The Balearic government has announced road restrictions and traffic measures for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, as Mallorca prepares for a total solar eclipse. Holidaymakers in Palma and across the island should expect significant travel disruption.
Eclipse Details and Restrictions
The eclipse will be visible from Mallorca, one of the few European locations to witness totality. The UK will see about 90% coverage. Restrictions will be enforced between 3pm and 9pm, though some may last longer. In Platja de Palma, controls start at 8am on Wednesday, while in Santa Ponça, operations begin on Tuesday.
All motor vehicles are affected, with no general exemptions for motorcycles or mopeds. The government stated: "The operation does not involve the general closure of Mallorca. The restrictions are aimed to regulate traffic on sensitive roads and access routes in order to minimise congestion and keep emergency routes clear."
Additional Measures and Advice
Goods suppliers will not be allowed into restricted areas during closures. In Platja de Palma, essential workers must register to gain access. Authorities advise planning travel in advance and avoiding unnecessary journeys. Parking on verges or emergency routes is discouraged, and fires or barbecues are prohibited due to wildfire risk.
The 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." Totality will begin in Menorca at 20:30:01 and reach Formentera at 20:33:23. Maximum duration is in Mallorca (about 1.5 minutes), minimum in Formentera (under 30 seconds).
Affected Roads
- Ma-1030 – Sant Elm
- Ma-10 – Andratx, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Esporles, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx, Escorca, Caimari
- Ma-2210 – Pollença and Formentor, including Mirador des Colomer and Formentor lighthouse
- Ma-6014 – Maioris, Puig de Ros, 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
- Ma-6040 – Access to Es Trenc, Ses Covetes and the Ses Salines area
