Around 450,000 tourists are expected to descend on Spain for Wednesday’s event, vying for the best views of the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 1999.

It’s the first time since 1999 that a total solar eclipse will be visible from mainland Europe. Some lucky skywatchers may see Perseid meteors on the same night.

Moon is due to pass directly between Earth and sun on Wednesday 12 August. Here’s all you need to know

Total solar eclipse to spellbind Europe | Travel