Mallorca will experience a total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August 2026, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to witness one of the most extraordinary natural events visible from the island in generations.

The eclipse will begin in Palma at approximately 19:38. The maximum will occur at around 20:32, when the Moon will completely cover the Sun for a brief period shortly before sunset.

In Mallorca, totality is expected to last for roughly a minute and a half, depending on the observer’s precise location.

It sounds like the perfect summer evening: find a terrace, face the sunset and wait for the sky to go dark.

Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple.

The position of the Sun, the shape of Mallorca and the number of people expected to travel to popular viewing locations mean that anyone who wants to see the eclipse will need to make a plan well in advance.

In the latest Majorca Mallorca podcast episode, Oliver talks to Nick Brown, a familiar contributor to the Majorca Mallorca Facebook group, about the geography, logistics and safety issues surrounding the event.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Why will the Mallorca eclipse be difficult to see?

The most important fact is that the eclipse will reach totality only a few minutes before sunset.

At its maximum, the Sun will be extremely low above the west-north-western horizon. In Palma, the official figure is approximately two degrees above the horizon.

That means an apparently minor obstruction can hide it: a mountain, hill, hotel, apartment block, tree or even part of a headland could sit directly between you and the eclipsed Sun.

Across much of Mallorca, anyone looking west-north-west will be looking towards the Serra de Tramuntana. From places close to the mountains, the Sun may disappear behind the peaks before totality begins.

This is why simply knowing that Mallorca lies within the path of totality is not enough, you must also know whether your precise location has a clear view of the relevant part of the horizon.

Can you see the eclipse from Palma?

Although Palma is technically within the eclipse zone, much of the city is unlikely to offer an unobstructed view of totality as the Serra de Tramuntana lies between Palma and the low western Sun, and buildings create an additional problem, particularly at street level.

Parts of Playa de Palma, Can Pastilla and s’Arenal may offer better possibilities, especially from locations with a clear and elevated horizon. The further south-east you travel along the bay, the greater the separation from some of the mountain obstructions may become.

However, Playa de Palma is also expected to attract very large crowds. The authorities are preparing specific access, parking and traffic measures for the area, including controls affecting the Ma-19 and arrangements intended to protect access to the airport, hospitals and other essential services.

Anyone staying in the area should investigate whether the eclipse can be seen from their hotel, terrace or another nearby viewing point before considering a journey elsewhere.

A rooftop that provides ten metres of additional height could make a meaningful difference when the Sun is sitting so close to the horizon.

Where are the best places to see the Mallorca eclipse?

There is no single answer that applies to everyone.

The best location may be a safe, open space within walking distance of your accommodation rather than a famous viewpoint on the other side of the island.

Potentially favourable areas include parts of Mallorca’s southern and eastern regions, where observers may be far enough from the Serra de Tramuntana to see over or around the mountain range.

Areas mentioned during the podcast include:

Playa de Palma and s’Arenal

Some parts of the bay should have a possible view, although crowding and access restrictions are likely to be significant.

Llucmajor and the southern interior

Locations sufficiently far from the western mountains may have a clearer line of sight, provided there is no local hill, building or vegetation in the way.

Mallorca’s south coast

Parts of the coast around Colònia de Sant Jordi, sa Ràpita and nearby areas may offer favourable western horizons. However, access to beaches and sensitive natural areas will be restricted in several places.

Mallorca’s east coast

Some locations on the eastern side of the island may see the eclipse over the island itself, provided nearby hills do not obstruct the view.

Visitors in places such as Cala d’Or, Portocolom, Cala Millor or Porto Cristo should check their precise location rather than assuming the entire resort will have the same visibility. A difference of only a few streets, a short walk inland or a slightly higher position may change the view.

The Serra de Tramuntana

The western side of the Serra has some of the island’s most dramatic possible viewing locations, but it also presents the greatest logistical and environmental risks. Roads will be restricted, parking is limited and many viewpoints cannot safely accommodate large crowds.

The Balearic Government is strongly encouraging people to avoid unnecessary travel into sensitive natural areas.

Places that may be more difficult

Northern Mallorca is likely to present some of the greatest visibility problems. From many northern locations, the Puig Major mountain and the rest of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains may sit directly in front of the setting Sun, blocking the view of the eclipse.

