| Magaluf | |
| Pushpin Map: | Spain Majorca |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Magaluf shown within Majorca |
| Coordinates: | 39.511°N 2.5375°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Sovereign state |
| Subdivision Name: | Spain |
| Subdivision Type1: | Autonomous community |
| Subdivision Name1: | Balearic Islands |
| Subdivision Type2: | Province |
| Subdivision Name2: | Balearic Islands |
| Subdivision Type3: | Island |
| Subdivision Name3: | Majorca |
| Subdivision Type4: | Comarca |
| Subdivision Name4: | Serra de Tramuntana |
| Subdivision Type5: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name5: | Calvià |
| Population Total: | 3981 |
| Population As Of: | 2009 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code |
| Postal Code: | 07181 |
| Area Code Type: | Dialling code |
| Area Code: | 971 |
Magaluf (in Catalan; Valencian məɣəˈluf/, pronounced as /es/) is a town on the western coast of the island of Majorca. Known as a major tourist destination and holiday resort town, Magaluf is in the municipality of Calvià, which is likewise a popular package tour destination.[1]
Magaluf is part of the municipality of Calvià and is located within a group of towns which includes Palma Nova and Torrenova. The resort caters to young (mainly British[2]) adults and couples as well as families, with peak season during July and August. During the winter season (November through March), the population of Magaluf consists primarily of[3] local residents, with most resort and package-based hotels closing their doors. The Palma Nova resort is located just north of Magaluf and is approximately a five-minute drive from the centre of Magaluf.
Magaluf consists of a white sandy beach and the Magaluf strip, which is the centre for the main nightlife and restaurants. The twin resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova are the largest resort developments of the municipal district of Calvià, and are situated on the island's south west coast at the western end of the huge Palma Bay, approximately 15km (09miles) from Palma, and the Son Sant Joan International airport. Meliá Hotels International started the required investment for the first stage in modernising the resort of Magaluf, by updating four hotels on the beach front, known as the Calvià Beach Resort, which opened in June 2012.[4]
A popular challenge for tourists is a swim to Black Lizard Island (Isla de sa Porrassa) located in the centre of Magaluf Bay. The island is known by this name due to the very high number of black lizards that can be found scurrying away during one's climb. The island is situated right in the centre of Magaluf's bay and is approximately 400 m away from the beach front.[5]
There are many bars and nightclubs in Magaluf, and many DJs have played at the resort, including David Guetta, DJ Sammy, Freemasons, Basshunter, Judge Jules, Tiësto, Pat Sharp, Calvin Harris, Tim Westwood, Greg James, Martin Garrix and Lauren Pope.[6] Night-life in Magaluf is centred on the Punta Balena strip, where most of the nightclubs and bars are located.[7]
The nightlife and associated activities results in the town being commonly nicknamed "Shagaluf" and “Megamuff” in popular British culture.
The resort focuses almost exclusively on British binge drinking tourism, with extremely low alcohol and fast food (fish and chips) prices, and British staffed medical emergency centres located close to bar areas.
British tour operators have warned the Spanish Tourist Board that the image of Magaluf[8] is affecting their efforts to market Mallorca.[9] [10]