A once-in-a-lifetime sunset eclipse over Mallorca

On 12 August 2026, Mallorca will be in the path of a total solar eclipse - a rare sunset event where the sun will be completely covered by the moon while it is low over the western horizon. This guide explains exactly when and where to watch the eclipse, how to plan your trip, and how to secure discounted hotels, rental cars and special eclipse tours through mallorcard.es

Key facts: Date, time and what to expect

  • Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
  • Location: Mallorca lies directly in the path of totality, including Palma and major coastal areas.
  • Type: Total solar eclipse, with the sun completely obscured for roughly 1.5 minutes, depending on exact viewing spot.

Approximate local times for Palma (CEST):

  • Partial eclipse begins: around 19:37–19:38.
  • Totality begins: around 20:30–20:31.
  • Maximum eclipse: around 20:31–20:32.
  • Totality ends: around 20:33.
  • Partial phase ends: around 20:53–21:13, very close to or below the horizon.

Because the sun will be so low, the sky will darken dramatically over the sea and mountains, creating an exceptionally photogenic “sunset eclipse” experience.

Why Mallorca is one of the best places to see the 2026 eclipse

Mallorca is considered one of the top viewing locations in Europe for the 2026 total solar eclipse thanks to its mix of coastal views, mountain lookouts and relatively good summer weather. The path of totality runs directly over the island, which means you can experience 100% coverage from many beaches, coastal cliffs and even from central Palma.

  • High chance of clear skies in mid‑August compared to many inland locations.
  • Dozens of west‑facing viewpoints along the coast and in the Tramuntana mountains.
  • Excellent tourism infrastructure: hotels, rental cars, boat trips and organised eclipse tours are already being planned.

To keep your trip flexible and reach the best viewpoint depending on the weather on eclipse day, booking a rental car with promo codes via mallorcard.es is a smart move, especially as demand and prices are likely to rise.

When is the best time to travel to Mallorca for the eclipse?

Because the eclipse is on 12 August, the main travel window will be roughly 8-15 August 2026.

  • Arrive at least 1-2 days before (10-11 August) to adjust, check your chosen viewing spots and have a backup plan if local clouds appear.
  • Consider staying several days after the eclipse to enjoy beaches, markets and hiking once the crowds have calmed down slightly.
  • Expect higher demand around public holidays and mid‑August school vacations across Europe, so flights and hotels will sell out quicker than in a normal year.

mallorcard.es regularly features discounted hotel deals specifically for peak travel periods, so checking their offers early can help you lock in a well‑located base (for example, in Palma, the southwest coast or the north of the island) at a better price.

Best places to view the solar eclipse in Mallorca

1. West‑coast viewpoints and Tramuntana mountains

The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO‑listed mountain range on Mallorca’s west coast, offers some of the most dramatic sunset vistas for the eclipse. Popular areas include:

  • Miradors between Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, with high vantage points looking west over the sea.
  • Viewpoints near Son Marroig and Sa Foradada, known for iconic sunset views over the cliffs.
  • Elevated coastal roads where you can stop and watch the sun dip towards the horizon.

These places can be difficult to reach by public transport at the right time, so renting a car with mallorcard.es discount codes will make it much easier to secure a good spot and move quickly if you need to change location.

2. Northern viewpoints: Pollença, Alcúdia and Cap de Formentor

The north of Mallorca combines spectacular landscapes with open sea views towards the west and northwest.

  • Cap de Formentor: widely mentioned as one of the top eclipse viewing candidates, thanks to its cliffs, lighthouse and panoramic views.
  • Bays of Pollença and Alcúdia: long beaches and promenades with broad western horizons over the sea.

However, Cap de Formentor is already famous for congestion and access restrictions in summer, so expect potential road closures, shuttle systems or parking limits on eclipse day. Staying in a nearby hotel (e.g. in Port de Pollença or Port d’Alcúdia) and reaching your selected spot early is strongly advised - again, mallorcard.es can help you find discounted accommodation and car hire close to these hotspots.

3. South and southwest: Palma Bay and sunset beaches

For many travellers, staying near Palma or along the southwest makes logistics easier while still offering excellent views.

