The Caves of Drach, the Coves del Drac, sit on the edge of Porto Cristo on the east coast, about an hour’s drive from Palma, and they are the island’s best-known natural sight. The visit follows a paved route of about 900 metres through four connected chambers, past dense curtains of stalactites, columns and reflecting pools lit to bring out the colours of the rock. It ends in a vast hall at Lake Martel, described as one of the largest underground lakes in the world, where the audience sits on tiered seats in the dark while illuminated boats glide out from behind the formations and musicians play a short classical concert on the water. Afterwards you can cross the lake by wooden boat, a short ride included in the ticket, or walk over the bridge. Tiqets sells the caves as a coach trip from Palma with Porto Cristo and an audio guide, the easiest way to go without a car.
How it works: entry is by fixed time slot, and from November to March there are four tours a day, in the late morning and the afternoon. Each visit lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. The Tiqets trip collects you in Palma and runs to about six hours including Porto Cristo, so it suits a half to full day. Drivers can park near the entrance.
What to expect: the route involves a lot of steps, more than three hundred in total, including a climb to the exit, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs are not allowed. The caves are humid and stay mild all year. Photography rules can be strict during the concert, so follow the staff.
Making the most of it: book ahead, since winter slots are fewer, and arrive early for your time. After the caves, walk down to the little harbour at Porto Cristo for lunch. With your own car you can add the Cuevas dels Hams, a few minutes away, for a full cave day.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk of about 900 metres through cave chambers, ending with a short concert on Lake Martel and an optional boat crossing.
Best time
The first slot of the day, before tour coaches arrive; the caves are a good plan on a wet day.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half inside, and around six hours as a trip from Palma.
Tips
Book a time slot, wear grippy shoes for more than three hundred steps and leave pushchairs behind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want Mallorca’s most famous natural wonder and a memorable live show underground.
- Families
- Children are thrilled by the lit boats and the lake, but the many steps rule out pushchairs.
- Couples
- The music on the dark lake is surprisingly moving; follow it with lunch at Porto Cristo harbour.
- Pair with
- The Cuevas dels Hams nearby, or a lazy lunch in Porto Cristo.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day from Palma.
Good questions
How long is a visit to the Caves of Drach?+
The route is about 900 metres and takes about an hour to an hour and a half. A coach trip from Palma takes around six hours in total.
Is there really a concert in the caves?+
Yes, the visit ends at Lake Martel with a short classical concert played from illuminated boats. It is one of the highlights of a trip to Mallorca.
Are the Caves of Drach open in November?+
Yes, they open year-round with fewer tours in winter. From November to March there are four time slots a day.
Are the caves accessible?+
No, the route has more than three hundred steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs. Pushchairs are not allowed inside.
Can you get to the caves without a car?+
Yes, the Tiqets trip includes coach transport from Palma with an audio guide. Public buses also run to Porto Cristo but take longer.
