The Ajuntament de Calvià will implement a 24-hour security operation before the total solar eclipse on August 12. Santa Ponça beach will be the official observation area, while Puig de sa Morisca and the main viewpoints will be closed to the public.
The Ajuntament de Calvià is finalising preparations for the total solar eclipse on August 12, an astronomical phenomenon declared of exceptional public interest by the central government. The council has designed a special mobility and security plan that will begin 24 hours before the event, aiming to ensure the protection of residents and visitors, preserve the natural environment, and ensure the response of emergency services.
Access restrictions to sensitive areas
As a preventive measure, access to Puig de sa Morisca and the main viewpoints in the municipality —El Toro and the Illes Malgrats— will be prohibited throughout the day of the eclipse. This decision responds to the limited evacuation capacity of these points, which could generate dangerous overcrowding.
The Govern de les Illes Balears has designated Santa Ponça beach as the Official Observation Zone (ZOO) for Calvià, one of the 26 points enabled in the archipelago. The Ajuntament will control the capacity of this space, and once the limit is reached, access will be closed with no possibility of additional entry.
The operation includes a reinforcement of lifeguard services at Santa Ponça beach, which will remain active at least until 10:00 PM. Additionally, two Civil Protection boats will monitor the maritime area, in coordination with the Civil Guard and the Local Police.
Recommendations for safe observation
The eclipse will begin at 7:38 PM, with the totality phase occurring between 8:30 PM and 8:34 PM. In Mallorca, total darkness will last approximately one and a half minutes, a magical moment that the Ajuntament recommends experiencing from home or tourist accommodation to avoid unnecessary travel.
To plan for observation, the Govern and AstroMallorca have launched the Horizonte Eclipse 2026 app, available for free at www.horitzo2026.com. The tool allows users to check if the eclipse will be visible from their location and includes educational content and safety tips.
The Ajuntament urges citizens to avoid car travel during the morning of the eclipse, especially towards coastal areas. Those who need to move can use public transport, and residents or tourists with justification will be allowed access to the municipality, although they will encounter traffic controls.
A major astronomical event
The total solar eclipse on August 12 has been classified as of exceptional public interest, a category that underscores its scientific and social relevance. In Calvià, the special plan aims to balance the massive influx of curious onlookers with safety and the protection of the natural environment.
Officials remind that observing the eclipse directly without eye protection can cause irreversible damage to vision. It is recommended to use certified glasses or indirect methods, such as projection with a dark box. The Horizonte Eclipse 2026 app also includes basic visual safety recommendations.
The security operation will remain active until the phenomenon concludes, around 9:00 PM. Emergency services will remain on alert to address any incidents both on land and along the coast.
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