On August 12, 2026, there will be an eclipse of the sun. This will be total in just a few parts of the world. Areas of mainland Spain and the Balearics are among these.
Salvador Sánchez, president of the Mallorca Astronomy and Astronautical Foundation, says: "The view from the Balearics will be the most spectacular, as it will be total at 8.30pm, at sunset and above the sea horizon." In the case of Mallorca, the best viewing areas will include the western coast. The eclipse will begin at 7pm, with the peak occurring at 8.30pm and lasting for a minute and a half.
The fact that Mallorca will be one of the best places to witness the total eclipse has already generated bookings. These in fact started to be made at least a year ago. An example is a group of 150 Italian astronomy enthusiasts who have made reservations at a five-star hotel for a total of €2 million. Bookings for holiday rental properties in the Tramuntana are said to have shot up.
The Balearic Government is preparing for this by working on an information campaign for eye protection. More than this, however, are the ramifications of thousands more people coming to Mallorca to view the total eclipse.
August 12 is around the time when human pressure is at its greatest. The government is anticipating a major influx of additional visitors. This raises logistical issues, not least for traffic. It is also expected that many boats will put to sea to get the best view of the eclipse.
One thing the government will not be doing is promoting the eclipse. Even if it wished to, there is no need. It is well known that Mallorca will be a prime spot.