Longest solar eclipse of the century: guide to seeing it in Spain in 2027

NASA has already confirmed that the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century will take place on August 2, 2027, a historic event that will plunge parts of Earth into darkness for 6 minutes and 23 seconds.

Although it will be visible from parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Spain will be one of the privileged places to witness it.

Because of the appeal of this phenomenon, Spain expects millions of travelers from both inside and outside the country, particularly concentrated in the Andalusia region. So where can you see it, and how can you prepare properly and stay connected for a stress-free experience?

The eclipse around the world: where and when

According to the Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN), the eclipse will cross the Strait of Gibraltar from west to east, covering Ceuta, Melilla, all of Cádiz, and several areas of Málaga, Granada, and Almería.

IGN explained that the eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean, then cross the Strait of Gibraltar, continue along the North African coast into Egypt, pass over the Red Sea and parts of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and northeastern Somalia, before ending in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, in Europe, totality will only be visible from Spain.

According to the same institution, the phenomenon will begin at 9:30 a.m. (official mainland Spain and Balearic Islands time) over the Atlantic and end at 2:43 p.m. in the Indian Ocean, giving it a total duration of 313 minutes.

The eclipse will reach its maximum in Egypt at 12:06 p.m. (mainland Spain and Balearic Islands time). At that location, totality will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the best place to watch and one of the longest total eclipses of the century.

What time and where will it be visible in Spain?

In Spain, it will occur in the morning, around 10:50 a.m., and will be visible in:

• Autonomous city of Ceuta
• Autonomous city of Melilla
• Nearly all of Cádiz province
• Parts of Málaga province
• Southern areas of Granada
• Southern areas of Almería

Time by location:

Depending on the area, totality will last between 1 and 4 minutes.

It will also be partially visible across the rest of the country. In this Observatory link, you can find a table with exact viewing times by location. For example, in Madrid, the partial eclipse will begin at 9:45 a.m. and end at 12:02 p.m.

Tips for watching the eclipse safely

• Never look directly at the Sun, even if “only a little” is visible. Regular sunglasses are not enough. You need certified eclipse glasses, ideally with ISO 12312-2 certification.
• If your eclipse glasses are scratched, bent, or damaged, do not use them.
• Do not use X-rays, smoked glass, CDs, water reflections, or homemade alternatives.
• Be careful with cameras, binoculars, and telescopes. Without special solar filters they can damage your eyesight in seconds.
• Even with eclipse glasses, it is best to watch in short intervals and rest your eyes.

IGN also recommends observing the Sun through projection methods or using approved solar filters, such as eclipse glasses, which reduce sunlight intensity by more than 30,000 times. These products must comply with European certification standards.

How to prepare for your trip?

Besides following eclipse safety instructions, there are other things worth considering to make your trip smoother:

Book early: Andalusia expects millions of travelers, and many locations are already emerging as top viewing spots. Hotels, trains, and rentals may sell out quickly.

Check travel documents and entry requirements: If you are traveling from another country, make sure to confirm whether you need a passport, visa, or any specific requirements to enter Spain or other eclipse destinations.

Bring protection against the heat: The eclipse takes place in August, and temperatures in southern Spain can easily exceed 35°C (95°F). Water, hats, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing may become almost as important as your eclipse glasses.

Plan transportation carefully: Roads could experience heavy traffic before and after the event. It is worth checking alternative routes and arriving several hours early.

Stay connected with an eSIM: An eSIM is a digital SIM card that activates directly on your phone without requiring a physical SIM replacement. It is often one of the most convenient options for travelers because it allows you to access mobile internet as soon as you land. With an eSIM for Spain, you can avoid roaming charges and continue using maps, reservations, or share eclipse photos and videos in real time.