Total solar eclipse of 2026 in Mallorca

Mallorca will become one of the last places in Europe to experience a total solar eclipse. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, shortly before sunset, transforming the end of the day into twilight as the Moon completely covers the Sun. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the Balearic Islands since 1905, making it a truly historic event.

Mallorca will experience approximately one and a half minutes of totality, although the exact duration depends on your location. During the maximum eclipse in Palma, the Sun will be only about 2° above the western horizon, meaning that even a relatively small mountain, building, tree, or headland could obstruct the view.

Eclipse times in Palma

• 19:38 – The partial eclipse begins
• Approximately 20:31 – The entire process begins
• Approximately 20:33 – Entire process complete
• Around 8:49 PM – Sunset and end of the visible eclipse

Exact times vary slightly depending on the location on the island.

Where to see the eclipse in Mallorca

The eclipse can be seen from many locations in Mallorca, but you will need a clear, unobstructed view to the west or west-northwest. Coastal areas facing the sunset may offer excellent conditions. The Balearic Islands Government recommends checking whether the eclipse will be visible from your home, accommodation, or other suitable nearby location.

Among the possible observation areas with open horizons to the west are:

• Maioris and the coast towards Tolleric
• Open areas of the Palma seafront promenade
• Beaches and coastal landscapes in southwest Mallorca
• Other local locations with a clear western horizon

Popular spots like Port de Sóller, Formentor, and the viewpoints in the Serra de Tramuntana can get very congested. It's not recommended to visit them without first checking visibility and confirmed traffic restrictions.

Official observation zones in Mallorca

The Balearic Government has created 26 official observation zones throughout the Balearic Islands, known as Official Observation Zones or ZOO. Nine of these official zones are located in seven municipalities on Mallorca:

• Son Matamoros Circuit, Sineu
• Round of Porreres, Porreras
• Santa Ponça Beach, Calvià
• Algaida Football Camp, Algaida
• Pina Soccer Camp, Algaida
• Coastline from Maioris to Tolleric, Llucmajor
• Parking MA-3220, Petra

These locations were selected after evaluating more than 100 potential sites based on visibility, accessibility, capacity, parking, and the ability of emergency services to respond safely. The official zones aim to distribute visitors more evenly, reduce pressure on environmentally sensitive areas, and provide safer and more manageable viewing points.

Visibility verification tools

The Balearic Government has launched Horizon 2026A digital tool designed specifically to help people verify the proposed viewing location. The tool takes into account both your geographic position and the surrounding horizon profile, providing a compass that shows the eclipse's direction, a simulation of the Sun's position, information tailored to the selected location, tools to test the chosen viewing spot beforehand, and up-to-date practical information for planning the day.

Between August 7 and 11, you can perform a simple practical check. Go to your chosen location at the reference time indicated in Horitzó 2026 and look towards the sunset using eclipse glasses. If the sun is visible at that time, you should be able to observe the total eclipse from that location on August 12.

The National Geographic Institute of Spain also offers an official interactive map of the eclipse showing its circumstances in different locations in Spain.

Traffic restrictions and road closures

Mallorca's eclipse traffic plan will affect approximately 20 roads leading to mountains, beaches, lighthouses, viewpoints, and other locations where large crowds are expected. Generally, restrictions will be in place between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM, although police may implement them earlier if traffic, capacity, or safety conditions require it. Monitoring of the main access points to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range will begin on August 11, with intensified traffic controls starting at 10:00 AM on August 12.

In general, residents, essential services, regular public transport and people who can demonstrate that they need to get to their accommodation will be exempt, subject to the conditions that apply at each checkpoint.

Serra de Tramuntana and the Ma-10

General traffic on the Ma-10 will be restricted from 3:00 PM or earlier if necessary. Access will be maintained for those who can demonstrate a need to access accommodation in the area, regular public transport, and other authorized or justified journeys.

Specific control points include:

• Sant Elm: The Ma-1030 at the roundabout