On 2 August 2027, one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the decade will take place: a total solar eclipse.
The path of totality will cross parts of southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, while a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe and surrounding regions. For millions of people, it will be an opportunity to experience the extraordinary moment when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun.
Whether you are planning to travel into the path of totality or simply want to know what to expect, here is your guide to the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027.
When is the 2027 total solar eclipse?
The eclipse will take place on Monday, 2 August 2027.
The exact timing and appearance of the eclipse will depend on your location. In southern Spain, for example, the partial phase begins during the morning, followed by totality shortly before 11:00 local time in locations within the path.
The entire eclipse lasts considerably longer than totality itself. In Málaga, for example, the partial eclipse begins at approximately 09:42, reaches its maximum around 10:49, and ends shortly after 12:00. Totality itself lasts just under two minutes in central Málaga.
Where will the 2027 eclipse be total?
The path of totality stretches across several countries and regions.
NASA lists southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Yemen among the areas from which totality can be experienced. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much larger area, including most of Europe and much of Africa and the Middle East.
For European eclipse watchers, southern Spain will be one of the key destinations.
Where can you see totality in Spain?
Parts of Andalusia fall within the path of totality, including several major tourist destinations along the southern coast.
For example:
Cádiz
Totality: approximately 2 minutes 56 seconds
Maximum eclipse: around 10:46.
Marbella
Totality: approximately 3 minutes 19 seconds
Maximum eclipse: around 10:48.
Mijas
Totality: approximately 2 minutes 55 seconds
Maximum eclipse: around 10:48.
Málaga
Totality: approximately 1 minute 57 seconds at the location calculated for Málaga by Timeanddate, with maximum eclipse around 10:49. Exact duration varies within the city and surrounding area depending on location.
This makes the Costa del Sol and Cádiz region particularly interesting for travellers hoping to combine a summer holiday with the experience of a total solar eclipse.
What happens during a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and, from a narrow area on Earth, completely covers the Sun's bright disk.
The apparent sizes of the Sun and Moon in our sky happen to be remarkably similar: although the Sun is roughly 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther away. This allows the Moon to temporarily cover the Sun almost perfectly.
As totality approaches, daylight changes dramatically. During totality, the Sun's bright surface disappears behind the Moon and the solar corona becomes visible around it.
After a few moments, the Moon continues along its orbit and sunlight returns.
Total eclipse vs. partial eclipse
There is an important difference between being inside and outside the path of totality.
Inside the path, the Moon completely covers the Sun for a short period.
Outside it, even if 99% of the Sun is covered, the eclipse remains partial.
That final fraction makes an enormous difference to the experience. During a partial eclipse, part of the bright solar surface remains visible and the dramatic conditions of true totality do not occur.
For anyone travelling specifically for the eclipse, it is therefore worth checking whether their exact location lies inside the path of totality.
Do you need eclipse glasses?
Yes. Proper solar viewing protection is essential during the partial phases of the eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses — regardless of how dark they are — are not suitable for looking directly at the Sun.
Eclipse viewers intended for direct observation of the Sun should comply with ISO 12312-2 requirements.
There is one special exception: observers located within the path of totality may view the Sun without eclipse glasses only during the brief period when the Sun's bright face is completely covered. As soon as any bright part of the Sun reappears, proper solar viewing protection is required again.
→ Read our complete guide: How to Safely Watch the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Why the 2027 eclipse will be a major event for southern Spain
The timing and location of the eclipse make 2 August 2027 particularly interesting for the tourism industry.
The path of totality crosses some of southern Spain's established summer destinations during peak holiday season. Places such as Cádiz, Marbella, Mijas and Málaga already attract large numbers of international visitors in August — and in 2027, many of them will find themselves in or close to the path of a total solar eclipse.
Hotels, resorts, campsites, restaurants, municipalities, tourist organisations and event organisers therefore have an opportunity to turn the eclipse into a memorable experience for guests and visitors.
Planning to watch the eclipse?
If you want to experience the eclipse on 2 August 2027, preparing early is a good idea.
Check whether your exact destination lies within the path of totality, arrange suitable solar viewing protection in advance and choose a viewing location with a clear view of the Sun.
If you are travelling specifically for totality, remember that eclipse circumstances can change significantly over relatively short distances. Always check the exact coordinates and local eclipse times for your chosen viewing location.
And, of course, weather can never be guaranteed.
Preparing your hotel, business or event for 2 August 2027?
Eclipse Glasses Europe is a European distributor of certified solar eclipse viewing glasses for hotels, resorts, retailers, municipalities, events and organisations preparing for the 2027 solar eclipse.
Our eclipse glasses are sourced from an established manufacturer listed by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) as a supplier of safe solar viewers and are supported by relevant testing and conformity documentation.
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