Total Solar Eclipse in Menorca: How to Experience 12 August Safely

Foodies travellers spending Wednesday, 12 August, on holiday in Menorca will have the opportunity to witness one of the century’s most memorable astronomical events. Shortly before sunset, the Moon will completely cover the Sun and, for a few extraordinary moments, the Menorcan evening will turn into night. Ciutadella will be one of the island’s privileged viewing areas, but enjoying the experience will require careful planning, common sense and respect for the landscape.

The eclipse will begin in Ciutadella at around 7.37 pm. Totality will arrive at approximately 8.30 pm, when the Sun will be extremely low above the western horizon. A viewing spot with an unobstructed outlook towards the west is therefore essential, and visitors should avoid making last-minute journeys in search of a supposedly perfect location.

Official viewing areas have been designated at Cala en Blanes, Son Oleo-Son Blanc, Cala Blanca —areas B and C— and the seafront promenade at Cap d’Artrutx. Local Police will control these locations. Roads will be closed from 5 pm, although restrictions may begin earlier if crowd or traffic levels require it. Vehicle access to the Punta Nati lighthouse will be closed from 8 am.

The most sensible advice for visitors is to watch the eclipse from their accommodation or from a nearby location with a clear western horizon. Travelling to lighthouses, viewpoints or environmentally sensitive coves could lead to traffic jams, overcrowding and difficulties for the emergency services. Those staying in central Ciutadella will also be able to watch IB3’s live broadcast on a large screen in Plaça des Born.

Eye protection is non-negotiable. Only eclipse glasses certified to the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard should be used. Ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, exposed X-ray film, mobile phones, binoculars and cameras without purpose-made solar filters are not safe. Children should be supervised carefully, and nobody should look directly at the Sun outside the brief period of totality.

Visitors should also carry drinking water, wear comfortable footwear, bring a head torch and make sure their phone is fully charged. August is a period of extreme wildfire risk in Menorca. Smoking, lighting fires, using heat sources and leaving rubbish in natural areas must be avoided. Only authorised paths and access routes should be used, and any smoke or sign of fire should be reported immediately by calling 112.

The essential travel rule for this remarkable evening is simple: arrive early, avoid overcrowded locations and enjoy the sky without leaving a trace on the island.