AND just like that, the solar eclipse is over… until next year where you can see another in several European destinations.
The solar eclipse will return on August 2 next year, with some European destinations getting a total eclipse, including Spain again.
Alongside Spain, Gibraltar, Tunisia, Morocco and eight other countries will also experience a total solar eclipse.
Meanwhile, the UK will once again see a partial eclipse.
Unlike yesterday’s celestial event, this solar eclipse will take place in the morning in most destinations.
But the hype caused by yesterday’s event is already creating hype for next year’s.
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Gibraltar, for example, you can fly from the UK for between £170 and £190 return, on average.
Looking at flights for next year around the solar eclipse, prices are already rocketing.
If you were to head out on July 29 and return on August 3, direct flights from Manchester will set you back at least £453 return and £739 return from London.
Alter the dates slightly and it is still expensive – flying out on July 30 and returning on August 4 will set you back at least £419 direct from London.
Even if you flew out the day before and then headed home straight after the eclipse, you’ll be set back around £400 for direct flights.
Adele Cooke, Senior Consumer Reporter and Consumer Champion at The Sun, who is from Gibraltar, said: “The next eclipse may still be a year away but Gibraltar is already buzzing with excitement.
“The total eclipse will be visible over Gibraltar and the uninterrupted views over the Strait make it a great place to watch the event.
“The eclipse will be visible for a full four minutes, one of the longest durations of anywhere in the world.
“Friends and family have already booked their flights home to be there on August 2 and prices are already climbing.
“But there’s no need to worry about missing out.
“There are dozens of flights from the UK to Malaga every day, and the Spanish airport is just an hour and a half’s drive from Gibraltar.
“Set up price alerts now so you’ll be notified when prices drop.
Meanwhile, website GibStay.com can help you find affordable accommodation.
“If accommodation in Gibraltar is out of your price range then consider staying in one of the nearby towns and driving down for the event.
“Estepona, Soto Grande and Tarifa are all around an hour’s drive away.
“You could book a villa and make a week of it.
“In August temperatures in southern Spain average between 21 and 28 degrees, while the region gets less than 8mm of rainfall for the entire month.”
For Spain, major cities and locations that will be under the path of totality include Cadiz, Malaga and the coast of Almeria and Granada in southern Spain.
If heading to Cadiz, you’ll need to head to Jerez Airport, which is about a 40-minute drive from the city centre.
Direct return flights for the days around the solar eclipse to Jerez Airport from London are already around £495.
This is still more than the average £170 to £350 return trip to the city usually costs in August.
Malaga seems to be one of the only destinations that hasn’t risen… yet.
Average direct return flights to Malaga from the UK in August usually cost £170 to £270.
There are currently direct flights still available heading out at the end of July and returning on August 3 for £187.
There are currently lots of hotels available for affordable prices too.
You don’t have to go to Spain though, you could fly to Morocco instead for £230 return.
Here’s the full list of countries you could head to where there will be a full solar eclipse on August 2:
- Algeria
- British Indian Ocean
- Egypt
- Gibraltar
- Libya
- Morocco
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Spain
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Most of these destinations will experience a total eclipse mid morning on August 2.