Once you’ve holidayed and partied in Magaluf, like thousands of others each year, you will just want to keep on coming back. If, however, you’re due to make your first trip to Spain’s party capital, then you might want a few pointers on how to make sure that you wring every last bit of fun out of your holiday.
So, just for you, I’ve put together a ‘What to Expect…’ guide for a resort where dancing till dawn, recovering in the sun, watersports on the beach and drinking your fill are just part of the everyday experience.
Making the Most of the Resort
The resort sits beside the Playa de Magaluf, the beautiful 900m white sand beach from which it took its name. During the summer months the sand is barely visible through the sea of umbrellas, sun loungers and holidaymakers recovering from the night before.
Whether you want to work on your tan, cool off with a swim or are looking for a more high-octane experience with the range of watersports on offer, while there are other beaches, this one is the main focal point for the crowds during the day.
There are a range of activities offered here, including water skiing, banana-riding, paragliding and pedal boats – you can even visit the Sol Wave Hotel along the promenade and try out its surf machine.
But just because you’re on the beach doesn’t mean the partying has to stop – behind the sun loungers there’s a strip of restaurants and bars all ready to serve you that much needed ‘hair of the dog’ or to kick off your evening’s partying.
If you want to try something a bit different, Magaluf beach is also the pick up point for many of the local booze cruises which make for a great mates’ day out.
Drinks Deals
Let’s face it: while the beach is great, the weather fantastic and the sea warm and inviting, most people who come to Magaluf come to party. The nightlife in the Mallorcan resort is legendary from foam, paint and UV parties to some of the world’s biggest DJs hosting mega nights at the resort’s super clubs.
For a really good holiday in Magaluf, in which you can afford to do everything you want to do, you might want to watch your spending. One of the best ways to do this is to take advantage of some of the many drinks deals on offer in the resort.
Most revellers congregate in the evening along Magaluf’s famous Punta Ballena Strip, which is lined by endless bars and clubs giving you almost unlimited choice of the kind of music, drinks and crowd you want to party with. Head to Icon Bar or Bonkers if you’re looking for a wild pre-club crowd, or Stereo Bar for a cooler vibe. If there’s a sporting event on then join the cheering crowds at Linekers Bar for a great atmosphere.
Whichever bar you choose it’s worth opting in to a drinks deal like the Feel Summer or MCP wristbands. These bands allow you to pay once and then get discounted or free drinks at selected bars and clubs, plus free and discounted entrance to a variety of clubs throughout your holiday.
The other way to save a bit of cash on your drinks bill is to get online before you even arrive in Mallorca and download any vouchers or special offers for any of the bars or clubs you want to visit.
Insider tip: It’s worth buying tickets to any big club nights that are on during your stay (especially if top name DJs are performing) in advance online – those in the know always do and you might find that events are sold out before you even arrive.
What to Pack
So you’ve got your tickets and sorted out your drinks deal, but what should you pack for your party holiday?
Sun Lotion
It might sound obvious but please don’t forget sun cream – and make it a high enough factor that you don’t go lobster red on the first day and have to hide from the sun for the rest of the week! If you really want to enjoy the sunshine, booze cruises and sleeping off your hangover on the beach, then you’ll need something over factor 20 (you can always go down a factor or two for the last few days of your holiday once your skin has acclimatised).
Party Shoes
No I’m not talking about your favourite pair of leather Chelsea Boots or even your faithful flipflops – if you’re going to party until dawn you’re going to need some comfortable, breathable shoes, and trainers are probably best for this. Just remember once you’ve been to a few foam and paint parties they may no longer look their best, so don’t bring your pristine new Nikes.
Whiter than White
UV parties are big business in Magaluf but you’ll need white clothing to really feel the full effect, so remember to pack a few white Ts and maybe some white shorts to wow the crowds.
How to Get to Magaluf
The nearest airport to Magaluf is Palma which, thankfully is served by a fantastic range of budget airlines. Monarch, Thomson, Ryanair and easyJet all fly from the south of the UK, and Jet2 and FlyBe fly from the North. The flight is only two and a half hours and the transfer from the airport a (mercifully short) half an hour. Book yourself and your mates a private or shared group transfer from the airport with Shuttle Direct and you could be on the beach and partying within an hour of touching down in Mallorca.
Where to Stay:
Sol House Mallorca Mixed by Ibiza Rocks – Soak up the rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere of Sol House Mallorca Mixed by Ibiza Rocks with its pool parties, sunset DJ sets and live music. The rooms are cool and stylish and the hotel is only a minute’s walk (or crawl if you’re feeling a little hungover) from Calviá Beach.
Universal Hotel Florida – Confusingly named, the adults-only Universal Hotel Florida is just a short walk from the beach and the nightlife of Magaluf. All the rooms have balconies and there is a sun terrace and pool downstairs.
Apartamentos Sotavento – Base yourself and your mates in one of the stylish, modern apartments at the Apartamentos Sotavento and enjoy the cool downstairs bar, pool and terrace area. The apartments are just a five-minute stroll (or stagger) from Magaluf Beach and the popular Strip with all its bars and clubs.
About Shuttle Direct:
Kick off your holiday with a stress-free journey from the airport to the resort by booking a group transfer for you and your mates with Shuttle Direct. The leading provider of private and group transfers in Europe and North Africa, with Shuttle Direct you can choose between private cars, private group minibuses or a shared minibus service. Book online before you set off and save yourself the stress and hassle of trying to organise a taxi or minibus at the airport.
