Catalonia and parts of Spain are preparing for a surge in visitors ahead of the total solar eclipse on August 10, 2026. The astronomical event, which will not occur again in the region for more than a century, is already driving significant demand for accommodations in areas where the eclipse will be visible.
Aleix Roig, head of the Prades Mountains Astronomical Park, said interest is growing rapidly despite the event being a year away.
“We’ll soon be hanging up the ‘full’ sign,” he told Ara, adding that most accommodations in the Prades area are already at occupancy rates above 80%. Roig noted that careful planning will be needed to stagger the arrival of visitors.
The eclipse will be visible from several parts of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and other regions, including Lleida, Tarragona, Castellón, Valencia, and Palma.
In certain locations, such as the Ebro area, visibility could last up to a minute and a half. Comparable events have demonstrated their strong tourism impact—in 2017, a solar eclipse visible across the United States attracted interest from 88% of American adults and was estimated to have an economic impact equivalent to 50 Super Bowls.
Local camping facilities are also experiencing a spike in demand. At Prades Campsite, one of the largest in the region, reservations for 2026 have not yet opened, but 60 families are already on the waiting list.
Similar trends are being reported across Camp de Tarragona and other prime viewing spots.
Short-term rental platforms are also seeing a surge in interest. Airbnb has reported an increase of more than 800% in demand for rural accommodation in affected areas during the eclipse period.
For outdoor hospitality businesses, the 2026 eclipse presents both opportunities and operational challenges.
Industry professionals may need to assess capacity, manage reservation systems effectively, and coordinate with local authorities to accommodate large visitor volumes. Early planning could help ensure guest satisfaction while minimizing the strain on infrastructure and resources during the peak period.