This summer's eclipse mania doesn't end after August 12. Serious eclipse chasers are already planning for the next total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event that's been dubbed the “eclipse of the century."

On 2 August, 2027, the moon’s shadow will cross southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, resulting in a rare six minutes of totality – one of the longest total eclipses anyone alive today is likely to witness. “The 2 August, 2027 solar eclipse will perhaps be the most exciting of our lifetimes,” says Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

Since the path of totality overlaps with beloved, easily accessible travel destinations like Morocco and Egypt, the 2027 total solar eclipse is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated travel events of the decade. This also means that some hotels, tours, and cruises are already starting to book up.

If you missed out on this August's solar eclipse, it's not too late to redeem yourself. Here's how to decide where – and how – you want to see the 2027 total solar eclipse. (Plus, for all the overachievers out there, what to know about the 2028 eclipse in Australia and New Zealand.)

At the point of greatest eclipse, totality will last approximately 6 minutes and 22 seconds. The last total solar eclipse to exceed six minutes occurred in 1991, and another will not do so until 2114. “For comparison, the 2026 total solar eclipse has a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 18 seconds,” says French.

The total solar eclipse at the Atacama Desert in July 2019, where viewers could see the corona effect.

Totality is the brief period when the moon completely blocks the bright surface of the sun, revealing its wispy outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Temperatures may fall, stars and planets can appear, and the landscape takes on the eerie darkness of twilight. “This is the best part of an eclipse,” says science communicator Laura Tenenbaum, who plans to experience her third totality in 2027. “The sun’s corona is visible, the temp drops, stars come out. It’s magical.”

During shorter eclipses, observers may feel as though totality ends almost as soon as it begins – you've only just had enough time to photograph the eclipse, much less bask in its glory. The 2027 event will offer more time to look around, observe changes in the landscape, and experience the eclipse without focusing entirely on cameras. "In Luxor, the unusually long duration offers the rare luxury of slowing down and fully immersing yourself in the experience,” says Stéphane Pricard, CEO and owner of Cliff Valley Astronomy, a dark sky destination in New Brunswick, Canada.

The path of totality will begin over the Atlantic Ocean before crossing southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. Southern Spain offers some of the simplest travel logistics. The path crosses parts of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga, including areas along the Costa del Sol and near Tarifa. Gibraltar will also experience totality, with its famous Rock providing a dramatic backdrop.

Tenenbaum plans to spend several days in Málaga before taking the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco. “There is very little chance of clouds in this part of the world, which makes seeing the eclipse easier and stress-free,” she says. “I know several friends who’ve either been clouded out or had to jump in the car rushing for better weather.”

Tangier will experience nearly five minutes of totality, making it an appealing option for travellers who want to combine the eclipse with a trip to Morocco. Tenenbaum is also looking forward to the atmosphere that develops around an eclipse destination. “Normally, the vibes in the town or city around the time of an eclipse are unique,” she says. “A community bond forms… a citywide celebration.”

Farther east, the path crosses Algeria and Tunisia before reaching Egypt, the marquee destination for the event. Luxor will experience approximately six minutes and 22 seconds of totality, close to the maximum duration anywhere along the path. “Among all destinations, Egypt stands apart,” says Pricard. “The Luxor region will experience the longest period of totality, making it one of the premier viewing locations anywhere on Earth.”

Travellers can build a longer itinerary around the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise. The setting also lends the event a historical resonance that extends beyond astronomy. “For thousands of years, the ancient Egyptians revered the sun and closely observed the heavens,” says Pricard. “Experiencing a total solar eclipse in a place where celestial events shaped religion, architecture, and daily life creates a profound emotional connection between our modern understanding of the universe and one of history’s greatest civilisations.”

A partial solar eclipse at sunset over the ocean with the sun's reflection on the water of the Mediterranean near Menorca.

Independent travellers should reserve hotels with flexible cancellation policies and stay inside the path of totality. Even a 99% partial eclipse does not produce the corona, sudden darkness, or other defining features of totality.

Arrive several days early rather than attempting to drive into the path on the morning of the eclipse. Roads may become gridlocked, and viewing areas can introduce closures or crowd controls.

Organised trips simplify transportation, access to viewing sites and equipment. To take the planning out of the equation, a growing number of tour operators are planning packages across the path of totality. Cruises are another option: Several lines have already announced itineraries positioning ships in the Mediterranean. Here's a selection of trips that are still available – for now, anyway:

• Geographic Expeditions, Egypt's Eclipse; 10 days, from £16,502
• Windstar Cruises, Total Solar Eclipse from Greece and Malta; 10 days, from £5,467
• Road Scholar's Eclipse at Sea: A One-Time Voyage Through Spain & Portugal; 12 days, from £12,606
• Holland America, Solar Eclipse & Astronomical Discovery (round trip from Athens, Greece); 14 days, from £3,599
• SeaDream Yacht Club, Solar Eclipse Sojourn (Valetta to Rome); 8 days, from £9,210
• National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions, Azores to Barcelona: A Special Solar Eclipse Voyage; 13 days, from £20,157
• Virgin Voyages, Solar Eclipse: Spain, Portugal, Morocco; 12 days, from £5,134

Demand is already extending to the following year. On July 22, 2028, a total solar eclipse will cross Australia and southern New Zealand. Smithsonian Journeys, for instance, is launching a 13-day land-based itinerary in Australia after its expedition cruise in the Kimberleys sold out two years in advance. The journey will culminate in an exclusive eclipse watch party at Taronga Zoo on Sydney Harbour. In Dunedin, New Zealand, many hotels are already fully booked.