Next week, British travelers in Majorca are set to encounter significant travel disruptions due to extensive road restrictions imposed by the Balearic island during the upcoming solar eclipse event. Majorca will experience a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, a rare occurrence in Europe as most locations will only witness around 90% sun coverage. The Balearic government has announced a set of measures to be implemented on Wednesday, affecting the majority of vehicles. These restrictions are expected to be in effect from 3pm to 9pm, potentially extending beyond these hours based on circumstances. In the event of increased traffic and safety issues, road closures may commence earlier, with controls starting as early as 8am in some areas.
All motor vehicles are subject to these measures, with no general exemptions for motorcycles or mopeds. The objective is to manage traffic flow on critical roads and access points to prevent congestion, maintain clear emergency routes, and ensure rapid response by emergency services during the eclipse. Furthermore, the restrictions will impact goods suppliers, who will be prohibited from entering restricted zones during road closures. Companies conducting essential work in restricted areas must register as employees to gain access.
To avoid potential traffic congestion and ensure safe eclipse viewing, the government advises both residents and tourists to plan their travels in advance and minimize unnecessary journeys. Additionally, individuals are urged not to park on roadsides or emergency routes, refrain from lighting fires or barbecues due to wildfire risks, and comply with safety guidelines during the eclipse event. The eclipse is expected to begin at 7:38 p.m. on August 12, 2026, with daylight turning into darkness between 8:30 p.m. and 8:34 p.m. The full eclipse will be visible in various locations across the Balearic Islands, with the longest duration in Mallorca lasting around a minute and a half.