Benidorm is coordinating the safety measures for the eclipse, including restrictions on both vehicle and pedestrian access to the Cross and the rest of the Serra Gelada Natural Park

The city of Benidorm is fully prepared for this Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, on 12 August. A final meeting was held this morning to coordinate the arrangements that will be put in place for this unique astronomical event.

Benidorm’s Councillor for Citizen Security, Jesús Carrobles, explained that “on Wednesday, the emergency declared by the Generalitat Valenciana due to the extreme risk of forest fires will be in force throughout the region. This circumstance affects the arrangements and means that restrictions will apply to the areas from which the eclipse can be viewed.”

Specifically, the Generalitat’s order restricts vehicle and pedestrian access along paths and through forested areas, affecting Serra Gelada Natural Park and El Moralet Park.

Consequently, on Wednesday, vehicle and pedestrian access to the area around the Cross and to the rest of the natural park will be prohibited. Traffic controls will be set up both in this area and at other access points to Serra Gelada. Pedestrian access controls will also be put in place at these locations, and El Moralet Park will be closed.

Carrobles explained that, to make it easier for people to watch the eclipse from Benidorm’s beaches and bay, the beach lifeguard and rescue service will extend its operating hours until 9:30 p.m., 90 minutes later than usual. The Local Police boat and quad bike service will also remain operational until 9:30 p.m.

The opening hours of the Tossal de La Cala archaeological site will also be extended until 9:30 p.m. The site can only be accessed on foot, as it is located in a restricted-traffic area where only vehicles belonging to residents of the neighbouring residential development are permitted.

Finally, residents and visitors are reminded of the recommendations issued by the Generalitat Valenciana to ensure that the eclipse can be viewed safely and without risk of eye damage. These include the need to use approved solar eclipse glasses bearing the ISO 12312-2 marking on the glasses themselves, their packaging or the instructions, and to ensure that they are in good condition. People are also advised to avoid unnecessary travel, protect themselves from the heat and obtain information through official channels.

The Generalitat Valenciana has set up a dedicated information section with all the relevant information about this astronomical phenomenon: https://eclipses.gva.es/