  • Palma Bay: the seafront promenade and harbour area give a clear view towards the setting sun over the water.
  • Nearby hilltops and viewpoints, such as the area around Bellver Castle, offer elevated city‑and‑sea perspectives.
  • Southwest resorts (e.g. around Santa Ponça or Peguera) have west‑facing beaches and cliffs ideal for watching the eclipse sink into the horizon.

If you prefer a city base with restaurants, nightlife and easy transport, Palma is an excellent choice – from there you can take a rental car or organised tour to nearby viewing points on eclipse evening, and you can pick up hotel and activity discounts directly via mallorcard.es.

4. Watching from the sea: boat and catamaran tours

One of the most memorable ways to experience the Mallorca solar eclipse 2026 will be from a boat or catamaran out on the Mediterranean, with an unobstructed 360‑degree view of the sky and horizon.

Several boat and catamaran operators are already promoting specialised solar eclipse cruises for August 2026.

These tours typically depart in late afternoon, cruise along the coast, anchor for the eclipse and often include drinks or light snacks.

Demand is expected to be extremely high, with limited capacity for each vessel.

mallorcard.es is the ideal place to look for discounted eclipse boat trips and catamaran tours, as they work with multiple local partners and can offer promo codes or bundled deals that are rarely available if you book individually.

Weather and visibility: what are your chances of clear skies?

Mid‑August in Mallorca typically brings hot, dry weather with many clear evenings, which is excellent news for eclipse chasers. While no one can guarantee sunshine, the Balearic Islands generally enjoy relatively low rainfall and decent visibility at this time of year.

Expect hot daytime temperatures, warm evenings and only occasional cloud build‑up or haze near the horizon.

Coastal breezes can help clear low clouds, but humidity can sometimes cause some haze at sunset.

Using a car to move between two or three pre‑scouted locations increases your odds of finding a clear line of sight if one area is cloudy.

Having a flexible plan, plus a rental car booked with mallorcard.es promo codes, allows you to react to local forecasts and drive to whichever side of the island looks clearest on eclipse afternoon.

Safety: how to watch the eclipse without damaging your eyes

Even though the eclipse is an emotional, visually stunning event, eye safety is critical.

You must use certified solar eclipse glasses (conforming to EN ISO 12312‑2 or equivalent) for all partial phases before and after totality.

Only during the brief total phase – when the sun is completely covered and the bright photosphere is fully hidden - can you look at the eclipse without eye protection.

As soon as the first bright “diamond ring” reappears, you must put your glasses back on immediately.

Avoid using ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass or camera viewfinders without proper solar filters, as they do not provide adequate protection and can seriously damage your eyesight or camera sensor. Many organised tours and some hotels will provide approved eclipse glasses; mallorcard.es can help you identify offers that include safe viewing equipment as part of the package.

Planning your trip: accommodation, transport and logistics

Where to stay for the Mallorca solar eclipse 2026

Your ideal base depends on the viewing experience you want:

  • North (Pollença, Alcúdia): great for reaching Cap de Formentor and northern coastal viewpoints.
  • West coast (Tramuntana villages and coastal towns): perfect for cliffside sunsets and mountain viewpoints.
  • Palma & southwest: easier city logistics, nightlife and quick access to both urban and coastal spots.

Because mid‑August is already peak season – and 2026 adds eclipse demand – booking early is essential, especially for sea‑view rooms and sunset‑facing hotels. mallorcard.es specialises in discounted hotel deals on Mallorca and can help you find attractive rates for eclipse week even when general prices are high.

Getting around: rental cars, buses and tours

On eclipse day, roads to popular viewpoints (Formentor, Tramuntana miradors, major beaches) may be very busy.

  • Rental car: gives maximum flexibility to chase the best weather and avoid overcrowded spots; park early at your chosen viewpoint and stay until traffic eases after the event.
  • Organised eclipse tours: many operators will offer bus or minibus trips to selected locations, sometimes including guiding, equipment and drinks.
  • Public transport: some routes may run extended schedules, but they are unlikely to reach the most scenic and flexible spots at the ideal times.

Through mallorcard.es you can find rental car partners with promo codes that typically reduce prices by 10–50%, which is particularly valuable during a high‑demand event week. The platform also curates discounted excursions, so you can compare self‑drive versus guided eclipse experiences in one place.

