ToplineSpain’s eclipse trilogy has officially begun. After a total solar eclipse crossed northern Spain just before sunset on Aug. 12, the country now looks ahead to what could prove an even more spectacular event on Aug. 2, 2027, when another total solar eclipse sweeps across Andalucía before continuing into North Africa. While this week’s eclipse was defined by dramatic low-horizon views, next year’s eclipse promises a longer totality, a much higher sun and significantly easier viewing conditions. It’s also part of one of the most extraordinary total solar eclipse paths of the century, ultimately delivering more than six minutes of totality to Egypt.Tarifa, Andalucía, will experience Spain’s longest totality on Aug. 2, 2027, with four minutes and 39 seconds beginning at about 10:45 a.m. CEST.gettyKey FactsThe Aug. 2, 2027 total solar eclipse begins over the Atlantic before crossing southern Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Around 89 million people live within the path of totality.Tarifa in Andalucia will experience Spain’s longest totality, with four minutes and 39 seconds beginning at about 10:45 a.m. CEST. That’s more than double the maximum duration available anywhere during this week’s total solar eclipse in northern Spain.Unlike the 2026 eclipse, which occurred shortly before sunset, the 2027 event takes place in mid-morning, removing the need for a clear western skyline.The eclipse reaches its maximum near Luxor, Egypt, where totality will last six minutes and 22 seconds. It will be the longest total solar eclipse visible from land between 1991 and 2114.The eclipse falls during Europe’s peak summer holiday season. Visitors planning to watch from Andalucía should book accommodation and transport well in advance.The most important rule of eclipse chasing is to be inside the path of totality rather than merely close to it. A 99% partial eclipse is still a partial eclipse, meaning the sky will not become fully dark and the solar corona will remain invisible.Why The 2027 Eclipse Will Be Even BetterAlthough this week’s eclipse produced unforgettable sunset scenes across northern Spain, its low solar altitude also made finding locations difficult. Next year’s eclipse offers a different experience. As the moon’s shadow reaches southern Spain during the middle of the morning, the sun will be around 38 to 42 degrees above the horizon, making it much easier to find an unobstructed viewing location. Spain’s maximum totality of four minutes and 39 seconds allows plenty of time to study the delicate structure of the sun’s corona, watch the landscape darken and absorb the spectacle without the rush that accompanies shorter eclipses.On Aug. 2, 2027, the longest total solar eclipse visible from land this century will sweep across southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East.Michael Zeiler/EclipseAtlas.comWhere To Watch In Southern SpainOnly the southern tip of mainland Spain lies inside the path of totality, concentrating eclipse chasers into a relatively small part of Andalucía. Tarifa, Europe’s southernmost mainland town, is famed for its golden beaches, strong Levante winds and laid-back surfing culture, and will experience Spain’s longest totality — four minutes and 39 seconds —making it the country’s premier eclipse destination. Nearby Baelo Claudia combines a long totality with one of Spain’s most evocative settings — a remarkably preserved Roman city overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s one of Andalucía’s most remarkable archaeological landscapes. Estepona, Marbella, Fuengirola, Cádiz and Málaga offer shorter eclipses but excellent tourism infrastructure. Just across the border, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar will also enjoy four minutes and 28 seconds of totality, although observers may prefer viewing locations around Eastern Beach or Europa Point rather than the summit of the Rock.Spain Is Only The BeginningSpain marks only the start of what many eclipse chasers will regard as the main event. After crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, the moon’s shadow races across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya before reaching Egypt, where exceptionally dry August skies and the eclipse’s record-breaking duration are expected to attract observers from around the world. Near Luxor in Egypt, totality reaches an extraordinary six minutes and 22 seconds, close to the theoretical maximum possible on Earth. Unlike many total solar eclipses that cross remote oceans or sparsely populated regions, the 2027 path links some of the world’s best-established tourism destinations. Its combination of accessibility, long totality and generally reliable August weather has led many experienced observers to describe it as one of the finest eclipse opportunities of the century.Unlike the 2026 eclipse, which occurred shortly before sunset, the 2027 event takes place in mid-morning, removing the need for a clear western skyline. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)Getty ImagesPlanning AheadIt’s not without its planning issues. The 2027 eclipse arrives during one of southern Europe’s busiest travel periods, with Andalucía already welcoming millions of summer visitors. Hotels, rental cars and flights are therefore expected to be in particularly high demand, especially around Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar. For many travelers, the best approach may be to use larger resorts such as Marbella, Fuengirola or Málaga as convenient bases while keeping their final viewing location flexible until shortly before eclipse day.Further ReadingForbes7 Spectacular Stargazing Events To See This SummerBy Jamie CarterForbes1,000 Days Until ‘God Of Chaos’ Asteroid Stuns SkywatchersBy Jamie CarterForbes7 Stargazing Accessories You Need This Summer — And When To Use ThemBy Jamie Carter