Mallorca beach resort with a loud party strip and a broad sandy bay southwest of Palma.
Magaluf sits on the southwest coast of Mallorca, about 15 kilometres from Palma. Its reputation as a package-holiday party strip is well earned — the Punta Ballena strip of bars and clubs is loud, cheap, and aimed squarely at young British and German holidaymakers. If that is not your scene, you have been warned.
That said, the beach itself is genuinely good — a long, wide arc of fine sand with calm, shallow water. The recent renovation of the seafront promenade has improved things considerably, and away from the strip, Magaluf is slowly reinventing itself with better hotels and the Western Water Park that keeps families entertained.
Beyond the resort, the coastline to the south is worth exploring. The headland walk to the old watchtower at Cap de Cala Figuera takes about 20 minutes and gives views over the Bay of Palma. The small rocky island of Illa de sa Porrassa sits just off the southern bay and is reachable by kayak or paddleboard. The neighbouring resort of Palma Nova is a calmer alternative a short walk up the coast.
Guide
Bars and Cafes
Magaluf's nightlife is concentrated almost entirely on the Punta Ballena strip, which runs for about a kilometre behind the beachfront promenade. Most of the bars are aimed at young package holidaymakers and offer cheap spirit deals, shots, and entrance to foam or themed events. BCM Planet Dance at the northern end of the strip is the largest club and has hosted major DJs; it holds several thousand people.
For something calmer, the beach bars and beach clubs along the promenade open from mid-morning and cater to a mixed crowd through the day. Palma Nova, a short walk north, has a better selection of bars and cafes with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Guide
Getting There
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is about 12 km from Magaluf. Taxis take about 20 minutes and are the most convenient option. A cheaper alternative is to take the bus from the airport to Palma and then change to the local TIB bus service to Magaluf, but this takes considerably longer with luggage.
From Palma, the TIB bus route 103 connects the city to Magaluf. The journey takes around 30 minutes from the city centre. Car hire is widely available at the airport and makes it much easier to explore the surrounding coastline — the road through Calvià and along to Andratx passes some excellent scenery.