Special tours and experiences for the eclipse

Many travel companies, tour operators and boat charters are designing dedicated eclipse experiences for Mallorca 2026. Examples include:

  • Sunset catamaran cruises with a stop at sea during totality.
  • Private yacht charters for small groups wanting a more exclusive experience.
  • Guided photography tours taking you to scenic locations and helping you capture the eclipse safely.
  • Multi‑day eclipse packages combining accommodation, excursions and cultural activities.

mallorcard.es is an ideal starting point to discover such special tours with added discounts, as they work directly with local partners in Mallorca’s boat, activity and event scene and often bundle unique extras for their users.

What else to do in Mallorca around eclipse week

The eclipse may be the highlight of your trip, but Mallorca offers plenty to fill the days before and after 12 August.

  • Beaches and coves: explore the island’s famous calas and long sandy beaches during daytime, then rest before the evening eclipse.
  • Tramuntana hiking: shorter morning hikes give you mountain views without exhausting yourself before the big event.
  • Markets and villages: visit local markets and historic towns like Alcúdia, Pollença or Valldemossa.
  • Nightlife and dining: Palma and coastal resorts offer vibrant food and bar scenes for after‑eclipse celebrations.

Using mallorcard.es, you can line up discounted excursions, entrance tickets and even selected events or parties happening during eclipse week, turning your trip into a full holiday rather than a single‑evening experience.

Quick checklist for eclipse day

  • Confirm exact times for your location (partial start, totality window, sunset).
  • Choose at least two possible viewing spots with clear western horizons.
  • Arrange transport (rental car or tour) and leave early to avoid traffic and parking stress.
  • Bring certified eclipse glasses and, if you plan to photograph, solar filters for cameras.
  • Pack water, snacks, a light jacket for after sunset and a headlamp or phone torch.
  • Booking your hotel, car and key activities with mallorcard.es before you arrive will free up time to focus on scouting the perfect spot and enjoying the eclipse, instead of worrying about last‑minute logistics.

FAQs: Mallorca solar eclipse 2026

When is the solar eclipse in Mallorca in 2026?

The total solar eclipse in Mallorca takes place on Wednesday 12 August 2026, with the partial phase starting around 19:37 and totality occurring around 20:30–20:33 local time, depending on your exact location.

Will the eclipse be total in Mallorca?

Yes, Mallorca lies within the path of totality, so you can experience a true total solar eclipse from many locations across the island, including Palma, the north coast and the Tramuntana region.

Where are the best places to watch the eclipse in Mallorca?

Top viewing areas include Cap de Formentor and the northern bays, west‑coast viewpoints in the Tramuntana mountains, Palma Bay and surrounding coastal resorts, and offshore from boats or catamarans.

What if the weather is cloudy on eclipse day?

Clouds are always a risk, but August in Mallorca usually offers many clear evenings; having a rental car gives you the flexibility to move between pre‑selected viewing spots on different parts of the island if one area looks cloudier than another.

Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse?

Yes, you must use certified solar eclipse glasses for all partial phases; only during the short period of full totality is it safe to look at the sun without protection, and you must put the glasses back on as soon as the bright crescent reappears.

Is it worth booking an eclipse boat tour in Mallorca?

Boat and catamaran tours offer an unforgettable experience with unobstructed views of the horizon, but places are limited and demand is high, so booking well in advance – ideally via a platform like mallorcard.es that offers deals – is recommended.

How early should I book hotels and rental cars for August 2026?

Because mid‑August is already peak season and the eclipse adds extra demand, it is wise to secure hotels and rental cars as early as possible; using mallorcard.es promo codes and discount offers can help keep costs under control.

Is Mallorca a good destination if I travel with family for the eclipse?

Yes, Mallorca combines a spectacular eclipse event with family‑friendly beaches, activities and infrastructure, making it easy to turn an eclipse trip into a full summer holiday.

Where can I find discounted packages for the Mallorca solar eclipse 2026?

mallorcard.es is a strong starting point for discounted hotels, rental cars with promo codes and curated tours or boat trips designed around the eclipse period, helping you save money while still securing some of the best experiences on the island.