The Once-in-a-Century Eclipse: Where to Watch It Over Mallorca

For the first time since 1905, a total solar eclipse crosses Spain — and on the evening of 12 August 2026, Mallorca sits almost on the centreline (visitpalma.com/en/solar-eclipse-palma). Totality is brief and dramatic: roughly 1 minute 36 seconds, centred near 20:31 CEST, with the Sun barely 2.5° above the western horizon and sunset following minutes later at about 20:50 (skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-travel/mallorca-2026; timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/spain/palma). That low, setting Sun is exactly what makes this eclipse rare — and why where you stand matters: you need a clean, unobstructed western horizon. Here are three great ways to stand under the Moon's shadow — an astronomer-led observation inland, a sea view off the north coast by heritage train, and a sunset cruise from the north-east. Before driving, check the official Govern de les Illes Balears map: it marks observation zones, control points and roads affected by eclipse traffic restrictions (https://www.caib.es/webgoib/es/-/mesures-de-control-restricci%C3%B3-i-tancament-3).

Editor's note

Bring certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) — essential through every partial phase; only during the ~90 seconds of totality is it safe to look with the naked eye (visitpalma.com/en/solar-eclipse-palma). Pick a spot with a clean, low western horizon and arrive well before 20:31 — the Sun sits just 2.5° up (skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-travel/mallorca-2026). Govern's official map also marks observation zones, control points and affected roads: check eclipsesegur.caib.es before setting out (https://www.caib.es/webgoib/es/-/mesures-de-control-restricci%C3%B3-i-tancament-3).