Daytime activities in Magaluf are centred on the long sandy beach, where most of the party-goers sleep off their holiday nightlife escapades in the sunshine. The more energetic can take advantage of various watersports, like jet skiing, donutting, kite surfing or even scuba diving. The waterpark and a wild west theme park are also popular options, offering thrills and spills. Excursions to other resorts on Mallorca, and into the capital, Palma, are also available. Many visitors prefer to hire a car or moped and explore the island on their own steam.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Magaluf is geared mainly for young Brits looking for a loud and lively holiday; it's not a great destination for those after peace and tranquillity. Although it has improved in recent years, the skyline of Magaluf remains characterised by 1960s and 70s apartment blocks and the resort is packed with salesmen; the street vendors are best avoided but the 'PRs' outside the bars and restaurants can be worth chatting up as they offer free drinks. Visitors should be aware of the pickpockets on the beach at night.

It is the pulsating nightlife that brings holidaymakers to Magaluf, and therefore there is no lack of bright lights after dark, the party swinging into, and beyond, dawn the next morning. Most start the evening in one of the plethora of bars and move on to dance or theme parties hosted by top DJs in the numerous clubs along the famed Punta Ballena strip. Touts line the strip seducing customers into their establishments with special offers on drinks and cocktails. The most renowned of Magaluf's clubs is the massive BCM, which uses around three million gallons of bubbles to cover its floor on its famous foam party nights. Other well-known names are Carwash, Bananas and Boomerangs. A popular alternative to drinking and clubbing is an evening at the Pirates Adventure theme dinner and show.

Magaluf is a resort favoured by young budget holidaymakers, and it therefore has an abundance of fast-food outlets. Those in self-catering accommodation find they are never very far from a familiar name like McDonalds, Burger King or Pizza Hut. The resort also has a wide selection of restaurants, the majority catering to British tastes. There are several restaurants that offer Sunday roasts and other favourites like bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd's pie. For variety there are Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Italian and even some Spanish restaurants too.

The promenade and streets in the centre of Magaluf are lined with dozens of shops selling beachwear, souvenirs and other Spanish vacation souvenirs geared for holidaymakers. Better shopping can be found in Palma, an easy taxi or bus ride away. Every Monday there is a market in Calvia, six miles (10km) inland; good buys here include porcelain, jewelery and leather goods. There is also a popular market in Inca each Thursday for those who want to go farther afield. There are good supermarkets for shopping in Palma Nova and Magaluf, they stock all the well-known international brands, as well as local produce. Most things are good value, particularly alcohol and cigarettes.

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).