Parts of Alcúdia, Can Picafort and other northern resorts may have small pockets where totality can be seen, but the view could be extremely marginal and easily blocked by buildings.

Port de Sóller also requires careful checking as the port sits inside a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by hills. Some locations near the water may have a narrow view through the harbour entrance, while others nearby could have the Sun completely hidden.

The same principle applies in Sant Elm, Port d’Andratx, Magaluf, Palmanova and many other coastal areas. A place may appear to face west, but a headland, island or local hill could still block the eclipse.

Use the Mallorca eclipse visibility tool

The free Horizonte Eclipse 2026 tool allows people to select a location and check whether the maximum phase should be visible above the natural horizon. It uses topographical information to assess the height of the surrounding landscape and includes a compass and simulation features. This makes it a valuable starting point, but it should not be treated as an absolute guarantee. The website may account for mountains and hills, but a nearby hotel, pine tree or apartment block could still ruin the view.

The safest approach is:

1. Check the proposed location using Horizonte Eclipse 2026.
2. Visit the location before eclipse day, preferably on 11 August, to minimise the difference between what you are seeing then and what will happen on the day of the eclipse.
3. Look briefly towards the sunset at approximately the same time, do not stare at the sun for too long.
4. Check for buildings, trees and other nearby obstructions.
5. Choose a safe place with enough room for the number of people expected.
6. Prepare an alternative nearby location.

The Balearic Government recommends watching from home, a nearby location or your accommodation whenever possible, rather than making a long journey across the island.

Official eclipse viewing areas in Mallorca

The Balearic Government has confirmed nine official viewing areas for the total solar eclipse in Mallorca on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

These locations were selected after the authorities assessed more than 100 possible sites across the Balearic Islands. The final choices were based on several practical factors, including eclipse visibility, accessibility, public capacity, available parking and the ability of emergency services to operate safely.

The Government has stressed that these may not necessarily be the places offering the most dramatic or uninterrupted views. Instead, they are the locations where crowds can be managed most safely while reducing pressure on Mallorca’s more vulnerable natural areas.

The nine official viewing locations in Mallorca

The designated areas are:

• Algaida football pitch
• Maioris Decima
• Maioris to Tolleric road
• Playa de Palma
• Petra, in the parking area on the Ma-3220
• Pina football pitch
• Porreres ring road
• Santa Ponsa beach
• Son Matamoros Circuit in Felanitx

The eclipse will begin at approximately 19:38, with totality taking place between around 20:30 and 20:34. Mallorca is expected to experience the longest period of totality in the Balearic Islands, lasting for approximately a minute and a half

Check the official eclipse website before 12 August for the confirmed locations, capacity information and transport arrangements.

Mallorca eclipse road closures and restrictions

Traffic management will be one of the biggest challenges on eclipse day.

Monitoring of the busiest areas will begin on Tuesday 11 August. On 12 August, mobility controls will intensify from 10:00.

From 15:00, or earlier if required, general circulation on the Ma-10 through the Serra de Tramuntana will be restricted. Access will remain available for authorised residents, people who can demonstrate that they need to reach accommodation, essential services and regular public transport.

Restrictions or controls are also planned for roads leading towards:

Andratx and south-west Mallorca

• Andratx and the Ma-10
• Sant Elm

Serra de Tramuntana

• Cala Banyalbufar
• Cala Deià
• Cala Estellencs
• Escorca
• Fornalutx
• Sa Foradada
• Sóller
• Valldemossa

Central Mallorca

• Bonany
• Caimari

East and north-east Mallorca

• Ermita de Betlem
• Puig de Sant Salvador

South Mallorca

• Es Trenc
• Ses Covetes
• The Ses Salines lighthouse

Other restricted natural areas

• Other sensitive beaches, viewpoints and natural areas

Measures affecting Playa de Palma and the Ma-19 are also planned. The exact arrangements may be amended as the authorities respond to traffic, weather and visitor numbers. Do not depend on being able to drive to a famous viewpoint late in the afternoon.

