9 Last-Minute Trips to See the Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse is coming on August 12, 2026, and it will be the first one visible from Europe in the 21st century. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves in front of the Sun and blocks its light, making daytime go briefly dark. The path of totality — where the darkness is complete — will cross parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain. Even people outside this path may see a partial eclipse, where the Moon covers only part of the Sun.

Brittany Ferries offers sailings to two Spanish ports, Santander and Bilbao, both inside the path of totality. A Portsmouth to Bilbao ticket starts at £680, arriving August 11. A Portsmouth to Santander sailing starts at £654, landing on the morning of the eclipse. A Plymouth to Santander option from £684 arrives two days early on August 10.

New Scientist's Discovery Tours have added extra spots for a 13-day polar cruise departing Iceland on August 7. The cruise sails to Greenland's Scoresby Sund fjords, where passengers will watch the eclipse from the water. The trip includes Arctic wildlife spotting, glacier hikes, and tours of Iceland's Golden Triangle. Eclipse expert Jamie Carter guides the adventure, with prices from £14,595 per person.

New Scientist also has a waitlist for a six-day Spain tour from Madrid to Valladolid, starting at £2,999. The tour begins August 9 and includes a private eclipse viewing spot, science talks, and stargazing at the Tiedra observatory. Astronomer Colin Stuart leads the group, and bed and breakfast is included. Guests will also get to watch the Perseids meteor shower during the trip.

On Menorca, the sister hotels Son Ermità and Binidufà sit inside the path of totality. Their special 'Under the Eclipse' package adds a welcome drink, live music, a wine-paired dinner, and eclipse glasses to your stay. The two hotels together cover nearly 2,000 acres of coastline and natural land. Both are restored 18th-century farmhouses with a relaxed, stylish atmosphere.

The Iberostar Selection Es Trenc hotel on Mallorca has turned some suites into special 'Eclipse Suites' with rooftop views. Booking one of these suites gets you a themed dinner, a massage, unique jewellery, and a salt flats tour. Packages start at £1,120 for a four-night minimum stay. Standard rooms are also available for those who just want to see the eclipse without the extras.

Icelandic music star Björk is hosting a festival called Echolalia on August 12 near Reykjavik, timed with the eclipse. In that area, the total eclipse will last one minute and four seconds. Björk will play a DJ set alongside other performers in Víðistaðatún park. Tickets start at £90, making this one of the most affordable eclipse experiences on the list.

The five-star TRS Ibiza hotel is hosting eclipse festivities on August 12, including rooftop viewing and sound healing yoga. Guests can also choose the 'Private Eclipse Romance' package for a quieter, more exclusive experience. That evening, a ticketed event from £65 features live music, DJs, a light show, and a special cocktail menu. The adult-only hotel includes beach access, three pools, and a personal butler service.

The Iceland Eclipse festival on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula runs for five days and blends science, music, and outdoor adventure. Astronauts and scientists give talks, while DJs perform sets and guides lead trips to lava caves and glacier chambers. A small number of tickets remain, starting at £669, with options for camping, glamping, or off-site lodging. The festival's highlight is two full minutes of eclipse darkness.

The Hotel de Mar Gran Meliá on Mallorca is offering a luxury boat experience aboard the Rivamare on August 12. The boat departs Port Adriano at 5pm and cruises past hidden coves while the eclipse happens overhead. Guests can swim, enjoy champagne, and taste caviar during the four-hour journey. The tour starts at €9,800 for up to seven guests and must be booked through the hotel concierge.