Once a Roman colony and later an important part of the Spanish empire, the island of Majorca now mainly relies on tourism for its income. On the south west coast of the island lie the twin resorts of Palma Nova and Magalluf. These resorts are the biggest resort developments in the district of Calvia, and are situated approximately 15km from the Son Sant Joan International airport. This makes the area just a short flight from the UK and ideal for cheap holidays.

This part of the Majorcan coast has three beaches: Palma Nova Beach, Majorca Beach and Magalluf Beach. The beaches are lined with shops and bars and are backed by hotels. Magalluf caters for young parties and families although it is best known for its lively and vibrant nightlife - therefore families often feel happier holidaying in nearby Palma Nova.

Most tourists are British and find Magalluf inviting as it is sunny during the day and full of atmosphere at night. The beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag. This is an ideal area for water sports which include jet skiing, sailing, kite surfing and snorkelling as well as trips in glass bottomed boats.

Magalluf is a resort favoured by those seeking cheap holidays and it therefore has a large amount of fast-food outlets ranging from Pizza Hut and McDonalds to Burger King. The resort also has many restaurants, and the majority cater to British tastes, several offering Sunday roasts and other favourites like fish and chips and sausages and mash.

Attractions include Aqualand Magalluf which is popular with people of all ages and here there is a dive centre where equipment can be hired and lessons taken on how to dive.

The Aquapark which lies on the edge of Magalluf is a huge water park with exciting slides, thrilling rides for older children and some milder ones for young children.

Very popular is the Nemo Submarine which has panoramic portholes allowing the visitor to view underwater wildlife and shipwrecks which can only normally be seen by scuba divers. Before starting the trip, the visitor is shown a video about Mediterranean underwater life. This is followed by a short boat trip to the Isla de Sech, and it is here that the submarine is boarded.

A 3-deck catamaran offers cruises around the south west coast. It departs three times daily from Magalluf Beach and offers underwater viewing windows.

One of the most popular nightly attractions from the end of March till the end of October in the south of the island is the Pirates Adventure. This show is based on the outskirts of Magalluf and is a pirate-themed dinner show with short dialogues spoken in English throughout. There is a family show as well as an adults only show only held on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Magalluf offers excellent shopping and the promenade and central streets are lined with shops full of goods of all kinds ranging from beachwear and souvenirs to locally-made products. Each Monday a market is held in Calvia, which is about six miles inland. Good buys here can include jewellery, porcelain and leather goods. Another popular market is in nearby Inca. This is held on a Thursday and is worth visiting. There are good supermarkets in Magalluf and Palma Nova and they stock most well-known international brands, as well as the area's own local products.

Around 20 miles from Magalluf beyond Soller lies the remote mountain village of Lluc. This valley has been important since the 13th century when a young guide boy discovered a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary in a cleft in the rock.

The story goes that the statue returned three times to the cave where it was found before being placed in the local church. Now the statue is a major tourist attraction and people come to pay their respects daily. Each Sunday a boys' choir gives a recital at 11 o'clock in the morning in the monastery complex where the statue is housed.

Further Magalluf Information