Granada province’s coast, just inside the path
Totality begins at 10:49:19 and ends at 10:51:04 (Spanish mainland time, CEST). Maximum eclipse is at 10:50:12, with the sun 40° above the horizon. The partial phases run from 09:42 to 12:04. Figures are for Motril. Almuñécar and Salobreña are within a few seconds.
The Costa Tropical is the coast of Granada province, between Nerja and Adra. It matters for the 2027 eclipse because it is the last stretch of Mediterranean coast that stays inside the path before the northern limit swings out to sea. Motril, Salobreña and Almuñécar all get totality, though at under two minutes rather than the four you would find around the Strait.
The compensation is that Granada city, twenty minutes inland by motorway, has no totality at all. If you are based in Granada, this coast is where you come on eclipse morning.
| Town | Eclipse | Duration / coverage | Maximum | Sun altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nerja | Total | 1 min 42 s | 10:49 | 40° |
| Almuñécar | Total | 1 min 51 s | 10:49 | 40° |
| Salobreña | Total | 1 min 45 s | 10:50 | 40° |
| Motril | Total | 1 min 45 s | 10:50 | 40° |
| Adra | Total | 1 min 46 s | 10:50 | 41° |
| Vélez-Málaga | Total | 1 min 04 s | 10:49 | 40° |
| Granada | Partial | 99.22% | 10:50 | 40° |
Spanish mainland times, CEST. Granada is listed for comparison and stays partial.
The most striking spot on this coast: a white town wrapped around a crag with a Moorish castle on top, standing above the beach. 1 minute 45 seconds of totality, and a view along the coast in both directions. Parking is difficult and the castle has limited capacity.
1 minute 51 seconds, the longest on this stretch, with two big town beaches either side of the Peñon del Santo headland. The most developed resort here, so the easiest for food, shade and beds.
The biggest town on the Costa Tropical, with a long beach and a working port. Less pretty than its neighbours, more space and easier logistics.
The lighthouse headland between Motril and Salobreña, with cliffs and a wide horizon. A small road and a small car park, so arrive early.
The northern limit of the path runs just inland of this coast, and the ground rises steeply behind it. Driving up into the Alpujarras for a mountain view will take you straight out of totality. Nerja at 1 minute 42 seconds and Motril at 1 minute 45 seconds are already close to the edge. Check any spot on the map before you drive to it.
Partial phases run from about 09:44 to 12:03. Totality at Motril runs from 10:49:19 to 10:51:04, with the sun 40 degrees above the horizon. Spanish mainland times. Note that this coast goes dark three to four minutes later than Cádiz, because the shadow is travelling east.
Car: the A-7 runs the length of the coast and the A-44 motorway drops down from Granada to Motril in about 45 minutes. Expect that road to be very heavy on eclipse morning as Granada empties towards the coast.
Bus: regular services from Granada, Málaga and Almería.
Plane: Granada Federico García Lorca is about an hour away, Málaga about an hour and a half.
Accommodation: Almuñécar and Motril have most of the beds. Granada city has far more, but you must be prepared to drive down early on the day.