The Balearic Islands will experience one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the century in Spain this August. The Moon will completely obscure the Sun for a few seconds, and the light will abruptly fade in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera shortly before sunset. However, the experience will vary from place to place. Discover where to see the August 2026 eclipse in the Balearic Islands.
When is the August 2026 eclipse in Spain?
The total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, crossing Spain from west to east. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Spanish territory since 1959, when totality was only seen in the Canary Islands, and the first observable from the Iberian Peninsula since 1905.
In the Balearic Islands, the partial phase will begin at around 7:38 pm (mainland Spain summer time). Totality will then sweep across the archipelago from Menorca, where it will start at 8:30:01 pm, to Formentera, where it will begin at 8:33:23 pm.
What will the August eclipse look like in the Balearic Islands?
The Balearic Islands are among the best places in Spain to witness the eclipse, as all four islands lie within the path of totality. Weather and local terrain permitting, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, revealing the solar corona and briefly turning daylight into twilight.
Mallorca
The entire island of Mallorca falls within the path of totality. The eclipse will reach its maximum between approximately 8:30 pm and 8:31 pm, depending on the location. Areas close to the centre line, including Estellencs, El Toro and Cala Blava, will enjoy up to 1 minute and 38 seconds of totality.
Totality will also be visible from Palma and much of the north, east and south coasts. However, not every location will offer an unobstructed view. Parts of the Serra de Tramuntana and other elevated areas may block the low western horizon from valleys and sheltered slopes.
Menorca
Menorca will be the first island in the archipelago to enter the Moon's shadow. Totality will begin at 8:30:01 pm and last between about 1 minute 9 seconds and 1 minute 17 seconds, according to current simulations. Ciutadella, Maó and the rest of the island all lie within the path of totality.
Although darkness will be noticeable across Menorca, viewing conditions will vary by location. The west coast, particularly around Ciutadella, benefits from a natural orientation towards the setting Sun.
Ibiza
Ibiza will enter totality at around 8:32 pm. The duration will range from roughly one minute in the southwest to just over 1 minute 20 seconds in the north. Portinatx is among the locations expected to experience the longest period of totality.
No part of Ibiza will see only a partial eclipse at maximum coverage, as the entire island lies within the path of totality. The key differences between locations will be the duration of totality and the quality of the view. Once again, the west coast holds a clear advantage thanks to its unobstructed view of the horizon.
Formentera
Formentera will be the last Spanish territory to experience totality, which will begin at approximately 8:33:23 pm. The entire island will fall under the Moon's shadow, with totality lasting between approximately 30 and 50 seconds, depending on the location.
Although shorter than on the other islands, the eclipse will still be total. Sites with a clear western horizon offer the best chance of seeing the event in full. Current simulations indicate around 46 seconds of totality in Sant Francesc and about 49 seconds in Es Pujols.
Where to see the August eclipse in the Balearic Islands
The most important factor when choosing a viewing location is a clear west or west-northwest horizon. Because the eclipse will occur shortly before sunset, light pollution is far less important than cloud cover and physical obstructions.
The Balearic Government has identified 26 official observation sites based on visibility, accessibility, visitor capacity, parking facilities and emergency coverage.
- Mallorca
- Platja de Palma: 98 seconds.
- Platja de Santa Ponça: 98 seconds.
- Maioris: 98 seconds.
- Maioris to Tolleric: 98 seconds.
- Algaida football field: 97 seconds.
- Porreres round: 97 seconds.
- Circuit de Son Matamoros, in Felanitx: 97 seconds.
- Pina football field: 96 seconds.
- Ma-3220 car park in Petra: 95 seconds.
- Menorca
- Cala'n Bosch from the seafront parking lot to the Cap d'Artrutx lighthouse: 76 seconds.
- Platja de Son Bou: 76 seconds.
- Talis: 76 seconds.
- Platja de Sant Tomàs: 76 seconds.
- Cala Blanca: 75 seconds.
- Carrer des Tamarells: 75 seconds.
- Son Blanc: 75 seconds.
- Avinguda Los Delfines: 74 seconds.
- Maó seafront promenade: 72 seconds.
- Ibiza
- Cala Gració: 71 seconds.
- Sant Antoni de Portmany coast: 70 seconds.
- Sa Pedrera, Port des Torrent: 68 seconds.
- Cala Conta: 65 seconds.
- Cala Llentia: 64 seconds.
- Cala Molí: 64 seconds.
- Formentera
- Estany des Peix: 46 seconds.
- Es Arenals: 45 seconds.
The regional viewing plan has been designed to accommodate up to 300,000 people. Authorities are also planning checkpoints on around 20 roads, with particular attention given to the Ma-10 and access routes to coves, lighthouses, sanctuaries and viewpoints that are expected to attract large crowds.
How to view the eclipse safely
Looking directly at the Sun during the partial phases of the eclipse can cause permanent and irreversible eye damage. To enjoy the event safely, follow these essential precautions:
- Use only eclipse glasses specifically certified for solar viewing that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard and have been purchased from a trusted supplier.
- Do not use ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, X-ray films, photographic negatives, homemade filters or welding masks. None of these provide adequate protection against the Sun's harmful rays.
- Eclipse glasses are designed for direct viewing only. If you are using a camera, telescope or binoculars, you must fit a special solar filter over the front of the lens. Looking through optical equipment without a proper solar filter can cause serious eye injury within seconds.
- Supervise children carefully and ensure their eclipse glasses remain correctly positioned throughout the partial phases.
- The eclipse can be viewed safely without eye protection only during totality, when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon. As soon as even the smallest point of sunlight reappears, eclipse glasses must be put back on immediately.
