Total solar eclipse in Estepona: Monday 2 August 2027

The key factsdate, time and duration

• Date: Monday 2 August 2027.
• Partial eclipse begins: about 9:41 am.
• Totality: around 10:48 am, for about 3 minutes 36 seconds.
• Partial eclipse ends: about 12:01 pm.

Times are local Spanish summer time and come from published eclipse calculations (Spain's Instituto Geográfico Nacional and timeanddate.com). They can shift by a few seconds depending on exactly where you stand, so check the official figures again closer to the date.

Why Estepona is a good place to belonger totality than Málaga city

The Moon's shadow crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, so the closer you are to the Strait, the longer totality lasts. Estepona, at the western end of the Málaga coast, gets around three and a half minutes of darkness — nearly double what Málaga city gets, where totality lasts just under two minutes.

If you want a few extra seconds, towns further along towards the Strait, such as Algeciras and Tarifa, get over four minutes. But that means driving on what will probably be one of the busiest mornings of the summer. For most people, a calm morning on foot in Estepona is the better trade.

How to watch it safelythe one rule that matters

Looking at the Sun without proper protection can permanently damage your eyes — and that includes the partial phases, when it still looks dim.

• Use eclipse glasses certified to the ISO 12312-2 standard. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough.
• Keep them on throughout the partial phases. Take them off only during totality, when the Sun is completely covered, and put them back on the moment the first bright sliver reappears.
• Never look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars or a telescope without a proper solar filter.
• Check your glasses for scratches or damage beforehand, and buy them from a reputable seller well in advance.

Where to watch fromopen sky is everything

You want a wide, open view of the sky. In narrow old-town streets the buildings can hide the Sun, so head for somewhere open: the seafront, a beach or a square. The sea is a minute's walk from Casa Juani. The map below shows some open spots, plus the two car parks we recommend if you arrive by car.

Open spots within walking distancemap

Plan your morninga little preparation goes a long way

• Arrive early. Seafront spots and car parks are likely to fill up, and the coastal roads (A-7 and AP-7) are likely to be busy.
• Staying in the old town means you can simply walk down to the sea — no car, no queues.
• It is August: bring water, a hat and sun cream for the long partial phases.
• Have a plan B for clouds. August skies on the Costa del Sol are usually clear, but nobody can guarantee the weather, so keep an eye on the forecast the day before.
• Have a slow breakfast first — our guide to Juani's Estepona has our favourite spots.

Stay in the old towna minute from the sea

Casa Juani is a boutique apartment in the historic centre of Estepona, on Calle San Nicolás, a minute from the Mediterranean. It makes an easy base for the eclipse: walk down to the sea, watch from the seafront, and be back for a long lunch or a siesta without going near the car.

At the time of writing we still have dates open around 2 August 2027, subject to availability. Demand around the eclipse is likely to be high, so if you are thinking about it, get in touch. We take direct bookings with no intermediary commission and confirm availability by WhatsApp or email.

Frequently asked questions

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