Majorca set for traffic chaos during Solar Eclipse as Brit tourists issued warning

Majorca set for traffic chaos during Solar Eclipse as Brit tourists issued warning The Balearic island is one of the best places in Europe to watch the spectacular event on August 12 with tourists able to see a rare total eclipse British tourists in Majorca next week face severe travel disruption as the Balearic island will impose widespread road restrictions during the spectacular solar eclipse. The Spanish island is one of the few places in Europe that will see a total solar eclipse on Wednesday. This means the moon will completely block the light of the sun, compared to around 90 per cent coverage in most of the UK. The Balearic government has announced a series of measures that will be in place on Wednesday, affecting most vehicles. Guidance published this week states that the restrictions will generally apply between 3pm and 9pm, but some might be imposed for longer. If traffic builds up and safety concerns arise road closures could begin earlier. In Platja de Palma, controls will begin at 8am on Wednesday, while in Santa Ponça the operation will start on Tuesday. The measures apply to all motor vehicles, with the government stating that there are "no general exemptions for motorcycles or mopeds." It added: "The operation does not involve the general closure of Mallorca." The measures aim to regulate traffic on sensitive roads and access routes to prevent congestion and keep emergency routes clear. The restrictions are designed to reduce gridlock, protect environmentally sensitive areas and ensure emergency services can respond quickly during the eclipse. The measures will also affect good suppliers, which will not be allowed to enter restricted areas while the road closures are in place. In Platja de Palma, maintenance, installation and delivery companies carrying out essential work must register as workers for the relevant establishment to be allowed access. The government said: "Likewise, the Government's recommendation continues to be to plan travel in advance and avoid unnecessary journeys as much as possible, both for residents and tourists, to prevent possible traffic jams and guarantee safe observation of the eclipse." They have further urged people not to park on roadsides or emergency access routes and to avoid lighting fires or barbecues because of the wildfire risk. The Balearic government added: "On Wednesday, August 12, 2026 , starting at 7:38 p.m. , the moon will begin to come between the Earth and the sun. In less than an hour, it will have hidden it. "Between 8:30 p.m. and 8:34 p.m., day will turn into night. From some places in the Balearic Islands , you will be able to watch the sun be completely eclipsed. The totality of the eclipse will begin first in Menorca, at 20:30:01, and will progress southwards until reaching Formentera at 20:33:23. "The duration will be maximum in Mallorca, around a minute and a half, and minimum in Formentera, where it will not reach 30 seconds." Full list of roads affected - Ma-1030 – Sant Elm - Ma-10 - Andratx - Ma-10 - Estellencs - Ma-10 - Banyalbufar - Ma-10 - Esporles - Ma-10 - Valldemossa - Ma-10 - Deià - Ma-10 - Sóller - Ma-10 - Fornalutx - Ma-10 - Escorca - Ma-10 - Caimari - Ma-2210 - Pollença and Formentor, including Mirador des Colomer and Formentor lighthouse - Ma-6014 - Maioris and Puig de Ros - Ma-6014 - Cap Blanc - Ma-5018 - Randa - Ma-19 - Platja de Palma - Ma-4011 - Felanitx - Ma-3333 - Artà - Camí de Son Torrat - Petra - Ma-6110 - Ses Salines lighthouse - Ma-6040 - Access to Es Trenc, Ses Covetes and the Ses Salines area.