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Cave · Palma, Balearic Islands
Coves del Drach
Limestone caves in Porto Cristo, on the east side of Mallorca, featuring stalactites and the Martel Lake, an underground lake of about 115 meters, where musicians perform from illuminated boats.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Coves del Drach
The Coves del Drach, Dragon Caves, are in Porto Cristo on Mallorca’s east coast, about 60 km from Palma. They comprise four caves connected to each other, formed by seawater and rain acting on limestone, with roughly 1.2 km of visitor-accessible galleries filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns.
The caves were explored in 1896 by the French speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel at the request of Archduke Ludwig Salvador of Austria, who lived on the island. Martel discovered the large underground lake that bears his name, about 115 meters long with brackish water connected to the sea.
The visit is guided and ends at Lake Martel, where visitors sit on benches in the dark. A short classical music concert is performed by musicians in lit boats that glide across the water, and afterwards visitors can cross part of the lake by boat.
Porto Cristo, the village around the caves, has a natural harbor in a small bay and fish restaurants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the visit; half a day including travel.
Best time
In the early morning sessions it’s less crowded. In high season, buy a timed ticket in advance; groups enter at fixed times.
How to get there
About 60 km from Palma, roughly a 50-minute drive. There are buses from the intermodal station to Porto Cristo and many tours from Palma.
Tip
Buy tickets online for a timed entry. The temperature inside stays around 21 °C year-round. Photos and videos are usually prohibited during the concert.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Coves del Drach
What is the concert at the Coves del Drach?
A short classical music concert played by musicians in illuminated boats on Lake Martel, at the end of the visit.
How long from Palma to the Coves del Drach?
About 50 minutes by car, covering 60 km. There are buses and tours.
Is it cold inside the caves?
No. The temperature stays around 21 °C year-round, with high humidity.