Magaluf / Palma Nova

Located to the southwest of Palma, Magaluf and Palma Nova are two separate resorts that occupy two separate bays, yet they have grown in size so much over the years that they have seemingly merged as one. Love them or hate them, Magaluf/Palma Nova are still the most popular resorts in Majorca, with their lovely beaches and numerous bars and restaurants that appeal to those looking for an action packed holiday in the sun.

Both Magaluf/Palma Nova offer wide, sweeping bays with throngs of umbrellas and sun loungers backed by pedestrianised promenades that are lined with a profusion of fast food joints and a number of more traditional cafés and restaurants. Water sports of every kind are available on both beaches and the gently shelving sands offer great swimming conditions.

Palma, one of the first purpose built resorts in Majorca, has a touch of traditional Spain about it with its old fishing harbour. Palma Nova, however, is more geared towards families than its noisy neighbour but still has a profusion of bars and eateries. Both resorts quieten down over the winter months, but they continue to accept a more discerning clientele looking to escape the north European cold.

There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied here and the Western Water Park in Magaluf is a comprehensive park of water, rides and slides. Many visitors come to Magaluf/Palma Nova purely for the nightlife and there is no shortage of bars and discos that stay open until dawn or later. English style pubs are popular and Majorca’s number one nightclub, BCMs, is a mega disco that can compete with the likes of Ibiza’s clubs.

Farther afield, the exclusive resort of Illetas is just north of Palma Nova and offers a world of difference from the hedonistic pair of Magaluf/Palma Nova, with its laid back atmosphere and exclusive hotels. Over the headland to the west of Magaluf is Santa Ponça, an altogether more relaxed destination than Magaluf/Palma Nova and known for its scuba diving shops, while Majorca’s cultural and historical heart, Palma, is only a 15-minute drive to the north.

Bus numbers 25 and 17 run to Palma from the airport; the former is non stop, while the Paguera-bound bus number 10 departs from Palma throughout the day and makes a stop in Palma Nova and Magaluf. Taxis follow the same route, with a journey time of about 20 minutes.