Playa de Palma vehicle restrictions for the eclipse

Special vehicle restrictions will be introduced in Playa de Palma on Wednesday 12 August 2026 as the authorities prepare for tens of thousands of people to gather in the area for the total solar eclipse.

The controlled access measures will operate from 8am until midnight and will affect the area between Balneario 4 and Torrent des Jueus, close to the boundary with Llucmajor.

Most non-residents will not be permitted to drive into the restricted zone during this period.

Who will be allowed to enter by car?

Vehicle access will mainly be reserved for authorised workers and customers using businesses with registered private parking.

Businesses within the restricted area will need to register their parking spaces with Palma City Council. They will then be able to provide workers and customers with a QR code allowing them to enter the controlled zone.

Each QR pass will permit a maximum of two entries.

Anyone using a QR access pass is advised to carry a printed copy as well as the digital version on their mobile phone, in case there are problems with reception or scanning.

How should visitors reach Playa de Palma?

Most people travelling to Playa de Palma to watch the eclipse will need to arrive by public transport, on foot or using non-motorised transport.

The authorities are preparing for more than 70,000 spectators in the area, so roads, public transport and pedestrian routes are all expected to be exceptionally busy.

Anyone planning to watch the eclipse from Playa de Palma should arrive well in advance and avoid relying on a last-minute car journey.

Additional safety restrictions

Several items and activities will be prohibited within the viewing area, including:

• Fireworks
• Open fires
• Barbecues
• Glass containers
• Tents
• Structures or objects that could obstruct emergency access

These restrictions are intended to reduce fire risk, prevent injuries and keep routes clear for police, ambulances and other emergency services.

Could Mallorca experience major traffic problems?

The eclipse takes place during the busiest part of Mallorca’s summer season. The island’s roads, beaches, car parks and coastal resorts are already heavily used during August. A large proportion of residents and visitors may decide to move towards the same limited number of western-facing locations at approximately the same time. Even a relatively small proportion of the island’s population travelling by car could create long queues.

A thousand cars, allowing roughly six metres for each car and the space around it, can occupy approximately six kilometres of road. This is why the “we will just get the bus” may not solve the problem either. Public transport has a finite capacity and buses must use many of the same crowded roads.

The most sensible plan is to identify somewhere nearby, arrive well before the eclipse begins and remain there until the main traffic has dispersed.

What about travelling to Palma Airport?

People flying into or out of Mallorca on 12 August should plan very carefully.

The official Palma operation includes measures intended to preserve access to the airport, hospitals and essential services. However, severe congestion elsewhere on the network could still affect journey times.

Passengers should:

• Check their airline’s advice
• Check official traffic information
• Arrange transport in advance
• Leave significantly more time than usual
• Avoid combining an airport journey with a trip to an eclipse viewpoint

Even people with no interest in astronomy may be affected by the eclipse!

Watching the eclipse from a boat

A boat could provide an exceptional view, particularly from open water beyond Mallorca’s mountainous horizon.

It also creates several risks. anyone booking an eclipse excursion should check that the vessel, operator and planned journey are legally authorised. An excursion returning after sunset may require different permissions, equipment and operating arrangements from a normal daytime charter. Boat owners and skippers must also respect the Posidonia seagrass protection rules. Anchoring on Posidonia can cause serious environmental damage and lead to substantial penalties. Increased numbers of vessels, darkness after the eclipse and crowded ports may make navigation more difficult than usual. Official maritime safety information should be checked before departure.

Wildfire risk during the Mallorca eclipse

August is one of Mallorca’s hottest and driest periods.

The idea of thousands of people walking into the Serra de Tramuntana and other rural areas shortly before sunset creates an obvious fire risk.

Smoking, candles, camping stoves, barbecues, vehicles parked on dry vegetation and discarded glass can all contribute to an emergency.

Anyone entering the countryside must:

• Obey access restrictions
• Never light a fire or barbecue
• Avoid smoking
• Take every item of rubbish home
• Carry sufficient water
• Wear suitable footwear
• Carry a torch for the return journey
• Remain on safe and permitted paths
• Follow instructions from police, firefighters and emergency personnel

Remember that anyone climbing to a viewpoint in daylight may have to descend in darkness.

A route that appears simple in the afternoon can become considerably more dangerous after sunset.

