Majorca is expecting a swell in visitors because on August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse is set to take place, only visible in a handful of places around the world. One of these locations will be mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. “The view from the Balearics will be the most spectacular,” said Salvador Sánchez, president of the Mallorca Astronomy and Astronautical Foundation. “It will be total at 8.30pm, at sunset and above the sea horizon”.
For Majorca in particular, the best viewing areas will include the western coast, beginning at 7pm, with the peak at 8.30pm and lasting for a minute and a half. The fact that the holiday island will be one of the best places to witness the total eclipse – a phenomenon that occurs somewhere on Earth around once every 18 months – has already begun to generate bookings, some made at least a year ago. According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, a group of 150 Italian astronomy enthusiasts has made reservations at a five-star hotel for a total of €2 million. Bookings for holiday rental properties in the Tramuntana are also said to have shot up.
The Balearic Government is preparing for the event by working on an information campaign for eye protection. However, concerns are growing about the ramifications of thousands of extra people descending on the island to view the eclipse.
August 12 is right in the middle of the peak summer season in Majorca and when human pressure is at its greatest. The local Government’s concerns include logistical issues, including traffic jams and an influx of boats off the coast to get the best view of the eclipse.
As such, the Government will not be promoting the eclipse in the hope of stemming the flow.
Last August, the Balearic Islands overall saw a total of 18.7 million tourists, including 15.3 million foreign visitors. Some municipalities in Majorca experienced visitor numbers far exceeding their resident populations in August, such as Escorca, where there were 68 times more foreign visitors than residents, according to money-tourism.gr. Sant Llorenç des Cardassar also saw a ninefold increase in tourist numbers compared to residents.
August 2025 is also projected to be a strong month for tourism, with high occupancy rates, particularly in coastal holiday rentals and continued demand for travel. Holiday lets along Majorca’s coastline are nearly fully booked for August, with an occupancy rate of 98.4%, making it a leading summer destination for holiday accommodation, reported the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Menorca also shows strong demand with a 94.4% booking rate for coastal holiday homes.
For those hoping to witness a total eclipse without having to get on a flight, Brits will have to wait a while. According to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the next total eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until September 2090. While there will be partial solar eclipses, including on August 12, 2026, when 90% of The Sun will be obscured in some UK locations, the next total solar eclipse will be a significant wait.
