One of the most extraordinary sunsets the Mediterranean has ever offered. For a little over a minute and a half, the light of the island will change completely — and Mallorca’s west coast has a front-row seat.
On 12 August 2026, Mallorca will experience a total solar eclipse almost exactly at sunset. Across the island the eclipse begins at around 19:38, with totality falling roughly between 20:31 and 20:33 and its maximum at about 20:32 — the exact seconds shift a little depending on where on Mallorca you are. The Sun will sit very low over the western horizon, so choosing the right spot to watch from matters more than ever.
These times are indicative for the island and shift by a few seconds depending on your exact location. Because it all happens so close to the horizon, look for a spot with a completely clear view to the west — no mountains, trees or buildings blocking the last few degrees above the sea line.
Mallorca offers plenty of options, but for this eclipse a beautiful place isn’t enough: orientation and a clean horizon will be decisive.
The Calvià and Andratx stretch offers some of the island’s easiest options. Find an open space facing west and arrive in good time — a shorter drive is an advantage on what will be a busy evening.
Facing the silhouette of Sa Dragonera, Sant Elm gathers some of the most recognisable landscapes of the western coast, with a clear maritime horizon for the end of the day.
The western tip of the island opens wide onto the Mediterranean. Avoid the more enclosed corners of the harbour and find a spot where the horizon line is genuinely visible.
Totality ≈ 20:31:04 – 20:32:40To turn the eclipse into a little road trip through the Serra de Tramuntana. Spectacular scenery — just check your exact spot beforehand, as the terrain can hide the Sun when it’s very low.
A classic for Mallorcan sunsets — stunning, but popular, so it can get crowded. For a calmer experience, weigh up quieter alternatives nearby along the west coast.
For this eclipse, the best place doesn’t have to be Mallorca’s most famous viewpoint. With the Sun just a few degrees above the horizon during totality, an open, unobstructed view will matter far more than height or popularity.
A good idea: visit your chosen spot beforehand at a similar time to check that the terrain, trees or buildings won’t block the sunset.
Never look directly at the Sun during the partial phases. Use only eclipse glasses that meet the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, and check the filter has no scratches, holes or damage. Ordinary sunglasses do not offer enough protection.
If you’re using a camera, telescope or binoculars, you’ll need a solar filter designed specifically for the instrument and fitted in front of the lens. Looking at the Sun through optics without proper protection can cause serious eye injury.
The magic of 12 August doesn’t have to end when the light returns. The eclipse falls very close to the annual peak of the Perseids and coincides with an almost new Moon — perfect conditions to carry on into the night, stargazing from somewhere with little light pollution.
The plan can be simple: start the evening by the sea, enjoy the eclipse, stay for the sunset, and finish with dinner and a Mallorcan summer night.
Editorial note: Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your exact location. Before the event, check the official data and the weather forecast. Astronomical source of reference: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN).
Feel-good radio for Mallorca & beyond — live from the island. Tune in for the countdown to totality and the perfect summer-evening soundtrack.
Listen live ›