Spanish island's bold message to Brits as notorious party town gets £4m overhaul
One of Spain's most infamous party regions is distancing itself from rowdy Brits through a series of brutal clampdowns, and a multi-million pound regeneration that has just completed its first phase
A popular Spanish resort appears to be ditching its boozy reputation thanks to a major transformation.
For years, Majorca's infamous town of Magaluf has become synonymous with rowdy, drunken Brits, cheap alcohol, and blaring nightclubs. The Magaluf Strip, officially known as Calle Punta Ballena, was the place for Stag and Hen Dos, as well as those wanting to get so drunk they'd forget all about the 'I HEART SPAIN' tattoo they had inked on their bum cheek the night before.
However, as anti-tourist sentiment gains momentum across Spain and the Balearics - it seems Magaluf's party-mad status is about to change. The town has already cracked down on binge-drinking and anti-social behaviour through a series of brutal rules. This includes all-inclusive resorts capping alcoholic beverages to just six a day, while bar crawls and public drinking are both prohibited.
The clamp-down has slowly altered Magaluf's questionable image, paving the way for a fresh start. This has recently been epitomised by a huge promenade refurbishment that was inaugurated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last weekend (Sunday, June 22).
The promenade, which is now called Paseo Marítimo having been renamed after the founder of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer Julià, has undergone a 'complete rearrangement and beautification' with all of its infrastructure and services being 'renewed'. This includes new lighting, sewage systems, street furniture, and an irrigation network.
As previously reported, 650 metres of the promenade has been revamped in the initial phase, starting at the corner of the famous Nikki Beach and extending to Pirates Square. The work also includes the introduction of artificial sand dunes and palm trees grouped to form a 'small oasis area'.
According to Daily Majorca Bulletin, the refurb has been funded thanks to a €4 million grant from the EU Next Generation funds as well as €1 million of tourist tax revenue (equating to around £4.28 million). It is believed the second phase, which is also being partly funded by tourist taxes, will commence later this year - as early as November.
Mayor Juan Antonio Amengual, who attended the inaugural event, is said to have highlighted the 'importance' of the work that has been completed, arguing it is a further landmark in the 'transformation of Magaluf' which aims to bring about a 'change in image'. While the impact of British tourists wasn't explicitly mentioned, it's clear the town is trying to distance itself from its party-mad past.
To mark the work being complete, the town hall is believed to have organised a 'special day of events'. This includes a Gastro Fair, beach sport games, and a folk dance, reports local media.
Brits keen to check out Magaluf's new and improved image can fly directly from a slew of major UK airports, including London, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £28 in July.
Accommodation in Magaluf is equally affordable, home to a slew of no-thrills apartments, hostels, and cheap hotels. For example, a week's stay (July 21-28) at the three-star HSM Don Juan will set you back £1,161. This is based on two people sharing.
However, if you want a more luxurious week away in the sun, check out Sol Barbados. This beachfront hotel boasts its very own waterpark and outdoor pool, as well as kids' entertainment, modern rooms, and a 24-hour front desk. Staying here on the exact same dates costs £2,402.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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