Mallorca's Hottest Resort City Is The Island's 'Party Capital' For World-Class Nightlife And Beaches
If you're looking for a sunny getaway, you should definitely consider Mallorca for your next vacation. Mallorca (Majorca in English) is one of the Balearic Islands located just off Spain's eastern coast and is famous for its delicious seafood and perfectly sunny beach weather. And there are even more things to do in Mallorca beyond the beach — although lounging in the sand is a great reason to go. One place in Mallorca has been incredibly popular (and some would say notorious) for several decades: Magaluf. The resort town in Calviá in southwestern Mallorca has been particularly popular with tourists on their summer vacations, so much so that the town is almost synonymous with raucous partying.
Although nightlife and sunshine are the main draws of Magaluf, the town also has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor experiences and boating, as well as lots of shopping. Scuba diving excursions allow you to get out in the sea and take full advantage of Mallorca's clear, blue water to see some incredible wildlife. If you're looking to shop till you drop, Momentum Plaza is the perfect place to browse for anything from trendy fashion to unique souvenirs. There is even a pirate-themed dinner theater that is a popular attraction for tourists, especially families. And, of course, there are dozens of places to eat fresh seafood and any other cuisine that you're craving. But if you're looking to take advantage of the best that Magaluf has to offer, you need to consider the type of experience you're looking for.
Magaluf is rebranding its reputation as a rowdy party destination
There are a lot of beach party spots in Spain, including the iconic yet overrated Ibiza. Magaluf, too, was at one time a go-to destination for young European tourists looking for resort packages and almost never-ending parties filled with live music and nightclub atmosphere. The often alcohol-soaked entertainment also earned Magaluf an infamous reputation since, occasionally, the partying would get out of hand. Over the years, however, the local government has been trying to rebrand Magaluf as a resort town that can cater more to families and people looking for a relaxing beach vacation, including introducing harsher fines for rowdy partiers and banning party boats from certain areas.
But there are still plenty of nightlife spots if you are looking for a party. There are Irish pubs and cocktail lounges with live music, as well as karaoke bars and larger music venues where you can dance to popular DJs. During the day or night, you can also check out some of Magaluf's popular beach clubs like Zhero Boathouse Beach Club, Nikki Beach Club, Island Beach Club, and Sotavento Beach Club if you're interested in food, music, and fun pool parties. Note, however, that most of these places will be adults only. If you're willing to travel just outside of Magaluf, you're more likely to find some quieter or family-friendly beach clubs. But even if you're not a huge partier, there are still plenty of places in Magaluf where you can get your fill of sun, sand, and watery fun.
The beaches and water parks are among the best things to do in Magaluf
The soft, white sand and perfectly blue waters are what originally made Magaluf such a popular destination, so it comes as no surprise that going to the beach is the most popular thing to do. Don't be surprised if you run into huge crowds, especially during the summer months. Magaluf Beach is the largest beach that is also close to a number of resort hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants if you're looking for something convenient (even though it can get packed). There are also smaller beaches like Son Matias Beach, which is technically in Palma Nova but still accessible to people visiting Magaluf. Despite the number of other tourists you might encounter, you can find spots with a fairly laid-back atmosphere, and many places in Mallorca take a siesta in the mid-afternoon — so be sure to brush up on why siestas are important to Spanish culture before your trip.
If you're looking for fun water rides that both kids and adults can enjoy, Magaluf is home to several water parks. Perhaps the most popular is Katmandu Park, part of the Sol Katmandu Hotel, which offers lots of water slides, mini golf, and other family-friendly activities (as well as a poolside bar for the adults). Western Water Park is also a great theme park for families and thrill-seekers alike. The park has a heart-stopping, 100-foot water slide, a wave pool, splash pads, and more for visitors of all ages. After drying off, race your friends and family at the go-karting track at nearby Karting Magaluf.