12 August 2026
Total Solar Eclipse on Mallorca
Once in a generation: totality meets sunset. Eclipse from 20:30 - visible across the entire island.
Important notice
The Serra de Tramuntana is closed on 12 August
The Balearic government is sealing off the Serra de Tramuntana and other sensitive natural areas on eclipse day. From 15:00 until around 21:00 the Ma-10 is closed to general traffic, along with every access road between Andratx and Caimari. If traffic builds up, the closure may start earlier. The reasons are wildfire risk and keeping emergency routes clear: the narrow mountain roads would gridlock under a mass influx and emergency services could no longer get through.
✗ Closed
- The Ma-10 along its entire length
- Sa Foradada, Cala Deià, Port de Sóller, sa Calobra
- The coves near Estellencs and Banyalbufar
- Cap de Formentor (Ma-2210)
- Es Trenc and Ses Covetes (Ma-6040 from km 9)
- Far de ses Salines (Ma-6110)
- Santuari de Cura (Ma-5018), Sant Salvador (Ma-4011)
- Ermita de Betlem (Ma-3333), Ermita de Bonany
✓ Exemptions
- Residents
- Guests with proof of a booking on site
- Employees with proof
- Emergency and rescue services
- Scheduled buses and public transport
So do not plan to watch the eclipse in the mountains. Instead, the government has designated 26 official observation zones for around 300,000 people, nine of them on Mallorca. Last-minute changes are published on the official portal eclipsisegur.caib.es.
Date
12 Aug 2026
Totality from
20:30
Duration
1 min 36 sec
Visibility
All Mallorca
What happens on 12 August 2026?
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Mallorca will witness an astronomical event of superlatives: a total solar eclipse in which the entire island lies within the path of totality. Anyone standing on Mallorca that evening with a clear western horizon will watch the moon completely cover the sun for 1 minute and 36 seconds.
The truly exceptional detail: totality coincides exactly with sunset. When the eclipse begins, the sun is only 2-3 degrees above the western horizon. The solar corona will glow in a deep red evening sky - a phenomenon that even experienced eclipse chasers have never witnessed before.
The partial phase starts as early as 19:37: the lunar shadow gradually bites into the solar disc. Anyone watching this phase needs certified eclipse glasses. At 20:30-20:31, totality begins - and for 96 seconds the sky turns as dark as night.
Thousands of visitors will follow the eclipse along the Mallorca coastline
Best places to watch the solar eclipse on Mallorca
Because the sun sits so low at totality, a clear western horizon is essential. Important: most of the classic viewpoints are in the Tramuntana and are no longer freely reachable from 15:00 on 12 August. We are keeping them listed here but marking their status - so you do not drive out for nothing.
Mirador de Sa Foradada
Access closedDeià
Spectacular clifftop viewpoint with an unobstructed view of the western sea. The iconic rock juts straight into the Mediterranean - a perfect stage for totality right above the horizon.
Access to Sa Foradada is closed to general traffic from 15:00 on 12 August.
Tip: Arrive early - the car park is small. Good footwear recommended.
Mirador de Ses Ànimes
Access closedBanyalbufar
A medieval watchtower perched on a high cliff with an open western horizon directly above the sea. One of the most dramatic viewpoints on the entire Tramuntana coast.
Sits on the Ma-10. Both the Ma-10 and the Camí des Molí are closed from 15:00 on eclipse day.
Tip: Free parking in Banyalbufar, about 10 minutes on foot.
Sant Elm - View of Sa Dragonera
Access closedAndratx
This picturesque village with an open view towards the island of Sa Dragonera offers one of the widest unobstructed western horizons on all of Mallorca.
Access is controlled at the Ma-1030/Ma-1050 roundabout near S’Arracó and closed from 15:00.
Tip: The beach and promenade offer many good vantage points.
Es Trenc
Access closedSouth Coast
Mallorca's most famous natural beach doesn't offer a pure western horizon, but its shallow, calm water creates stunning reflections of the solar corona.
The Ma-6040 is closed from km 9.0. Es Trenc, Ses Covetes and the salt flats cannot be reached freely on eclipse evening.
Tip: Head to the south-western end of the beach for the best angle.
Beaches of Peguera and Santa Ponsa
Official zoneCalvià
The westward-facing coves of the Calvià coast are ideal - direct sightlines to the sea horizon, easy to reach, and with plenty of space for groups.
Santa Ponça beach is one of the official observation zones designated by the regional government. Access remains open.
Tip: Santa Ponsa also has an elevated promenade with excellent views.
Port de Sóller - Lighthouse
Access closedSóller
The lighthouse at the entrance to Port de Sóller's bay looks straight out to the open sea - with the charming bay as a backdrop.
Checkpoints operate at the monument roundabout in Sóller and access to the port is restricted. Reachable only for residents or guests with a booking.
Tip: Take the vintage tram from Sóller to avoid traffic jams.
