If you missed the recent total solar eclipse that swept across parts of the Arctic and Spain, you might want to start planning for the next one sooner rather than later. The 2027 event, which astronomers are already calling the “eclipse of the century,” is prompting a surge in travel bookings to destinations along its path of totality.
Budget carrier easyJet has recorded a 70% increase in bookings from British travellers to eclipse-viewing locations, a phenomenon the airline has dubbed the “eclipse effect.” The company’s UK Country Manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “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.” He added that destinations such as Egypt, Gibraltar, and Spain offer a compelling mix of celestial spectacle and holiday appeal.
The 2027 eclipse will be the longest on easily accessible land until 2114, with totality lasting six minutes and 23 seconds at its maximum point in Egypt. By comparison, the 2026 eclipse offered just over two minutes of totality. For Europeans, the path of totality cuts through southern Spain, Gibraltar, and parts of North Africa, making it a relatively short hop for many travellers.
Spain and Gibraltar lead the booking surge
easyJet has seen a 69% jump in bookings to Spanish cities such as Seville, Almería, and Málaga since the August eclipse. The demand is already straining local accommodation. A search for a three-night stay in Seville starting 1 August on Booking.com showed that 87% of properties were unavailable for those dates. In Gibraltar, where easyJet reports a 29% spike in bookings, the situation is even tighter, with 98% of places to stay already booked.
For those still hoping to secure a spot, flights to Gibraltar from the UK start at £34.99 (€40.85), and Málaga is similarly priced. The Andalusian port city, birthplace of Pablo Picasso, offers 16 beaches and the Picasso Museum, which houses works from the artist’s relatives’ private collection alongside 200 pieces spanning different styles and materials.
Gibraltar, with its unique blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Portuguese influences, is a destination in its own right. A walking tour of the Upper Rock includes the 70-metre-long Windsor Suspension Bridge, which spans a deep ravine and offers panoramic views of Gibraltar Bay.
While the eclipse is still a year away, the early booking rush suggests that waiting could mean missing out. For those flexible with dates and destinations, lesser-known spots along the path might still have availability. But as the event approaches, prices are likely to rise and options to shrink.
For travellers concerned about the environmental impact of mass tourism, the surge in eclipse-related travel raises questions about sustainability. However, many are choosing to combine the celestial event with a longer holiday, spreading the carbon footprint over a more extended stay. Some are also opting for overland travel or using rail links to reach southern Spain, a region well-connected by high-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona.
As the 2027 eclipse approaches, expect more travel deals and packages to emerge. But if you’re serious about witnessing this rare phenomenon, the message from the travel industry is clear: book now, or risk being left in the dark.
