Balearic Islands
The great Mediterranean scenario for the 2026 and 2028 eclipses
The Balearic Islands are one of the places that has hit the 'astronomical jackpot'. The islands will be treated to two major phenomena: the total darkness of the total eclipse in 2026 and the 'ring of fire' in 2028.
12 August 2026 will be a historic day across all the islands. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera will all enjoy totality in equal measure.
The phenomenon will be one of dramatic beauty because of its timing: it will occur just minutes before sunset. From any point on the west coast of the archipelago (such as the Serra de Tramuntana, the coast of Sant Antoni or the lighthouses of Menorca and Formentera), the black sun will be seen hanging low over the sea, with the sun's corona shining in a sky of twilight colours, just before the sun sinks below the horizon.
After a partial eclipse in 2027, the islands will be in the world spotlight again on 26 January 2028.The path of annularity will again cross the Mediterranean to fully cover Ibiza, Formentera and Majorca. It will be the perfect finale: a winter sunset where the sun will be transformed into a perfect golden ring hanging over the sea, visible from cities such as Palma or Vila, making the islands the best stage to put a close to Trio of eclipses.
Summary of visibility
Majorca and Menorca: Full and somewhat longer total eclipse.
Ibiza and Formentera: Also total eclipse (the band covers the whole archipelago).
Key note: The eclipse will be seen very low over the western horizon (sunset).
Partial eclipse.
Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera: Perfect visibility of the "ring of fire" at sunset.
Menorca: Partial eclipse of extreme magnitude (limit of annularity).