The total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be watched by thousands across Europe, with the line of totality passing directly through the Balearic Islands, making for a spectacular viewing experience. As the eclipse will be visible from virtually anywhere across Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the phenomenon from their accommodation or nearby open spaces, helping to reduce unnecessary travel and protect the islands’ most environmentally sensitive areas.

Ahead of the phenomenon, the Agency for Tourism of the Balearic Islands (AETIB) has released a helpful guide for visitors to the islands, aiming to keep local residents, tourists, and native wildlife safe and protected during the extraordinary event.

Ramon Oliver, Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Department of Physics of the University of the Balearic Islands, has compiled a series of recommendations for safely observing the eclipse, while AETIB has also issued guidance to help visitors protect the islands’ natural environment and enjoy the event responsibly.

Enjoy the Eclipse Responsibly

As the eclipse will be visible under almost identical conditions across all four islands, there is no need to travel to specific viewpoints, beaches, cliffs or protected natural areas to experience the event. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the eclipse from their accommodation or a nearby open space where possible, helping to reduce congestion, protect sensitive landscapes and ensure everyone can enjoy the phenomenon safely.

Respect local wildlife

The Agency for Tourism of the Balearic Islands (AETIB) encourages visitors to enjoy the eclipse responsibly by respecting the islands’ unique natural environment. Those watching the phenomenon outdoors should remain on designated paths, respect local signage, avoid disturbing wildlife, dispose of any litter responsibly and refrain from entering protected areas or private land. The sudden darkness can also temporarily affect local wildlife, particularly birds, insects and nocturnal animals, so visitors are encouraged to observe nature from a respectful distance and keep pets under control.

Plan Ahead

Higher-than-usual traffic levels are expected on the day of the eclipse. Visitors are encouraged to plan journeys in advance, avoid unnecessary travel where possible and follow any guidance issued by local authorities to help minimise disruption across the islands.

Choosing the right eye protection

To view the eclipse safely, certified eclipse glasses are essential to protect your eyes.

Compliance with the ISO standard must be clearly indicated. Look for the inscription “ISO 12312-2:2015” on the glasses, their packaging, or the instructions. If it only says, “ISO 12312-1” (general use), they are not suitable for viewing the sun.
If you purchased them in the EU, they must bear the genuine CE marking, not just one that is printed or stamped without further justification.
Check the labelling. It must include the manufacturer’s name, warnings about safe use, clear storage instructions, and, if applicable, an expiration date.
Physically examine the glasses. If the filter is scratched, loose, bent, has lighter areas, or shows any other defects, do not use them. A single weak point can let in enough light to damage your eyesight.
Consult reliable sources. Organisations such as planetariums, astronomical associations, or scientific entities often recommend distributors or products that have passed quality controls.
Never look through cameras or binoculars while wearing eclipse glasses

People have been known to put on their eclipse glasses and then hold binoculars or a camera to their eyes (over the glasses). Why is this dangerous? The lenses of binoculars or telescopes act like a magnifying glass, concentrating the sunlight. This concentrated beam carries so much energy that it melts the filter of the eclipse glasses in an instant and burns the eye behind it.

The filter should always be in front of the optical device, not on your face. However, it is strongly discouraged to observe the sun by placing eclipse glasses in front of an optical instrument (binoculars, camera, etc.). Any error in the alignment of the eclipse glasses and the optical instrument can cause the sunlight to reach your retina in a concentrated form.

Don’t use old eclipse glasses

Don’t be tempted to dig out old eclipse glasses from previous solar eclipses that have been thrown in a drawer. If the filter has degraded, the glasses have a small hole or scratch, or if the filter has peeled away from the cardboard, they are no longer safe. Counterfeit glasses are also sold that display the ISO logo without meeting the actual standard.

For more information on how to view the eclipse safely, please watch: www.youtube.com/safe-eclipse