British travelers planning to visit Majorca next week are set to encounter significant travel disruptions due to extensive road restrictions imposed by the Balearic island during the upcoming total solar eclipse event. Majorca is one of the select locations in Europe where a total solar eclipse will be visible on Wednesday, with the moon fully obscuring the sun’s light, in contrast to the approximately 90% coverage expected in most parts of the UK.
The Balearic government has outlined a series of measures to be enforced on Wednesday, impacting a wide range of vehicles. The restrictions are scheduled to be in effect primarily between 3 pm and 9 pm, with the possibility of some restrictions extending beyond these hours. In case of traffic congestion and safety issues, road closures may commence earlier, with controls starting as early as 8 am in Platja de Palma and the day before in Santa Ponça.
All motor vehicles are subject to these measures, as the government has emphasized that there are no general exemptions for motorcycles or mopeds. The goal of these restrictions is to manage traffic flow on critical roads and access points to mitigate congestion, safeguard environmentally sensitive areas, and ensure prompt responses from emergency services during the eclipse event.
Furthermore, the measures will impact goods suppliers, who will be prohibited from entering restricted zones while road closures are in effect. In Platja de Palma, essential maintenance, installation, and delivery companies must register their workers to gain access to restricted areas during this time.
The government’s advice is to plan travel in advance and minimize unnecessary journeys to avoid potential traffic disruptions and ensure a safe viewing experience of the eclipse for both residents and tourists. Additionally, people are urged not to park along roadsides or emergency access routes and to refrain from starting fires or barbecues due to the elevated risk of wildfires. The eclipse is expected to commence on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the moon obstructing the sun starting at 7:38 p.m., leading to a temporary nighttime effect between 8:30 p.m. and 8:34 p.m.
The eclipse’s totality will vary across the Balearic Islands, with the longest duration in Mallorca lasting around a minute and a half and the shortest in Formentera at under 30 seconds.