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Date Published: 10/06/2024

Brits name the place they are most likely to cheat on their partner... and it is in Spain

A recent survey by UK dating website Illicit Encounters has named one Spanish destination as Europe’s top spot for infidelities

Renowned for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, one city in Spain has been labelled “the European capital of infidelities”. While Europe boasts numerous impressive tourist destinations known for their architecture, beaches, culture and cuisine, there are a couple of places in Spain that have earned a reputation for being hotspots for unfaithful behaviour.

A study by British dating website IllicitEncounters.com, which bills itself as “The UK’s leading married-dating website”, identified one such famous holiday destination as the European leader in infidelity – Magaluf, located in Mallorca, Spain.

The website surveyed 2,000 users, asking them to rate the likelihood of having a secret romance in various popular European tourist destinations. The results pointed to Magaluf as the top choice for those willing to risk their relationships.

Why Magaluf?

Relationship expert Jessica Leoni explained, “Alcohol, sunshine, and the sense of freedom you get from being somewhere different create the perfect storm for a holiday adventure.”

She noted that Magaluf’s reputation for booze-filled nights and its popularity with stag and hen parties make it a “cheating Mecca”.

Leoni added, “Gathering with other large groups on vacation where the booze is flowing is the perfect combination for flirting, which can easily lead to a sexual relationship with anyone.”

She controversially described the likelihood of infidelity during trips as “inevitable” for some people, whether for work or leisure, feeling protected by the physical distance from their partners.

An astonishing 87% of survey respondents admitted to continuing to communicate with their secret partners after returning home, highlighting the significant role of technology in facilitating cheating.

Illicit Encounters has a disclaimer on its website that points out, “Not everyone is suited to having an affair. They are not an alternative to working on or ending a marriage. Not all affairs have a positive effect on a marriage, some can be very damaging. Always consider other people and if you are going to have an affair, please select your partner wisely.”

Besides Magaluf, the survey also highlighted Benidorm, a popular seaside resort on Spain’s Costa Blanca, and the Greek island of Zante in the Ionian Sea as top spots for unfaithfulness.

Also of interest: Little-known rule on Benidorm beaches could cost holidaymakers thousands

The appeal of Magaluf

Magaluf, known for its lively nightlife, is situated in the southwest of Mallorca, in the municipality of Calvià, near Palma Nova. It is approximately 29km from the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, and a 25-minute drive from the airport. Since the 1960s, Magaluf has been a favourite destination for British tourists and is often regarded as the party capital of the island.

However, Magaluf offers more than just nightlife. It boasts beautiful beaches, modern beachfront hotels, a new shopping centre, and a wide variety of attractions and activities, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

According to ABC Mallorca, notable attractions include Piratas (a theatre show), Kathmandu House, Karting Magaluf, Aqualand and the Western Water Park. It is also home to the new BH Mallorca, which hosts live music from well-known DJs and chart-topping artists.

Overtourism in Magaluf

Magaluf has faced issues with rowdy tourists, leading to the introduction of stricter alcohol laws in its ‘Red Zone’. These regulations, aimed at limiting disruptive behaviour, were announced last May and apply to parts of Mallorca and Ibiza. They include a total ban on the sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am in certain areas.

Spanish legislators argued that these measures were necessary to protect tourism businesses and reposition Magaluf as a safe, high-quality tourist destination. However, the decision has sparked political debate, with critics like Alfonso Rodríguez, the former mayor of Calvià, warning that it could send the wrong message and potentially worsen the situation.

Additionally, anti-tourism protests have erupted in various European hotspots as locals call for an end to “low-quality” tourism, criticising tourists’ shameful behaviour such as public nudity and frequent violent altercations fuelled by alcohol.

You might also like: What is the tourist tax, how much is it and where in Spain do you have to pay it?

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