The Cuevas del Drach caves, located in Porto Cristo (Manacor), are one of the most visited places in Mallorca and an essential stop for those who want to discover the interior of the island beyond its beaches. This complex of underground galleries surprises visitors with its spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, but above all with Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world, where a live classical music concert is held, making the visit a unique experience.
In this article, you will find practical information to help you plan your visit: how to get there, opening hours, tickets, what to expect from the tour, and tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Caves of Drach, as well as suggestions for nearby places to visit that complement the excursion.
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What are the Caves of Drach and what makes them special?
The Caves of Drach form an underground complex almost 1,200 meters long and up to 25 meters deep, located on the eastern coast of Mallorca, in Porto Cristo. Its history as a tourist attraction dates back to the 19th century, when the first documented explorations began.
The tour allows visitors to explore four large galleries: the Cueva Negra, the Cueva Blanca, the Cueva de Luis Salvador, and the Cueva de los Franceses. All of them are notable for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, which, thanks to the lighting designed in the 20th century, create a spectacular atmosphere.
The highlight is Lake Martel, which is 170 meters long and considered one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Every day, a live classical music concert is held here, with pieces performed from illuminated boats sailing on the water. This combination of nature and art is what makes a visit to the island a unique experience.
In addition, at the end of the tour, you have the option of crossing the lake by boat, a short activity that is highly valued by visitors.
How to get there and where to park
The Caves of Drach are located in Porto Cristo, in the municipality of Manacor, about 65 km from Palma and perfectly connected by road.
- By car: from Palma, it takes around 50 minutes on the Ma-15 highway towards Manacor, and from there, follow the signs to Porto Cristo. This is the most convenient option for getting around the island with flexibility.
- By public transport: there are bus routes connecting Palma and other tourist destinations with Porto Cristo, although journeys tend to be longer and less frequent than by car.
- With organized tours: many agencies and hotels offer combined tours that include transportation, admission tickets, and sometimes stops at other points of interest in the area.
The site has a large free parking lot right next to the main entrance, making it easy to visit by rental car. During the summer months, it is advisable to arrive early to find a parking space easily and avoid queues at the ticket office.
Visit the Treurer farm on the same day
If you are staying in the south, west, or northwest of Mallorca, the route to Porto Cristo to visit the Caves of Drach usually passes through the municipality of Algaida. This allows you to organize your day more fully, including a stop at the Treurer estate before reaching the coast.
A highly recommended option is to schedule your visit to the estate at 11:00 a.m., with a tour of the olive grove and oil mill and a tasting of extra virgin olive oils accompanied by local products. This way, the morning plan takes place in a peaceful and authentic agricultural setting, before delving into the underground world of the caves in the afternoon.
On the farm, you will have the opportunity to:
- Stroll among olive trees and learn firsthand about the traditional and sustainable cultivation of this Mediterranean tree.
- Taste extra virgin olive oil accompanied by brown bread and local products, with explanations about its nuances of flavor and aroma.
- Enjoy a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxing.
- Visit the farm shop, where you will find oil produced on site and other olive-based products, ideal for taking home an authentic souvenir of the island.
Combining the Caves of Drach with the Treurer estate in a single day is a way of bringing together two very different sides of Mallorca: the underground beauty of the Levante region and the agricultural essence of the interior.
After your experience in Treurer, the journey to the Caves of Drach takes 40 minutes, allowing you to combine both plans without rushing. This way, you can enjoy two very different sides of Mallorca in a single day: the rural essence of the interior and the spectacular natural beauty of the Levante.
Organization of the visit to the Caves of Drach: tour, concert, and boat ride
Visits to the Caves of Drach are organized in an orderly manner and designed for large groups, but without compromising the personal experience.
- Tour: the itinerary covers approximately 200 meters of underground passages and rooms. The floor is well maintained and strategically lit, although some sections may be slippery; comfortable footwear is recommended. The total duration is approximately one hour.
- Classical music concert: at the end of the tour, you will arrive at Lake Martel, where you will enjoy a live concert lasting around 10 minutes. A group of musicians will perform classical pieces from small illuminated boats that glide gently across the water. This is the most eagerly awaited moment of the visit and what makes these caves a unique place in the Mediterranean.
- Boat ride: after the concert, visitors can choose between walking out through a side corridor or taking a short boat ride across Lake Martel. Although it only lasts a few minutes, it is a highly recommended experience, especially for those traveling with children.
The flow of groups is regulated by schedules, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the concert and tour of the cave without excessive crowding.
