Tourists heading to Mallorca next week face significant travel disruption as the Balearic Island prepares to introduce sweeping road restrictions coinciding with the solar eclipse. The popular Spanish destination is among a handful of European locations set to witness a total eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Eclipse details and timing
During the phenomenon, the Moon will entirely obscure the Sun. The majority of the UK will see approximately 90 percent coverage when the eclipse takes place next week. The Balearic government has announced a raft of measures that will come into force on Wednesday.
Guidance released this week confirms that restrictions will be in effect between 3pm and 9pm, though some could remain in place for longer, according to the Mirror. Should traffic congestion escalate across the island and safety issues emerge, road closures could be implemented ahead of schedule.
Specific controls and exemptions
In Platja de Palma, controls are set to commence at 8am on Wednesday, while in Santa Ponça the operation will get under way on Tuesday. The measures will apply to all motor vehicles, with authorities confirming there are "no general exemptions for motorcycles or mopeds." They further stated: "The operation does not involve the general closure of Mallorca."
The restrictions are intended to manage traffic flow on key roads and access routes, minimising congestion while keeping emergency corridors clear. They are equally designed to ease gridlock, safeguard environmentally sensitive zones, and guarantee that emergency services can mobilise swiftly throughout the eclipse period.
Impact on suppliers and public advice
The restrictions will equally impact legitimate suppliers, who will be barred from entering cordoned-off zones while road closures remain in effect. In Platja de Palma, firms carrying out vital maintenance, installation and delivery work must register as employees of the relevant establishment in order to gain entry.
The government stated: "Likewise, the Government's recommendation continues to be to plan travel in advance and avoid unnecessary journeys as much as possible, both for residents and tourists, to prevent possible traffic jams and guarantee safe observation of the eclipse." Authorities have additionally called on people to refrain from parking on roadsides or emergency access routes, and to avoid lighting fires or barbecues owing to the risk of wildfires.
Eclipse timeline and affected roads
The Balearic government added: "On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, starting at 7:38 p.m., the moon will begin to come between the Earth and the sun. In less than an hour, it will have hidden it. Between 8:30 p.m. and 8:34 p.m., day will turn into night. From some places in the Balearic Islands, you will be able to watch the sun be completely eclipsed. The totality of the eclipse will begin first in Menorca, at 20:30:01, and will progress southwards until reaching Formentera at 20:33:23."
The duration will be maximum in Mallorca, around a minute and a half, and minimum in Formentera, where it will not reach 30 seconds. The full list of affected roads includes Ma-1030 (Sant Elm), Ma-10 (Andratx to Caimari), Ma-2210 (Pollença and Formentor), Ma-6014 (Maioris and Cap Blanc), Ma-5018 (Randa), Ma-19 (Platja de Palma), Ma-4011 (Felanitx), Ma-3333 (Artà), Camí de Son Torrat (Petra), Ma-6110 (Ses Salines lighthouse), and Ma-6040 (Access to Es Trenc, Ses Covetes and the Ses Salines area).
