The Caves of Drach are located in the charming seaside resort of Porto Cristo on the east coast of Mallorca. Discovered in the 1930s, this spectacular cave structure is also home to four underground lakes. There are coach excursions from resorts all over the island to see the Caves of Drach which attract around 600,000 visitors every year and are one of Mallorca’s most popular tourist attractions.
Guided Tours of the Caves of Drach
The Caves of Drach (Coves del Drac in the local Mallorcan language) are only accessible through guided tours which are available in multiple languages. On entering the caves you’ll be met with the sight of stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations which have formed over millions of years through the deposition of calcium carbonate. Your guide will slowly lead you through this magical landscape to an underground lake called Lake Martel which is one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
Visitors have the opportunity to take a boat ride on Lake Martel accompanied by a short classical music concert performed by musicians on a small boat floating on the lake. The acoustics of the cave create a truly breathtaking atmosphere which is the highlight of the tour for many visitors.
The guided tour of the Caves of Drach typically takes around one hour with visitors having to walk a total distance of just 1200m. The caves are generally accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels. However, please note that there are some stairs and uneven surfaces inside the caves so comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing are recommended. For more details about the route take a look at the official Caves of Drach website.
After visiting the Caves of Drach you might like to take a look at the small Porto Cristo Aquarium which is just 150m from the cave entrance. The aquarium exhibits exotic fish from the Australian Barrier Reef, piranhas from Brazil and a fascinating selection of flora and fauna from the Mediterranean.
Getting to the Caves of Drach
The Caves of Drach lie 70km east of Palma de Mallorca on the island’s east coast. It takes about 1.5 hours to get there by road from the popular resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova on the island’s south-west coast. The nearest large holiday resort is Cala Millor which is just 10km to the north whilst Alcúdia and Port de Pollensa in the north-west are a little over an hour away.
Most visitors arrive at the Caves of Drach on coach tours from their holiday resort. These coaches will drop you off directly outside the entrance to the caves. If you have a rental car and decide to drive to the caves you can park in the large public parking at the caves. Alternatively, you can stop in Porto Cristo and walk to the Caves of Drach which are less than 2km from the town centre.
Best Things to Do in Porto Cristo – Mallorca
The beach at Porto Cristo has golden sand and is sheltered by a rock wall at its northern end. It’s a popular spot for the local children who turn it into a football pitch once school is over. At lunchtime there’s a lovely restaurant raised above the beach at the northern end with views out to sea and across the port to the south side of the beach. Overlooking the beach on the other side of the road is a stretch of small shops, bars and restaurants that are also worth a look.
The port itself is very interesting in that it serves as a mooring place for some fancy boats just beyond the beach but as you walk a little further it houses many small fishing vessels. This is a working port for local fishermen which shares its home with the expensive boats owned by wealthy Mallorcans and foreigners alike. Just above the fishing port is another ideal spot for lunch where you can dine at the stylish terraces of Restaurante Siroco or Restaurante Sa Pedra whilst watching life in the marina and port below you.
If you fancy a boat excursion from Porto Cristo on the resident catamaran or on one of the glass bottom boats there’s a ticket office at portside offering a range of trips. If that seems a little risky after a fine lunch then just take a stroll along the fine promenade which goes all through the main town and around the marina and port. The church in the main town is also worth a visit.
Other Cave Structures in Mallorca
Visiting the caves in Mallorca is a unique and fascinating experience that allows visitors to explore the island’s underground world and marvel at the natural wonders that have been formed over thousands of years. Mallorca is renowned for its impressive cave systems with numerous caves open to the public for exploration.
Caves of Hams
Also known as the Cuevas dels Hams, this is another impressive cave formation which lies just 2km outside Porto Cristo on the road towards Manacor. These caves were discovered back in 1905 and are as equally impressive as the Caves of Drach but aren’t as famous. Their guided tour takes visitors through various chambers, including an underground lake, and showcases the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Look out for publicity for classical music concerts on their underground lakes.
Another nearby family attraction is the Dinosaurland Theme Park. You can get discounted entrance tickets for the Dinos & Caves experience which also include entrance to the Caves of Hams. This is one of the most popular day trips for families visiting Mallorca.
Caves of Arta
The Cuevas de Arta can be found in the north-eastern region of Mallorca, close to the town of Capdepera. The caves are renowned for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as spacious chambers and subterranean lakes. During a guided tour visitors can explore the diverse chambers of the caves, marvel at the distinctive formations and learn about the geological past of the locality from the knowledgeable guides.
Caves of Campanet
The Caves of Campanet are located in the northern part of Mallorca near the town of Campanet. These caves are smaller in size compared to the Caves of Drach, the Caves of Hams and the Caves of Arta but are equally stunning in terms of their amazing rock formations. Guided tours escort visitors through narrow passages and chambers, providing a closer look at the intricate formations and geological features of the caves.