Solar eclipse draws global tourists, doubling prices in Spain and Iceland

Spain and Iceland are bracing for a significant influx of tourists eager to witness the total solar eclipse on August 12. This rare celestial event, the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe in the 21st century, is driving up accommodation costs dramatically.

In Iceland, hotel prices in Reykjavik have surged by over 140%, with average nightly rates exceeding $1,000. Cities in Spain are also experiencing price hikes, with A Coruña seeing costs more than double, Bilbao up 59%, and Santiago de Compostela up 31%. Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb also report substantial increases, with prices rising by 53.7% year-on-year in Iceland and 15.8% in Spain within the eclipse's path.

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The demand is huge and comes from every corner of the globe.

Travel agencies have seen bookings for this event made as early as September 2024. "The demand is huge and comes from every corner of the globe," stated Helga Maria Albertsdóttir, managing director of Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, where guests can view the eclipse from geothermal pools. Airlines and cruise lines are responding to the heightened interest by increasing flights, particularly from the United States to Reykjavik.

The Spanish government forecasts that the eclipse will generate 342 million euros in tourist spending. Beyond the economic impact, officials hope the event will draw visitors to less-traveled regions situated along the path of totality, further distributing the benefits of increased tourism.

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The first reservation I took for this was in September 2024.