How to watch the eclipse without damaging your eyes

Looking directly at the Sun can permanently damage the retina. The injury may occur without immediate pain or warning. Normal sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Neither do several pairs worn together.

Do not use the following, either on their own or in any combination:

• Smoked glass
• CDs or DVDs
• Photographic negatives
• X-ray film photos that you have lying about from a hospital visit
• Ordinary sunglasses
• Homemade filters
• Binoculars or telescopes without professional solar filters
• Cameras or phone cameras pointed at the Sun without appropriate solar protection

Use certified eclipse glasses purchased from a reliable specialist supplier. Check them for scratches, holes, tears or other damage before use.

Eclipse glasses must also be used correctly. They are not filters for binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses.

The partial phase remains dangerous to view directly, even when only a very small part of the Sun remains visible.

During the brief period of complete totality, when the bright surface of the Sun is entirely covered, the corona becomes visible. Eye protection must be put back in place as soon as the bright edge of the Sun begins to reappear.

Follow instructions from a recognised astronomy or scientific organisation when creating or using any viewing device.

Mallorca eclipse checklist

Before 12 August:

• Check whether your accommodation has a suitable view
• Test your location using Horizonte Eclipse 2026
• Visit the location beforehand as close to 12 August as possible
• Read the latest official traffic information
• Buy certified eclipse glasses from a reputable source
• Prepare water, food, shade and sun protection
• Plan how you will return safely after dark
• Avoid travelling into restricted natural areas
• Prepare a nearby alternative location
• Tell visiting friends and family what to expect

On the day:

• Check weather, traffic and emergency alerts
• Arrive early
• Do not park illegally or block emergency access
• Protect your eyes throughout the partial phases
• Do not light fires or leave rubbish
• Be patient with other spectators
• Follow all instructions from the authorities
• Allow crowds and traffic to disperse before leaving

A once-in-a-lifetime event that demands preparation

Mallorca’s total solar eclipse could be an unforgettable experience.

For a minute or more, the evening light will disappear, temperatures may fall and the Sun’s corona will emerge around the dark outline of the Moon.

However, seeing it successfully will depend on preparation.

Do not assume that a famous sunset location will automatically have the right angle.

Do not assume that a ticket at a restaurant guarantees a clear view.

Do not leave it until the afternoon and try to drive across the Serra de Tramuntana.

Check your position, stay close to where you are staying whenever possible and treat Mallorca’s countryside with care.

The eclipse itself may last less than two minutes, but the consequences of poor planning could last considerably longer.

Listen to the full Majorca Mallorca podcast episode with Oliver and Nick Brown for a detailed discussion of viewing locations, Mallorca’s landscape, road restrictions and eclipse-day safety.

BLOG FAQ SECTION

What date is the total solar eclipse in Mallorca?

The total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

What time is the Mallorca eclipse?

In Palma, the eclipse begins at approximately 19:38 and reaches its maximum at approximately 20:32, shortly before sunset.

How long will the total eclipse last in Mallorca?

The precise duration depends on location, but totality in Mallorca is expected to last for approximately a minute and a half in the most favourable areas.

Can I see the eclipse from Palma?

Palma is inside the eclipse zone, but the low position of the Sun and the Serra de Tramuntana may block the view from much of the city. Some elevated locations and parts of Playa de Palma may have better visibility.

Where is the best place to see the eclipse in Mallorca?

The best location is a safe place with a clear west-north-western horizon, preferably close to your accommodation. Use the Horizonte Eclipse 2026 tool and check the location in person before eclipse day.

Will roads be closed for the Mallorca eclipse?

Yes. Restrictions will affect the Ma-10, access to parts of the Serra de Tramuntana and several other popular beaches, lighthouses and natural areas. Measures are also planned around Playa de Palma and the Ma-19.

Can I use ordinary sunglasses to watch the eclipse?

No. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. Use certified eclipse glasses from a reliable supplier or an approved indirect projection method.

Can I photograph the eclipse with my phone?

Do not point a phone or camera directly at the Sun unless it is fitted with suitable solar protection designed for the equipment. Unfiltered solar light may damage the equipment and creates a risk that the user will look towards the Sun.

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