Stellar growth in astrotourism bookings as travelers go starry-eyed for total solar eclipse

‍BERLIN, August 2026 – On August 12, western and central Europe will experience its first visible total solar eclipse since 1999. 

The phenomenon, best seen from parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, comes as bookings for astrotourism experiences on GetYourGuide increased by more than 100% in the last two years.

Excitement around the growing trend of astrotourism will reach new heights this month as parts of western and central Europe are plunged into darkness by the total solar eclipse on August 12. GetYourGuide data shows an increase of 104% in astrotourism bookings in the last two years, with the most astrotourism bookings this year among travelers from the U.K. and U.S. 

Prime locations for August’s total solar eclipse are experiencing particularly high demand. Spanish destinations, for example, account for almost a third of astrotourism bookings on GetYourGuide this year.

New data from Amadeus Travel Intelligence shows a similar pattern with flights to prime solar eclipse viewing spots up 25% in the days ahead of the rare occurrence, compared to the same period last year.

"Astrotourism is quickly becoming one of the strongest growth stories for Spanish destinations, and this solar eclipse shows just how far travelers will go for a clear view of the night sky and the unforgettable experiences. The best locations for astrotourism are also away from the main cities, which could help to relieve some of the pressure on better-known destinations."

- Toni Bennasar, GetYourGuide’s regional manager for Spain and Portugal

Formentera, the southernmost major Balearic island, will see the sky go fully dark for a little over a minute right at sunset on August 12. More widely known for its white beaches, Formentera was certified in 2023 as a Starlight Tourist Destination, due, among other things, to its low level of light pollution that provides optimal conditions for stargazing.

Angelica Molano, a certified Starlight Foundation astronomy instructor on Formentera, is leading one of several experiences on the island during the eclipse.

“What’s extra special is that, thanks to the moon’s close proximity to the Earth, the sunlight will filter through the lunar valleys and craters, creating the famous Baily Pearls that give that diamond ring effect,” Angelica said.

“If that wasn’t enough, the sunset spectacle will be followed shortly after by the Perseid meteor shower.”

Angelica’s tips for watching the solar eclipse:

• Watch the phenomenon with eclipse glasses: “These are different from normal sunglasses,” Angelica said. “That way you can look directly at the eclipse without harming your eyes.
  
• Look through a solar telescope: “Unlike a normal telescope, a solar telescope has a special filter,” Angelica said. “Using this, we'll see something that can only be seen from space on a spacecraft: the solar corona, [the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere].”
  
• Enjoy it! “For many people this might be once in a lifetime,” Angelica said. “The experience is different for everyone, but for me it represents a reset, a new start.”

Where to plan your last-minute trip to see the total solar eclipse:

Formentera
The lesser-known Balearic island has a growing reputation for astrotourism. Connect with the cosmos and experience the solar eclipse with an expert guide through a telescope and a yoga course.

Northern Spain
The path will cross mainland Spain coast to coast, from A Coruña on the Atlantic side through Zaragoza to Valencia on the Mediterranean. Take in the breathtaking experience on a sunset boat tour. If you miss this total solar eclipse in northern Spain, people in the country’s most southern tip will be lucky enough to see the phenomenon on August 2, 2027.

Iceland
Totality will sweep up Iceland’s west coast in the early evening, shortly before 6pm local time. The capital, Reykjavik sits just outside the path, making it the perfect starting point for a bus tour to the best viewing spots along Iceland’s western coast.

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About the data

• GetYourGuide booking data analyzed performance from January 1 to July 24 across 2024 and 2026.
• Increase of bookings of astrotourism experiences on GetYourGuide by consumers from the following countries. Growth comparison between 2024 and 2026.
  Global: +104%
  UK: +130%
  France: +118%
  United States: +82%
  Germany: +69%
• Astrotourism bookings to Spain: Up 76% in two years; up 13% in last year.
  

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