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Magalluf © Jason Dixon
Overview: Anyone in the 18-30 age bracket whose holiday mission is fun, sun and soaking up sangria (or all manner of alcoholic beverages) will have the time of their lives in Mallorca's raucous premier party resort. Magalluf, the resort situated about 10 miles (16km) west of Palma, the island's capital, has become one of Europe's most popular destinations for young British travellers. It sports hundreds of bars, discos and clubs, and has a wide choice of budget accommodation and restaurants. The resort, and its wide sandy beach, is particularly packed during June, July and August with young holidaymakers who are known locally as 'gambas' (red prawns), particularly if they stint on the sun cream. During the off-season it is much quieter with many of the wilder entertainment venues closed, and in recent years has been drawing older clientele and families during this period.
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 neighbouring Palma Nova that stock all the well-known international brands, as well as local produce. Most things are good value, particularly alcohol and cigarettes.Restaurants: Magalluf is a resort favoured by young budget travellers, and it therefore has an abundance of fast-food outlets. Those in self-catering accommodation find they are never very far from a familiar name like McDonalds, Burger King or Pizza Hut. The resort also has a wide selection of restaurants, the majority catering to British tastes. There are several restaurants that offer Sunday roasts and other favourites like bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd's pie. For variety there are Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and even some Spanish restaurants too.
Nightlife: It is the pulsating nightlife that brings holiday-makers to Magalluf, and therefore there is no lack of bright lights after dark, the party swinging into, and beyond, dawn the next morning. Most start the evening in one of the plethora of bars and move on to dance or theme parties hosted by top DJs in the numerous clubs along the famed Punta Ballena strip. Touts line the strip seducing customers into their establishments with special offers on drinks and cocktails. The most renowned of Magalluf's clubs is the massive BCM, which uses around three million gallons of bubbles to cover its floor on its famous foam party nights. Other well-known names are Carwash, Bananas and Boomerangs. A popular alternative to drinking and clubbing is an evening at the Pirates Adventure theme dinner and show.
Activities: Daytime activities in Magalluf are centred on the long sandy beach, where most of the party-goers sleep off their nightlife escapades in the sunshine. The more energetic can take advantage of various watersports, like jet skiing, donutting, kite surfing or even scuba diving. The waterpark and a wild west theme park are also popular options, offering thrills and spills. Excursions to other resorts on Mallorca, and into the capital, Palma, are also available. Many visitors prefer to hire a car or moped and explore the island on their own steam.
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 tranquillity. 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.
Attractions
Lluc
About 20 miles (32km) beyond Soller, after a precipitous drive through the Serra de Tramuntana in the north of the island, is the remote mountain village of Lluc, in a valley that has been an important place of pilgrimage since the 13th century.... see full details
Valldemossa
Mallorca’s favourite titbit of tabloid gossip has turned the monastery in the small town of Valldemossa, on the west coast, into a tourist attraction. In 1838 Frederic Chopin arrived with his lover, George Sand, to stay in a former monk’s cell in the Cartoixa Reial... see full details
Activities
Castell d’Alaro: Mallorca’s most popular hiking trail is the climb from the
town of Alaro up to a ruined castle and hilltop chapel, which
offers panoramic views of the sea and plains as far as Palma. From
Alaro the walk takes about two hours to complete. The castle ruins
on the hilltop date from the 15th century and dominate the
landscape. At the summit there is a restaurant and bar to refresh
weary climbers. On Sundays the trail becomes rather busy.