On the evening of Wednesday 12 August 2026, Mallorca will be one of the best places in Europe to watch a total solar eclipse. The Moon will completely block the Sun for around one minute and 36 seconds. A total solar eclipse at sunset, over open sea, from one of Europe’s most reliably sunny coastlines – the combination of all three is exceptionally rare.
It’s the first total solar eclipse visible from Spain since 1905, and the next one visible from Spanish soil won’t come until 2053. For most people, this will be the only total solar eclipse they ever see from Mallorca. If you’re on the island that evening, or planning to be, here’s what you need to know.
What makes this one special
Most total solar eclipses happen with the Sun high in the sky. This one occurs right at the end of the day, with the Sun less than three degrees above the horizon when totality hits. The eclipsed Sun will appear larger and distorted by the atmosphere, the corona (the halo ring around it) will glow against the darkening sunset sky, and the whole thing will be framed by open sea if you’re in the right place.
Total solar eclipses are rare. Clear-sky total solar eclipses are rarer still. Many people in the UK remember the August 1999 eclipse – and many remember missing most of it because of cloud cover. In April 2024, a total eclipse crossed the United States, but again, weather conditions varied dramatically along the path. Mallorca’s unique advantage is not just that it lies in the path of ‘totality’ – the moon completely blocking the sun – but that August is usually one of the island’s driest and sunniest months. Weather modellers put the chance of clear skies on the west coast at around 75% – about as good as it gets anywhere on the entire eclipse path, the majority of which passes over open ocean.
What to expect
In the hour or so before totality, the Moon gradually moves across the face of the Sun – this is the partial phase, and you’ll need your eclipse glasses to watch it.
In the final minutes before totality, accounts from eclipse chasers often describe a noticeable temperature drop, birds going quiet, and streetlights flickering on automatically. The landscape takes on a strange twilight quality despite it being early evening. Then the Moon covers the Sun completely – for around 90 seconds in Mallorca – the sky darkens, and the Sun’s corona becomes visible: the outer atmosphere of the Sun, normally invisible, glowing as a soft white ring. Planets and stars may appear.
As a bonus, 12 August is the peak of the Perseid meteor shower – after the eclipse, somewhere with low light pollution, you may catch shooting stars as the sky darkens fully.
Key timings (CEST, local Mallorca time)
- Partial eclipse begins: approximately 19h38
- Totality begins: approximately 20h31
- Maximum eclipse: approximately 20h32
- Totality ends: approximately 20h33 (around 1 minute 36 seconds)
- Sunset: approximately 20h48-20h49
Where to watch
Because totality happens with the Sun so low on the horizon, you need a completely clear view to the west or WNW. Any building, hill or tree line between you and the horizon will block it at the critical moment.
Where to see totality
The west and southwest coast gives you the best chance of an unobstructed horizon. Most of these spots are dramatic but come with cliff edges, narrow roads and most probably significant crowds on the night.
- Mirador de Sa Foradada, Deià – one of the best sunset viewpoints on the island. Predictably, it will be one of the most crowded spots on eclipse night.
- Torre des Verger / Mirador de Ses Ànimes, Banyalbufar – a wide, clean horizon but its a small and rather dangerous spot, so capacity is very limited.
- Far de Cap Gros / Muleta, Port de Sóller – clear panorama over the bay and open sea.
- Southwest coast – parts of the Andratx and Calvià coastline inclusing El Toro and the Malgrats, with open westward views.
- Cap de Regana and Cap Blanc, Llucmajor – good south coast options with a wide horizon.
- Cap de Ses Salines, Santanyí – the southeast tip of the island (you may even get a few extra seconds of viewing here)
My recommendations for families
For most families, cliff-top viewpoints are not the right call. Here’s what I’d suggest instead:
On a boat – no cliff edges, no parking, fewer crowds, and nothing between you and the horizon. This is the best option for totality with children. It will still be busy – particulalry returning to port – so consider a skippered private charter – for the most relaxed experience. Group tours are also available but most with very limied spot – a few we know of with tickets remaining at the time of writing are:
- Cormoran Cruises – 3-hour trip for €200pp, departure at 18h from Tora Beach, Paguera. cruisecormoran.com/solar-eclipse-special
- Sa Calma Boats – eclipse trip from Palma Bay, glasses included. sacalmaboats.com
In Palma – if a boat isn’t an option, Palma is within the path of totality but buildings and the mountains behind the city mean a clear horizon isn’t guaranteed. Head to the seafront promenade, or higher ground at Bellver Castle for to still enjoy much of the eclipse.
Traffic: plan for this seriously
This is likely to be one of the biggest visitor events Mallorca has seen in years. FIAAM has mapped 19 locations across the island where significant congestion is expected and has submitted its analysis to the relevant authorities. Some roads are expected to be closed on the day.
Roads already flagged as high risk:
- The Formentor road
- Roads to Cap de Ses Salines
- The road to Valldemossa
- The road to Sóller
Plan to arrive at your chosen viewpoint hours before the partial eclipse starts at 19h38. Have food, water and a toilet plan sorted before you get there – and a torch for returning home (when you phone battery is dead!). Remeber that going home afterwards, the roads are likely to be congested – and will remain closed in places.
Check local news for confirmed road closures as August approaches.
Safety: eclipse glasses are not optional
Looking at the sun is never a great idea, but staring at it for an extended period during a partial eclipse can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Standard sunglasses offer no protection – you need glasses certified to ISO 12312-2. The only safe time to look without them is during totality itself. Buy in advance at absoluteeclipse.eu or other trusted retailers, and bring a spare pair as someone is bound to lose theirs.
An honest note on the weather
75% clear sky probability is good – but it’s not a guarantee. If cloud moves in, the sky will still darken during totality and temperatures will drop. Sea breezes often blow away afternoon clouds but even an obscured eclipse at sunset over the Mediterranean is not a bad evening, and will be one to remember for the kids.
For interactive maps and precise timings for any location in Mallorca, visit visualizadores.ign.es
Planning a trip to Mallorca around the eclipse? I create personalised itineraries for families. Get in touch.
