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General Description of Magalluf
Magalluf forms part of a continuously built-up area with the neighbouring resort of Palma Nova, arbitrarily separated here for convenience. It is boisterous and noisy, but its notoriety is only partly deserved. The Lager Belt includes all the flat ground at the centre and back of the resort, as well as the base of the Torrenova promontory. Outside this area are more peaceful enclaves, including Cala Viñas. Major street landscaping, pedestrianisation and tree planting have been carried out and these undoubtedly improve the look of the centre. On the end of Torrenova promontory is a stone watchtower, derelict and on private land; this, along with some prehistoric remains on the road to the casino, is all that remains of Magalluf's past, before the rampant development of the 1960s onwards.
Market/Suitability
Younger lively crowd, singles and many families, mostly European and British, throughout the high season. Mature holidaymakers tend to take over in the low season. Has something for all, though the focus is still on the younger crowds who come to enjoy the active nightlife.
Location/Contact
Location: On the southwest coast, at the extreme western end of the huge, 15½-ml Palma Bay, merging with the smaller resort of Palma Nova. 9½ mls southwest of Palma; 15½ mls from the airport.
Position: Facing southeast, overlooking the wide bay and Magalluf Beach. Backed by open rural land. The resort itself is fairly flat, rising to the rounded headland at the lively suburb of Torrenova; the quiet, hilly suburb of Cala Viñas lies to the south.
Website: www.magalluf-palmanova.com (unofficial site)
Accommodation
Over 100 tourist hotels, aparthotels and apartments. Many large package operations with a holiday-camp feel, set dining hours and intrusive public-address systems. Most of these are securely middlemarket, and many open from May to Oct only. The more appealing, higher-rated establishments are at Cala Vinas and in a group at the southern end of the beach. Some good properties can be found in the hilly suburb of Torrenova. A handful of good-quality hotels exist in Son Caliu, adjacent to Palma Nova.
Beach
The largest on this section of coast and, indeed, on the southern side of the island. It is broad and deep, with fine white sand, though it is still capable of overcrowding. It's safe to swim here; the currents are not too strong and the waters fairly shallow; lifeguards are present from May to Oct. Some areas have lines of sun loungers and sun umbrellas, water sports and boat trips (including a trip to small Porrassa Island). Attempts to widen the beach at the Torrenova end failed, as the winter seas scour the additional sand away.
Shopping
Scores of shops with reasonable prices, selling jewellery, clothing, beach and water-sports wear, souvenirs and handicrafts; some high-street retailers. Lots of junk, however, and the serious shopper will do better in Palma. Monday-morning market in Calvia; various others throughout the island. Many small, well-stocked supermarkets in the centre itself, with a couple of large supermarkets on the edge of the resort. Several busy liquor and tobacco retailers.
Entertainment
Daytime: water sports, go-karting, water parks, bowling and pony rides in the precincts; the standard glass-bottomed boat trip and a glass-sided submarine; tennis; cycling; bungee rocket (summer); golf courses (within 5 mls).
Nightlife: vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars; dozen or so discos and nightclubs including one of Europe's largest; many pubs, music and karaoke bars and dinner shows; lap-dancing; casino (with nightclub) offering international shows with dining.
Eating Out
An extraordinary number of pubs and expat British bars compete with local restaurants, fast-food joints, pizza parlours and varied international-style eateries. Choices include many local Majorcan and Spanish options, plus Mexican, Italian, pizza, fresh fish, Chinese and continental. If those don't appeal, there's always the ubiquitous egg, beans and chips!
Public Transport
Frequent bus service operating along the coast from Palma to Andraitx stops at various points; some routes originate at Magalluf or at nearby Palma Nova. Connections are good. Various taxi ranks around town, plus radio taxis. Car, motorbike and bicycle hire in the resort and neighbouring Palma Nova.
Local Excursions
Marineland; Aquacity; Golf Fantasia (Palma Nova). The old towns of Calvia and Andraitx; attractive harbour at Puerto de Andraitx. Palma. Places farther afield include Inca market (with a good choice of other markets around the island); Formentor (coastline and beach); the scenic northwest coast, including Valldemosa; and the caves in the east.
Serving Airports
Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
Flight time from the UK: 2 hrs
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 ALBUFEIRA, ALGARVE | | BAVENO, ITALY | | BENALMADENA, COSTA DEL SOL | | BENIDORM, COSTA BLANCA | | CALPE, COSTA BLANCA | | COSTA TEGUISE, LANZAROTE | | DUBLIN, IRELAND | | FUENGIROLA, COSTA DEL SOL | | FUNCHAL, MADEIRA | | FURNAS, AZORES | | HAMMAMET, TUNISIA | | IXIA, RHODES | | KALATHOS, RHODES | | KILLARNEY, SOUTH WEST IRELAND | | LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS | | LAGOS, ALGARVE | | LIMASSOL, CYPRUS | | LLORET, COSTA BRAVA | | LOS GIGANTES, TENERIFE | | MACHICO, MADEIRA | | MAGALLUF, MAJORCA | | › 4* Sol Antillas/Barbados | | MARIA ALM, SALZBURGERLAND, AUSTRIA | | PAPHOS, CYPRUS | | PLATJA DE ARO, COSTA BRAVA | | PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE | | PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS, TENERIFE | | PORT EL KANTAOUI, TUNISIA | | PORT ERIN, ISLE OF MAN | | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | | PRAIA DA ROCHA. ALGARVE | | PUERTO DE LA CRUZ, TENERIFE | | PUERTO RICO, GRAN CANARIA | | QAWRA, MALTA | | RIVA DEL GARDA, ITALY | | SALINA BAY, MALTA | | SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA | | SEEFELD, AUSTRIA | | SELVA, ITALY | | SOLL, AUSTRIA | | SOUSSE, TUNISIA | | STRESA, ITALY | | TAVIRA, ALGARVE | | TORREMOLINOS, COSTA DEL SOL |
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