Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026 in Menorca

Next Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Menorca will experience one of those moments we will probably remember for many years to come.

As the afternoon begins to fade over the island, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, eventually covering it completely for a few moments. It will be a total solar eclipse, an extraordinary astronomical phenomenon that we will be able to witness from Menorca shortly before sunset.

Menorca will be one of the privileged places from which to experience a total solar eclipse at sunset.

One of those rare occasions when it is worth stopping for a moment, looking up at the sky and simply enjoying nature. Of course, with a little planning and, above all, safely.

But… what exactly is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and, from certain locations on our planet, partially or completely covers the Sun’s disc.

During a total solar eclipse, there comes a moment when the Moon completely covers the Sun. For a few brief moments, daylight fades dramatically and the solar corona surrounding the dark disc of the Moon may become visible.

The eclipse on 12 August will be particularly beautiful in Menorca because it will take place at sunset, with the Sun very close to the horizon.

What time will the eclipse take place in Menorca?

According to data from Spain’s National Geographic Institute (Instituto Geográfico Nacional), these are the approximate times for Menorca:

• 7:37 pm: partial eclipse begins.
• 8:30 pm: totality begins.
• 8:30:45 pm: maximum eclipse.
• 8:31 pm: totality ends.
• 8:45 pm: sunset.

Totality will be very brief, lasting just over one minute, so it is worth being prepared well in advance.

It may last only a few seconds on our watches, but it will surely be one of those moments that stays in our memories for much longer.

Where will be the best place to see the eclipse in Menorca?

There is one particularly important detail to bear in mind.

As the eclipse will take place very close to sunset, simply being in Menorca will not guarantee a good view. You will need to find a location with a clear view towards the west and an horizon as unobstructed as possible, without buildings, trees, hills or other obstacles.

For this reason, the coast around Ciutadella and other elevated locations or places with open views towards the west are expected to be among the most favourable spots.

Our advice is simple: don’t leave it until the last minute.

If you are already in Menorca, during the days leading up to the eclipse you can visit your chosen location at approximately the same time of day to check where the Sun is and whether the horizon offers a clear view.

You can also use the visibility tool provided by Spain’s National Geographic Institute to check the conditions from a specific location.

Are you staying with Som Menorca in Fornells?

If you are enjoying your holiday in one of our Som Menorca holiday homes in Fornells, you may not need to travel elsewhere on the island to experience this very special moment.

A great option is to walk up to Sa Torre de Fornells, an elevated spot with wide, open views, just a short walk from the village, where you can enjoy an afternoon that promises to be unforgettable.

Walking there will also have an added benefit that day. Numerous journeys across Menorca are expected on 12 August, and traffic restrictions have been planned in different parts of the island. Avoiding the car whenever possible will help reduce traffic and overcrowding while making things easier for the security and emergency services.

So, if you are staying in Fornells, our plan is simple: a good pair of certified eclipse glasses, a walk up to Sa Torre and plenty of time to enjoy, without rushing, one of the most extraordinary astronomical phenomena we will have the chance to experience in Menorca.

A unique experience just a few minutes from your accommodation, without having to travel for miles. Because sometimes the most special moments are much closer than we imagine.

Official safe viewing areas in Menorca

Menorca has designated nine official viewing areas, located across different municipalities:

• Cala’n Bosch, from the Passeig Marítim car park to the Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse.
• Cala Blanca, from Clot de sa Cera to Es Mirador restaurant.
• Carrer des Tamarells.
• Son Blanc.
• Son Bou beach.
• Avinguda Los Delfines.
• Maó seafront promenade.
• Talis.
• Sant Tomàs beach.

It is important to bear in mind that these areas may not necessarily coincide with the locations offering the very best views of the eclipse. They have primarily been selected to manage the expected crowds, improve safety and reduce pressure on particularly sensitive areas.

Traffic and access restrictions on 12 August

Due to the large number of people expected to travel around the island, access to several areas of Menorca will be regulated:

• Me-15: Camí de Tramuntana, on the Es Mercadal–Me-15 section.
• CF-3: Camí de Tramuntana–Cavalleria Lighthouse.
• Me-13: Es Mercadal–El Toro.
• CF-5: Rc-1–Punta Nati Lighthouse. Its car park will remain closed from 8:00 am.

As a general rule, the restrictions are expected to apply between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm on 12 August, although they may be introduced earlier if required for safety reasons.

For this reason, at Som Menorca we recommend planning your afternoon in advance and, whenever possible, avoiding unnecessary journeys by car.

How to watch the eclipse safely

Choosing the right place is important, but watching the eclipse safely is even more so.

Always use certified eclipse glasses

During the partial phases, you should never look directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard. Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark they are, are not safe for looking directly at the Sun.

X-ray film, smoked glass, CDs and homemade filters should not be used either.

Check your glasses before using them

If they are scratched, punctured, bent or show any other signs of damage, do not use them.

Take special care with children

If you are enjoying the eclipse as a family, make sure children use their eclipse glasses correctly throughout every phase when eye protection is required.

Be careful with cameras, binoculars and telescopes

Never look at the Sun through these devices unless they are fitted with specific solar filters. Their lenses concentrate sunlight and can cause serious eye injuries.

During totality, always follow official recommendations and instructions regarding when it is safe to remove and put your eye protection back on.

An afternoon to enjoy… and to take care of Menorca

August is one of the busiest months of the year on the island, and this event will attract even more people to certain parts of Menorca.

That is why enjoying the eclipse also means doing so responsibly.

Plan ahead, avoid last-minute journeys, do not park on roadsides or on dry vegetation, bring water, protect yourself from the heat, respect private property and natural areas and, of course, leave no litter behind.

And remember that the authorities may change access arrangements or introduce additional restrictions if required for safety reasons.

Menorca, 12 August 2026

Sometimes Menorca reminds us that some of its greatest spectacles do not require a ticket.

A sunset. The sea. The sky. And this time, for just over a minute, the Moon completely covering the Sun.

If you are lucky enough to be on the island on 12 August, get your eclipse glasses ready, choose your spot in plenty of time and enjoy the moment.

And if you are staying with Som Menorca in Fornells, perhaps you can experience it in the way we love to enjoy our island most: unhurriedly, on foot and with respect for the surroundings.

Because taking care of Menorca is also part of experiencing it.