The Government will deploy a special device with access cuts in the Serra de Tramuntana, including points in Sóller and Fornalutx, between 15:00 and 21:00. Only residents, accredited individuals, and public transport will be allowed to circulate.
Next Tuesday, August 12, Sóller and the Port of Sóller will experience an exceptional day due to the total solar eclipse that can be observed in much of the island. The forecast of a high influx of visitors has led the Government of the Balearic Islands to activate a special security and mobility device that will directly affect access to the municipality.
The access restrictions to the Serra de Tramuntana will be applied between 15:00 and 21:00, although this schedule could be brought forward if traffic intensity or security reasons require it. In Sóller, controls will be established at two key points: the Monument roundabout and the junction of the Ma-10 road with the Ma-11.
Controls are also expected in the neighbouring municipality of Fornalutx, specifically at the access of the Ma-10 from the diversion at kilometre point 47.500, at the junction with the Ma-2120. The aim, according to the regional government, is to ensure the safety of citizens, preserve natural spaces, and facilitate the work of emergency services.
Who will be allowed to circulate in restricted areas
During the restricted time frame, individuals and vehicles with proper accreditation will be allowed to access the affected areas. This includes motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles, as well as residents who can prove their status with an ID card or residency certificate.
Property owners within the affected area, workers of establishments located in the restricted area, and public transport, including TIB lines, taxis, and VTC, will also be allowed to circulate. Hotel guests and other tourists with reservations, as well as restaurant patrons with reservations and guaranteed parking, are also authorised.
Emergency vehicles, medical transport, and essential public services, in addition to other vehicles expressly authorised by the competent authority, will be able to circulate without issues. In the case of accommodations and restaurants, vehicles will only be allowed to perform drop-off or pick-up tasks and cannot remain parked during the stay.
Increased inspections at the ports of Sóller, Pollença, and Andratx
Navigation will also be subject to special measures. The Government has reported that inspections at the ports of Sóller, Pollença, and Andratx will be strengthened, with special attention to the documentation and qualifications of skippers, the maximum number of people authorised on each vessel, and compliance with navigation regulations.
One of the most significant new measures is that vessels that can be operated without a license will not be allowed to navigate at night, unless the skipper has a higher nautical qualification. This measure aims to prevent incidents on a day of high boat traffic along the Tramuntana coast.
Recommendations for the residents of Sóller
The Sóller Town Council asks citizens to arrive at the location from where they wish to observe the eclipse as early as possible and to avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours. They also remind the importance of following the instructions of security forces and emergency services at all times.
The council appreciates the cooperation of all residents and asks for understanding regarding measures aimed at ensuring everyone's safety and allowing this exceptional day to proceed as normally as possible. For residents of Sóller, the main recommendation is to always carry their ID or residency certificate if they need to travel through the affected areas.
Visitors planning to approach the Serra de Tramuntana to view the eclipse should plan their trip in advance, considering that road access will be controlled and only those who meet the established requirements will be allowed entry. Authorities recommend using public transport whenever possible.
This special device is part of the expectation that the solar eclipse will attract thousands of people to the island's prime observation points, including several viewpoints in the Serra de Tramuntana. The day of August 12 will undoubtedly be a mobility test for the municipality and its surroundings.
For more information, residents can consult the official channels of the Sóller Town Council and the Government of the Balearic Islands, where details of the device and possible schedule changes will be updated. The general recommendation is to arrive on time, keep documentation handy, and respect the instructions of agents on the ground.
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