The official observation zones on Mallorca
The regional government has set up 26 official observation zones across the Balearics with room for around 300,000 people, nine of them on Mallorca. They were selected based on visibility forecasts, stay reachable on eclipse day and are free to use. The full, up-to-date list is published on eclipsisegur.caib.es.
Playa de Palma
Palma
Santa Ponça beach
Calvià
Maioris and the road to Tolleric
Llucmajor
Football ground
Algaida
Football ground
Pina
Car park on the road to Sant Joan
Petra
Bypass road
Porreres
Circuit de Son Matamoros
Felanitx
Viewpoints along the Tramuntana coast offer the best unobstructed western horizon - but are closed from 15:00 on 12 August
Eclipse glasses - the most important thing first
During the partial phases - before and after totality - you must never look at the sun without protection. Regular sunglasses, photo paper or homemade filters are not sufficient and can cause permanent eye damage.
✓ Safe
- Certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2)
- Welding filter shade 14
- Telescope with certified solar filter
✗ Not sufficient
- Regular sunglasses
- Photo paper or soot
- Stacked plastic films
Only during totality (approx. 20:30-20:32) is it safe to look without glasses. The moment any ray of sunlight reappears, put them straight back on.
Timeline for 12 August 2026
from 15:00
Serra de Tramuntana closes
The Ma-10 and every access road between Andratx and Caimari close to general traffic. Earlier if traffic builds up. Be in position before this.
19:37
Partial phase begins
The lunar shadow starts covering the sun. Put on your eclipse glasses!
approx. 20:00
Last moment to take your spot
You should be in position by now. The sky will be noticeably dimmer.
20:30
Totality begins
The sun is completely covered. Remove glasses. Stars appear. The solar corona glows.
20:32
Totality ends - glasses back on!
After 1 minute 36 seconds, the first rays of sunlight return. Put your glasses on immediately.
approx. 20:34
Sunset
The sun sets. The spectacle is over. The partial phase continues but is hidden below the horizon.
Frequently asked questions about the solar eclipse on Mallorca
Is the Serra de Tramuntana closed on the day of the solar eclipse?
Yes. The Balearic government is closing the Serra de Tramuntana to general traffic on 12 August 2026 from 15:00 until around 21:00 - earlier if traffic builds up. This affects the Ma-10 along its entire length and every access road between Andratx and Caimari, plus Sa Foradada, Cala Deià, sa Calobra, Port de Sóller and Cap de Formentor. The reason is wildfire risk: under a mass influx the narrow mountain roads would gridlock and emergency services could no longer get through. Residents, guests with a booking, employees, emergency services and scheduled public transport are exempt. Plan to watch the eclipse from one of the official observation zones instead.
So where am I actually allowed to watch the eclipse?
In the 26 official observation zones across the Balearics, nine of them on Mallorca: among others Playa de Palma, Santa Ponça beach, Maioris and the road to Tolleric near Llucmajor, the football grounds in Algaida and Pina, a car park on the road to Sant Joan near Petra, the Porreres bypass and the Circuit de Son Matamoros near Felanitx. Together they hold around 300,000 people and are free to use. Freely accessible beaches and promenades outside the restricted areas work well too - all of Mallorca lies in the path of totality.
When exactly is the solar eclipse on Mallorca on 12 August 2026?
The partial phase begins at around 19:37 CEST. Totality starts at approximately 20:30-20:31 and lasts about 1 minute and 36 seconds. The sun then sets - so you experience totality right at sunset.
Can the eclipse be seen from the whole island?
Yes! The entire island of Mallorca lies within the path of totality. However, a clear western horizon is critical, because at the moment of totality the sun is only 2-3 degrees above the horizon. Hills, buildings or mountains to the west can block the view completely.
Do I need eclipse glasses?
Yes - during the partial phases (before and after totality) you must never look at the sun without protection. Only during the 1 minute 36 seconds of full totality is it safe to look with the naked eye. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.
What will the weather be like on Mallorca on 12 August 2026?
August is statistically one of the driest and clearest months on Mallorca. Meteorologists estimate roughly a 75 % chance of clear skies, especially on the west coast. Clouds can form on the Tramuntana mountain slopes.
What makes this eclipse so special?
Totality coincides exactly with sunset. That means the eclipsed sun hangs in a deep red evening sky - a phenomenon even experienced eclipse chasers have never witnessed before. An event like this happens once in a generation.
When should I arrive and where should I stay?
Arrive by 11 August at the latest. Hotels on the west coast - in Port de Sóller, Sant Elm, Peguera or Andratx - are the best choice so you can easily reach your viewing spot. Book as early as possible: Mallorca is expecting tens of thousands of extra visitors for this event.
Planning your stay?
Local services for your visit to Mallorca
The Mallorca Plus service directory lists vetted local providers - from holiday rentals to car hire for getting to your viewing spot.
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