The death of ‘Shagaluf’: It’s not a shocking holiday resort anymore

This summer I visited the infamous Magaluf, Mallorca. Where typically every 18 year old heads with their friends for that first taste of freedom. And admittedly yes, there were a lot of fresh faced 18 year olds, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a week of trouble and trips to A&E.

I had never been on a typical 18-30 clubbing holiday before but thanks to programs like “Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents” and “What happens in Kavos” I was pretty clued up as to what my week would be like. When I headed to the strip for the first time I basically expected everyone to either be getting fingered in the street or being so drunk they’re sick down themselves. But actually, everyone was just having a good time and enjoying themselves.

Admittedly there were the odd few that looked very worse for wear, but nothing in comparison to what I expected. As the most I saw was some urm, “heavy petting and passionate kissing” but thankfully no hands down any trousers.

Now where I expected to see the grime and dirt expected of Magaluf was on the Boat party. You’re forever hearing stories of sex games going too far and girls being made to take their tops off. So, even though I’m nearly 21 and perfectly capable of looking after myself, I was slightly nervous as I stepped onto the boat. However, I was plenty surprised. The DJ interacted with everyone and made the classic ‘no right hand drinking’ rule or you’d have to down your drink. And although at first it was a little awkward, once the drinks were flowing everyone was friendly and no one was really that creepy. Everyone just wanted to have a good time.

So the boat stopped and the slides on the back were sat upon by plenty of Brit’s bums to splash into the cooling sea. The scenery was beautiful and everyone was the good side of tipsy. And despite losing my sunglasses as I jumped off the side of the boat, swimming in the middle of the sea was absolutely awesome. So the classical “magaluf sex fueled boat party” was actually just people enjoying themselves with their friends. No boobs in sight.

Admittedly, maybe I was lucky with my time away, because like everyone else, I’ve heard plenty of Maga horror stories. But I honestly felt safe the whole time I was there. Even when I walked home alone one night (don’t tell my mum) I had no idea where I was going and people were actually helping me and pointing me in the right direction.

Maybe its old reputation has caused a new one. Everyone who’s away wants to be safe and comfortable so everyone being friendly and chilled out really helped that. And of course some people will ruin it for others, but my first “girls” holiday was a massive success. I made friends, got a tan, stayed up until six every night and just enjoyed myself. Which is exactly what I needed after a stressful year at uni.

So stop stereotyping magaluf, maybe don’t head there for a family holiday. But if you’re looking for a week of fun in the sun with your friends, it’s a great cheap destination. It’s not a sex and booze fuelled hellscape, it’s just a normal holiday. Sorry to disappoint.