On the eastern coast of Mallorca, near the harbour town of Porto Cristo, four interconnected cave chambers stretch 1,200 metres beneath the surface. The Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) have captivated visitors since the late 19th century, combining extraordinary geological formations with one of the world's largest underground lakes and live classical music performances in a setting of total darkness.

History and Exploration

References to the Dragon Caves appear in written records as far back as the 14th century, though systematic exploration did not begin until 1880 when Mallorcan naturalist Martel A. Martel mapped the upper chambers. The French speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel carried out the most significant expedition in 1896, discovering the vast underground lake that now bears his name.

The caves were opened to the public in the early 1920s and quickly became Mallorca's premier tourist attraction. Over the decades, the lighting system and walkways have been continually improved, though the cave's natural formations remain untouched and protected by strict conservation regulations.

The Four Chambers

The Cuevas del Drach consist of four major interconnected caves: the Black Cave (Cova Negra), the White Cave (Cova Blanca), the Cave of Luis Salvador, and the Cave of the French. Together they form a labyrinthine system that extends to a maximum depth of 25 metres below the surface.

Lake Martel (Lago Martel)

The undisputed highlight of any visit is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Measuring approximately 177 metres in length and 40 metres in width, the lake reaches a maximum depth of 12 metres. Its waters are partially saline, influenced by the nearby Mediterranean Sea through underground connections. The lake's surface acts as a perfect mirror, doubling the visual impact of the stalactites above and creating an atmosphere of profound stillness and beauty.

The Concert Experience

Every visit to the Dragon Caves culminates in a unique experience: a live classical music performance on illuminated boats floating across Lake Martel. As visitors gather in a natural amphitheatre carved from the rock, the cave is plunged into complete darkness. Then, slowly, lights appear on the lake as small boats carrying musicians emerge from behind a rocky outcrop.

The performance typically lasts around 10 minutes and features pieces by composers such as Chopin, Bach, and Albinoni. The cave's natural acoustics create a resonance that transforms the music into something almost otherworldly. After the concert, visitors have the option of crossing the lake by boat or walking around its perimeter.

Geological Highlights

Beyond Lake Martel, the caves are rich in speleothems (cave formations) of exceptional variety:

  • Stalactites and stalagmites - The caves contain thousands of these formations in sizes ranging from delicate soda straws just millimetres thick to massive columns several metres in diameter.
  • Flowstone curtains - Thin sheets of calcite hang from overhanging surfaces, some translucent enough to glow when backlit.
  • Rimstone pools - Small natural dams of calcite create terraced pools that collect water droplets, some still actively growing.
  • Helictites - These gravity-defying formations grow in seemingly random directions, formed by capillary forces pushing water through tiny channels in the rock.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location

Ctra. Cuevas, s/n, 07680 Porto Cristo, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. The caves are located on the southern edge of Porto Cristo, about 65 km from Palma de Mallorca.

Getting There

By car from Palma, take the MA-15 motorway towards Manacor, then follow signs to Porto Cristo. Free parking is available near the entrance. Regular bus services connect Porto Cristo with Palma, Manacor, and other major towns on the island.

Opening Hours

Open daily year-round. Summer (April-October): guided tours at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00. Winter (November-March): tours at 10:45, 12:00, 14:00, and 15:30. Each tour lasts approximately one hour.

Accessibility

The caves have well-maintained pathways and are accessible to most visitors. Some sections include stairs and gentle slopes. The temperature inside remains at approximately 21 degrees Celsius with 80% humidity throughout the year.

Comparing Mallorca's Cave Options

Mallorca has several show caves open to visitors. The Cuevas del Drach are the most famous and most visited, but the nearby Cuevas del Hams (about 1 km away) offer a quieter alternative with their own underground lake and a different selection of formations. For visitors with more time, the Cuevas de Arta on the island's northeastern coast provide a wilder, less commercialised caving experience with some of the tallest stalagmites in Europe.

Each cave offers a distinct experience, and serious cave enthusiasts visiting Mallorca often combine two or three sites over several days. The island's compact size makes this easy to do as part of a broader holiday itinerary.

Tips for the Best Visit

  • Book tickets online in advance, especially during July and August when waits of over an hour are common at the ticket office.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Latecomers may need to wait for the next available slot.
  • The walk from the car park to the cave entrance takes about 10 minutes along a gently sloping path through Mediterranean gardens.
  • Flash photography is not permitted inside the caves. However, the professional lighting system provides excellent opportunities for atmospheric shots without flash.
  • If you plan to take the boat across Lake Martel after the concert, position yourself towards the front of the amphitheatre seating area, as boat places are limited and filled on a first-come basis.

Further Reading