MAGALLUF
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain


Location:
On the SW coast, at the extreme W end of huge, 15»-mile Palma Bay, merging with the smaller resort of Palma Nova. 9» miles SW of Palma; 15» miles from the airport.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.calvia.com

Position:
Facing SE, 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 quieter suburb of Torrenova; the quiet, hilly suburb of Cala Vinas lies to the S.

Description:
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 Vinas and Torrenova, a quieter, greener and more scenic suburb. 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 lands; 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.

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.

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 October only. The more appealing, higher-rated establishments are at Cala Vinas and in a group at the S end of the beach. Some good properties can be found in the quieter suburb of Torrenova. A handful of good-quality hotels exist in Son Caliu, adjacent to Palma Nova.

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.

Beach:
The largest on this section of coast and, indeed, on the S 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 October. 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 have failed, as the winter seas have scoured the additional sand away.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports, go-karting, water parks, bowling and pony rides in the precincts. The standard glass-bottomed boat trip has now been outdone by "Nemo", the Finnish-built, glass-sided submarine. Tennis, cycling, bungee rocket (summer) and golf courses within 5 miles. Nightlife: vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars. Magalluf's dozen or so discos and nightclubs include one of Europe's largest. Many pubs, bars, music and karaoke bars and dinner shows. The casino (with its nightclub) offers international shows with dining.

Eating:
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 further afield include Inca market (with a good choice of other markets around the island); Formentor (coastline and beach); the scenic NW coast, including Valldemosa; and the caves in the E.