Did you miss out on travelling to places like Greenland, Iceland or Spain to witness the spectacular solar eclipse this year? Well, if you don’t want to miss next year’s event either, you may want to start scanning for flight tickets – ASAP.
Dubbed the “eclipse effect” by easyJet, the budget airline has already recorded a 70% boost in bookings among British travellers to destinations along the path of totality.
In what astronomers are saying will be the “eclipse of the century,” next year’s event will be the longest on easily accessible land until 2114, with totality lasting six minutes and 23 seconds at the point of the greatest eclipse in Egypt. In comparison, the 2026 eclipse lasted for two minutes and 18 seconds at its maximum point.
“Whether you missed this year’s eclipse or are looking to witness one of nature’s greatest shows again, the 2027 total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-generation travel opportunity,” Kevin Doyle, UK Country Manager at easyJet, said.
“We are already seeing growing interest from Brits keen to experience it for themselves, and destinations such as Egypt, Gibraltar, and Spain offer an incredible combination of an unforgettable celestial event and a truly memorable holiday.”
easyJet found that astrotourism has seen bookings to Spanish locations, including Seville, Almeria and Malaga, go up 69% since the recent August eclipse.
When Euronews Travel searched for a three-nights stay in Seville starting 1 August on Booking.com, the travel agency’s results included a note to say that 87% of places to stay are unavailable for those dates.
Travellers are also keen to visit Gibraltar, with easyJet recording a 29% spike in bookings. Here, Booking.com flagged that some 98% of places to stay are unavailable.
Which is to say if you don’t want to miss it, you should get booking now.
What could your astrotourism trip in Europe look like next year?
The event may still be a year away, but here’s what your itinerary could look like as an eclipse enthusiast.
Gibraltar is set for a total eclipse in 2027 and with easyJet, flights start from £34.99 (€40.85). Beyond the eclipse itself, the small peninsula is known for its blend of Spanish, Moroccan, Portuguese and other influences from further afield. Travellers can’t miss a walking tour of the Upper Rock, where attractions include the 70-metre-long Windsor Suspension Bridge, which hangs over a deep ravine and boasts sweeping views of Gibraltar Bay.
The eclipse will also be visible in Málaga, with flights starting from the same price.The Spanish port city spoils beach-goers with a choice of 16 beaches. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, The Picasso Museum features a selection of pieces from the private collection of two of his relatives, alongside 200 works of varying styles, materials and techniques.
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