Magaluf Beach Resort Guide

Introduction

Buzzing Magaluf's myriad bars and clubs have been welcoming holidaymakers from all over Europe since the 1960s. There is more to Magaluf, though, than its notorious ‘Lager Belt', especially after recent moves by the authorities to landscape and spruce up the resort and get rid of some of its less attractive buildings. With a sweep of palm-fringed Mediterranean beachfront, a wide choice of watersports, quiet neighbouring holiday suburbs and lots of family attractions within easy reach, Magaluf has an attractive setting and has broadened its appeal.

Who goes there?

From late spring to autumn the majority of visitors to Magaluf are 18-35 year-old Western Europeans flocking in for the nightlife, though holidaying families are more than welcome year round. In the mild winter months Magaluf tends to attract older visitors looking to escape harsh winters further north.

Where in the world?

Magaluf is at the western end of the beautiful Bay of Palma, on the southwest coast of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). It is 15km (9 miles) southwest of the island capital, Palma, and 24km (15 miles) from the airport. Overlooking the bay and beach, Magaluf is mostly flat, rising to a headland at Torrenova.

When to go?

Between May and October the daily average temperature never falls below 20ºC (68°F) and rises above 30ºC (86°F) in July-August. The ideal time to visit is May-June and September-October. The crowds are also less overbearing at this time of the year. There are 8 or 9 days of rain per month between October and March but this is usually light and winters are mild with good spells of sunshine.

Beach

Magaluf boasts the largest and best white golden-white sand beach on the south side of Mallorca. Many people think it is the best beach on the island. Holidaymakers can hire surfboards, go jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing and ride inflatables.

Beyond the beach

Porrassa Island is just a short boat trip from Magaluf, holidaymakers can venture out on the Nemosub submarine (Calle Galéon 2, Magaluf), and ‘booze cruises' are always popular. Visiting the Western Water Park (Carretera Cala Figuera 12-22, Magaluf; www.westernpark.com) or next door at Aqualand (Carretera Cala Figuera 23, Magaluf; www.aqualand.es) is a great way to cool down. There is also Marineland (Calle Garcilaso de la Vega 9, Costa d'en Blanes; www.marineland.es), with its dolphin and seal shows, a go-karting circuit, pony trekking, bungee jumping and a choice of first-class golf courses all within easy reach of Magaluf. Golf Fantasia (Calle Tenis 3; www.golf-fantasia.com) is an elaborately themed, very popular crazy-golf attraction.

Family fun

Magaluf is an excellent resort for families with the beach so close to the centre and lifeguards on duty in summer. Virtually all eating and drinking places are family friendly and there are dozens of family attractions either in the resort or just a very short distance away.

Retail therapy

Shops in Magaluf are unashamedly geared towards the holiday trade. Supermarkets are the best place to snare cheap cigarettes and alcohol. The Mallorcan capital, Palma, offers a much more interesting shopping experience with international branded high street stores nestling beside atmospheric one-off boutiques on its historic streets. The Monday morning market in Calvià, 10km (6 miles) inland from Magaluf is worth a trip and don't miss the Wednesday market at Sineu, 40km (25 miles) north east of Magaluf, which is the best and most traditional on Mallorca.

A night on the town

Magaluf knows how to throw a seriously wild party. Over 100 bars and clubs are on hand, everything from Irish theme pubs and karaoke lounges, through to huge serious dance music clubs where the place throbs well into the small hours. Pirates Adventure (Carretera La Porrassa 12; www.piratesadventure.com) is the most spectacular family-oriented dinner show on Mallorca.

Eating out

The famous British breakfasts and photo menu meals are served all day and there are plenty of places to stop off for a dose of fast food. Magaluf's restaurants are eclectic and affordable, including Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Turkish and Indian food.

Getting around

Magaluf is a small resort clustered around a bay and everything is within easy walking distance. The headland divides it from Palma Nova, which begins in the next bay, though in practice the two resorts merge together. Local buses run between Magaluf and Palma Nova, although these are only necessary if you are travelling from the far end of one resort to the far end of the other.

The island bus service is fairly comprehensive and frequent, though routes can be indirect and slow. Journeys north from Magaluf are best made via Palma. Hire cars are the best way to get around the holiday island. Bikes and motorbikes are for rent but beware that traffic is heavy around the resorts, particularly in the summer. Taxi ranks are dotted throughout the resort.

Exploring further afield

Mallorca's capital, Palma, is seriously underrated. This is one of Spain's most beautiful small cities with a magnificent cathedral, atmospheric old alleyways, and some great shopping, eating and drinking opportunities. Old-timer trains rattle north from Palma, slicing through the heart of the holiday island to Sóller in the north, where a tram trundles down to the north coast. Closer to Magaluf, the old towns of Calvià and Andratx are also worth visiting.

Splashing out

Try your luck at the Gran Casino Mallorca (Urbanización Sol de Mallorca; www.casinodemallorca.com). Even if Lady Luck is not on your side, you can dine in the smart restaurant and enjoy the show which has recently included artists such as Michael Bolton, Kool & the Gang and George Benson.

Or get a taxi from Magaluf to Palma and start your night out in the island's most decadent bar, Abaco in the old town (Carrer Sant Joan 1). It may charge a premium for its sumptuous cocktails, but for the chance to recline in a romantic renaissance old courtyard awash with fresh fruit and flowers it is well worth it. An alternative drop-dead trendy venue is Puro Beach Club on the seafront (Carre Pagell; www.purobeach.com). Dress to impress and come here to watch the sun go down.

Flying in

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)

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