The total solar eclipse is almost here. These spots offer the best chance to see it.

Solar eclipses — when the moon fully or partially obscures the sun — aren’t particularly rare. Partial eclipses happen a few times a year, and total solar eclipses happen approximately once every 18 months. What is actually rare, though, is witnessing a total solar eclipse from where you live. That’s because, on average, these events are only visible from the same place once every 375 years.

In 2024, 15 U.S. states were in the path of totality, but this year, we won’t be so lucky. On Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will occur over parts of Spain, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Russia. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Western Europe since 1999, marking a long-awaited moment for the continent’s celestial admirers.

But it’s not just the locals who will be setting up in open fields with their solar viewing glasses. Travelers from around the world are heading overseas to watch the show too, and scheduling a last-minute trip is still possible. Here’s where, and what, to consider.

Spain

By a steep margin, Spain is the best place to get a full view of the solar eclipse this August, especially in Ibiza, Mallorca and Valencia. A broad swath of northern Spain, along with the Balearic Islands, lies within the path of totality, and Mallorca and Ibiza will be the first stops along the eclipse’s northward journey. Barcelona and Madrid will be just outside the path, but both cities will experience about 99% eclipse coverage.

The total eclipse will technically be visible in nearby Portugal, though only from a tiny section northeast of Bragança. If you’re heading to that general region for viewing, you’re better off sticking to the Spanish side of the border. The eclipse will begin at different times depending on location, but Spain will witness it in the evening, shortly before sunset.

If you’re making last-minute travel plans for the eclipse, northern Spain is your best bet. Just be prepared for the other eclipse chasers — millions are expected to flock there for the event.

Iceland

Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and largest city, is in the direct path of the astronomical event, which will be visible to local viewers during early evening on Aug. 12. Totality crosses western Iceland, including Reykjavík and the Westfjords, but a partial eclipse will be visible throughout the rest of the country.

This will be the first total solar eclipse in Iceland since 1954, and the next one won’t take place there for more than 150 years. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to gather in Iceland for the historic showing.

Savvy travelers will be driving north from Reykjavík along Iceland’s Ring Road to witness the totality. The section of the road between Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is ideal, offering full eclipse viewing and a chance to see some of Iceland’s jagged coastline, wide waterfalls and Seussian mountain peaks. There are also several hot springs along the route, which are arguably among the dreamiest places to be during an eclipse.

Greenland

Greenland isn’t the easiest place to visit, but some adventurers are heading there nevertheless for a glimpse of the solar phenomenon. Expedition cruises to Greenland are filling up with passengers eager for a front-row view of the eclipse from the water. According to the National Solar Observatory, the point of greatest eclipse lies just off Iceland’s coast along a popular cruise route to Greenland, where viewers will experience the eclipse’s longest duration.

While expedition cruises are an excellent way to observe the eclipse, they’re a significant investment in time and money. Many have been sold out for months, even with the high price tag, but some cruise lines are adding sailings to accommodate the demand. Limited cabins are still available through Polar Dream Travel and Quark Expeditions. If you’re open to cruising elsewhere, Princess Cruises is offering some steeply discounted rates on solar eclipse cruises in and around Spain.