Lake Martel: the heart of the Caves of Drach
A lake unique in the world
Lake Martel, 170 meters long, is one of the largest underground lakes on the planet. Its combination of nature and live music makes it the most special moment of the visit.
Opening hours, tickets, and best times to visit the Caves of Drach
The Caves of Drach are open all year round, except on December 25 and January 1, when they are closed. Opening hours are organized into different daily tours and depend on the season:
- From November 1 to March 16: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
- From March 17 to October 31: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
The visit lasts approximately one hour, including the concert at Lake Martel and the opportunity to cross by boat.
Rates and tickets
Buying tickets online is cheaper than at the box office and also allows you to reserve the exact day and time, avoiding waiting times and availability issues.
- Adults (13 years and older): €17.50 online | €18.50 at the box office
- Children (ages 3 to 12): €10.50 online | €11.50 at the box office
- Infants (0 to 2 years old): free, no ticket required
All tickets include:
- Live concert at Lake Martel.
- Optional boat trip on the lake at no extra cost.
Important practical information
- Visits are in groups but not guided.
- The indoor temperature remains stable between 17°C and 21°C throughout the year.
- The rain does not affect the visit.
- It is not possible to reserve tickets by phone.
- Online tickets can be carried on your cell phone, without the need to print them.
- Access is direct to the cave entrance at the reserved time, without passing through the ticket office.
- The ticket indicates the exact time of entry; it is recommended that you arrive at the venue 15 minutes early, as the entrance is about 200 meters from the parking lot.
- Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance.
| Season | Schedule | Adult price (online/box office) | Children's price 3–12 (online/box office) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1 – Mar. 16 | 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. | €17.50 / €18.50 | €10.50 / €11.50 |
| March 17 – October 31 | 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. | €17.50 / €18.50 | €10.50 / €11.50 |
| Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Closed | ||
Babies aged 0 to 2 years old enter free of charge (without a ticket). The visit lasts 1 hour and includes a concert at Lake Martel and an optional boat ride. Buy online to secure your place and get the best price.
Practical tips for visiting the Caves of Drach
Visiting the Caves of Drach is an accessible experience designed for all types of travelers, although it is important to keep a few practical aspects in mind:
- Families with children: the tour is appealing to young children thanks to the lighting and the boat ride. It is advisable to bring water and, in summer, to go early in the morning to avoid long waits.
- Accessibility: the route includes walkways and stairs, so it is not fully adapted for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility. Before visiting, it is advisable to check directly with the organization.
- Photography: Flash photography is permitted. We recommend setting your camera or cell phone to night mode or high ISO to capture the formations without blurring. The use of tripods or selfie sticks is not permitted.
- Duration and pace: the entire visit takes about an hour, with a comfortable route, although it can feel more crowded during peak season. Wear closed-toe shoes to avoid slipping in wet areas.
- Indoor climate: the temperature inside the cave remains around 20ºC throughout the year, so in summer the contrast with the heat outside is welcome.
Arrive early to avoid queues and park without any problems.
Buy online your tickets to ensure availability during peak season.
Wear comfortable shoes: the ground may be wet in some areas.
Flash-free photos are allowed; tripods and selfie sticks are not.
Take advantage of the indoor climate of 20 °C all year round as a break from the heat outside.
What to see nearby: Porto Cristo and the coves of Levante
A visit to the Caves of Drach can easily be combined with other places of interest in the Porto Cristo area and along the eastern coast of Mallorca.
- Porto Cristo: a former fishing port converted into a peaceful tourist destination. Its urban beach with fine sand is perfect for a swim after your visit. The promenade has restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood. It is also worth visiting the marina and the streets of the historic center.
- Cuevas dels Hams: located just a few minutes away by car, these caves offer a shorter tour with a different focus, famous for their artistic lighting in the shape of “hooks,” which give the place its name.
- Nearby coves: along the coast you will find beaches that are less crowded than Porto Cristo. Some recommended ones are Cala Romàntica, Cala Anguila, and Cala Varques (the latter being wilder and accessible only on foot).
- Serral dels Falcons Tower: a 16th-century defensive tower with panoramic views of the coast. It is an ideal viewpoint for photographers and history buffs.
- Manacor: the capital of the municipality, known for its tradition of furniture making and artificial pearls. The Rafa Nadal Center, with its museum and tennis academy, is another attraction for those looking for something different to do.
These proposals allow you to turn your trip to the Caves of Drach into a full day out combining nature, culture, and the sea.
