
The city sits close to the point of greatest eclipse — when the axis of the moon’s shadow cone passes closest to Earth’s centre — with totality of approximately six minutes and 22 seconds.
Perhaps the best way to catch the eclipse here is on a Nile River cruise. But be quick, as many are booking up fast.
G Adventures has an 11-day total eclipse trip, journeying through Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
Passengers will drift along the river on a traditional boat and enjoy an exclusive eclipse viewing party from the best vantage point on Earth.
Be warned, though, it’s not cheap. Prices start from £5,799pp.
Spain
Not that Brits need any more convincing to head to Spain (it’s the most popular UK holiday destination), but the southern European country is another eclipse hotspot.
On Wednesday night, regions like Galicia — dubbed ‘Spain’s Caribbean’ — Castile and León, and the Balearic Islands were treated to a dazzling spectacle.
A Metro reporter was among the lucky few on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, which transformed into a floating observatory in the open waters of Northern Spain.
Next year, it’s the south of Spain getting most of the action. This includes Málaga and Cádiz, which lie in the path of totality.
However, rather than an evening display, it will occur mid-morning, with an average totality of roughly two to four and a half minutes.
So, where to see it? Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is running an 11-day ‘Spain siesta and solar eclipse’ trip from Southampton from £1,699.
It will stop in La Coruña and Vigo, before heading to Cádiz and Gibraltar — another eclipse spot — 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, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, it’s been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe for centuries.
Once you’ve explored its vibrant medina and historic fortress, head to the coast for the solar phenomenon — the beaches along the Bay of Tangier will no doubt be full of eclipse chasers.
Tangier is also perfect for those after a remote, isolated eclipse experience.
Travel and Trek have just released a second solar eclipse tour trek after their first one sold out.
Over eight days, you’ll visit the ‘Blue Town’ of Chefchaouen and enjoy a four-day trek in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, where you’ll get unobstructed eclipse views.
Prices start from £1,090, excluding flights.
Elsewhere in North Africa, several Tunisian cities lie in the path of totality.
For example, the southeastern port city of Sfax will experience darkness for two minutes and 56 seconds.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Finally, Jeddah on the Red Sea will be treated to an epic eclipse for around 5 minutes and 53 seconds.
The Saudi Arabian port city is a rapidly growing tourist destination in the Middle East, with a UNESCO-listed Old Town and popular coastal spots that offer world-class scuba diving, coral reefs, and marine life.
Jeddah is also a gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
For those making a pilgrimage in the name of astronomy, don’t miss the 14-day Saudi Arabia Explorer – Total Eclipse from Exodus Adventure Travels.
Again, prices are steep (starting at £6,489pp), but will be worth it for those looking for a guided trip that combines history and science, and a few World Heritage Sites along the way.
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