 Overview: Situated in the liveliest part of Mallorca, ten miles (16km) west of Palma and 15 miles (24km) from the airport, the neighbouring resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova are the largest and most popular on the island, offering wonderful long white beaches, a wealth of entertainment and an exhausting nightlife.
Much has been done to improve Magalluf over recent years with some of the 60s apartment blocks being demolished and a new palm-lined promenade being created, however it is still very much a party town popular with 18 to 30s looking for sun, sand and the odd San Miguel. Quieter areas can be found on the outskirts of Magalluf, in the suburb of Torrenova and in neighbouring Palma Nova.
Shopping: The promenade and streets in the centre of Magalluf are lined with dozens of shops selling beachwear, souvenirs and other tat geared for tourists. Better shopping can be found in Palma, an easy taxi or bus ride away. Every Monday there is a market in Calvia, six miles (10km) inland; good buys here include porcelain, jewellery and leather goods. There is also a popular market in Inca each Thursday for those who want to go farther afield. There are good supermarkets in both Magalluf and Palma Nova that stock all the well-known international brands, as well as local produce. Most things are good value, particularly alcohol and cigarettes.
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Restaurants: The scores of restaurants in Magalluf cater for many tastes. Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and even some Spanish restaurants compete with fast food outlets and lots of pubs and cafés offering full English breakfasts and Premiership football. Better restaurants can be found in Palma and Andraitx.
Nightlife: Magalluf is Mallorca’s entertainment and clubbing capital. Most hotels have organised entertainment, some excellent, some appalling. Most are free with the exception of Pirates, which is a must for those who aren't easily offended. The largest nightclub on the island is BCM, which attracts top DJs from around the world. Other clubs include Bananas, School Disco, Boomerang and Carwash (60s and 70s music). Most clubs don’t get going until around 11pm, but there are lots of good bars nearby which offer good music and large jugs of sangria. Popular ones include BCM Cafe, Panama Jacks, Bar 29, Lennon’s and Eva's.
Activities: Most activities are focused around the excellent beaches in Magalluf and Palma Nova. All sorts of watersports are available and boat trips can be organised ranging from a booze cruise along the coast, to a trip in ‘Nemo’, a glass-sided submarine (children go free on Tuesday). The Wester Water Park is nearby and has lots of great slides – fun for all ages; it has a free courtesy bus on Wednesdays.
Tennis and bowling are just some of the other activities available in the resort, and nearby karting, golf and cycling can be arranged. Palma and the old towns of Calvia and Andraitx should be visited by those in search of a little culture, and the scenic interior and north-west coast is worth exploring for those looking to escape from the crowds.
Negatives: Magalluf is geared mainly for young Brits looking for a loud and lively holiday; it’s not a great destination for those after peace and tranquility. Although it has improved in recent years, the skyline of Magalluf remains characterised by 1960s and 70s apartment blocks and the resort is packed with salesmen; the street vendors are best avoided but the ‘PRs’ outside the bars and restaurants can be worth chatting up as they offer free drinks. Visitors should be aware of the pickpockets on the beach at night.
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