The Bustling, Sun-Soaked Resort Town In Spain That's A Wild Beach Party Paradise

Magaluf has changed a lot in the past few years. The bustling resort town on Mallorca, a must-visit Spanish island for beaches and historic landmarks, evolved into a hedonistic party mecca back in the 1990s. Two decades ago, it was a by-word for all the "B's" you might want to avoid on vacation — unless, of course, you were also a boozy Brit behaving badly abroad. In Britain, it earned the nickname "Shagaluf" due to its reputation for easy hook-ups fueled by cheap alcohol deals and raucous nightlife. Now, it has gone almost respectable. Mayor Alfonso Rodriguez Badal has reduced the seedier elements, and Magaluf has classed itself up to become a party paradise truly worth visiting.

Magaluf is still home to BCM, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and hard-partying tourists flock to the island in thousands every summer. You can still dance the night away while imbibing cheap beer and cocktails, but tough new laws have been introduced to curb the worst of anti-social behavior. These laws include restricting the sale of alcohol late at night and slapping people with fines for drinking in the street. The drive to improve the town's reputation has increased the number of four- and five-star hotels, built more family-friendly places, and encouraged a rise in upscale restaurants, bars, and beach clubs. Magaluf is a spot people don't visit like they used to, but it is still a whole lot of fun if you want to get crazy until dawn.

First and foremost, Magaluf is a town dedicated to kicking back in the sunshine for a week or two, and there are countless hotels catering to the package-holiday experience. That means you can pick up an all-inclusive deal for seven nights at a four-star resort starting at around $544 per person. Magaluf is a short drive from Palma, the capital of Mallorca, and its international airport. You don't really need to worry about hiring a car unless you plan to explore the rest of the island, and many tourists opt for a cheap hotel transfer on arrival.

Lounging by the pool is the extent of many tourists' ambitions, as Magaluf doesn't have all that much to see and do if you prefer cultural and historical sights. For sun-seekers, one of the main draws is the beach. The town is situated on a long crescent of golden sand and the glorious Mediterranean weather makes it perfect for catching rays, swimming, and enjoying beach activities.

If you do manage to rouse yourself from your sun lounger, there are a variety of attractions including water parks, go-karting centers, and a relaxing nearby golf club. One of the most popular family activities is spending the evening at Pirates, a swashbuckling dinner show. The shiny new Momentum Plaza, just a stone's throw from the beach, is a must-visit for retail therapy, gastronomy, and stunning floating pools high above the concourse.

Your food options are almost endless in a bustling resort town like Magaluf, and a main course while dining out will generally cost between $15 to $20. There are a great number of bars and restaurants serving all-day breakfasts and British pub grub, but Nikki Beach is one more refined option with its excellent menu including fresh sushi and seafood dishes. Elsewhere, Madam Cabra gets the maximum rating on TripAdvisor for its delicious pizza.

Nightlife is still king once the sun goes down, but it is the kind of place where you might regret traveling solo. Although it is more easy-going nowadays, Magaluf after dark is still geared towards groups of eager young party-goers. To avoid the more boisterous element, you can enjoy DJs and a few cocktails at Zhero Boathouse, a stylish joint with a more chilled-out vibe. Punta Ballena is the main strip with pubs, discos, and karaoke joints, and Stereo Bar and Nightclub is regarded as one of the best spots in town.

If you want to make the most of Magaluf's world-famous club scene, many of the top venues open around 11 p.m. in the high season and carry on until dawn. They cater to a wide range of musical tastes ranging from cheesy '80s sing-a-longs to hip-hop and feature regular wild events like foam parties and UV parties. The world-renowned BCM is still a must-visit destination. This vast club is big enough to hold 4,000 revelers and attracts international superstar DJs.