Tourism officials say demand has soared for accommodation as visitors plan trips around the eclipse, which will take place on August 12 and is expected to attract up to 10 million people. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula since 1912, making it a highly anticipated scientific event.

The eclipse falls during Spain’s busiest holiday period, when many families take their annual summer break and towns and villages host traditional local fiestas, the Olive Press reported.

This timing has intensified demand, with hotels and private rental properties quickly filling up and prices rising as operators seek to capitalise on the influx.

The path of totality, the narrow area where the Moon will completely block the Sun, will cross Spain from west to east. It will begin in Galicia in the north west, move across central, northern and eastern regions, and then pass over Mallorca.

At the best viewing locations, totality is expected to last about 1 minute and 45 seconds. The eclipse will also be visible across southern Spain, although only partially.

Figures from Airbnb show searches for accommodation along the eclipse route have jumped by 820%, particularly in rural areas.

Provinces such as Soria, Valladolid and Teruel, which are usually quieter tourist destinations, have already seen accommodation booked to capacity. In Zaragoza, hotel occupancy for the week of the eclipse has reached 96%.

The Spanish government estimates that as many as 10 million people could travel to rural parts of the country specifically to watch the eclipse.

Officials have warned that this could create unprecedented pressure on transport networks, mobility and local services during peak season.

Despite the challenges, authorities say the event presents a unique opportunity to promote astrotourism and raise the international profile of Spain’s countryside and smaller towns.

Tourism leaders believe the eclipse could deliver long-term benefits by encouraging visitors to return beyond the traditional summer months.

With demand continuing to rise, travellers hoping to witness the rare celestial spectacle are being advised to book early, as availability in prime viewing areas is rapidly running out.