Avenc de Son Pou

Avenc de Son Pou is a natural karst cave in the municipality of Santa Maria del Camí on Mallorca, tucked into the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. The site is best known for its huge underground chamber lit by a natural skylight in the rock, a feature that draws hikers and cave enthusiasts from across the island.

What kind of place is this?

"Avenc" is the Mallorcan term for a natural sinkhole or shaft cave formed by the collapse of limestone rock, and "Son Pou" refers to the traditional name of the land where the opening sits. The chamber inside is genuinely large — roughly 150 meters long, 70 meters wide and 60 meters high. A wide opening in the ceiling lets daylight pour into the cavity, illuminating the stalactites and stalagmites below. Access to the chamber itself runs through a tunnel about 20 meters long.

How do you get to Avenc de Son Pou?

The usual way to reach the site is on foot. The hiking route connecting Santa Maria del Camí with the Camí de Coanegra and the Orient valley area is rated as a moderately demanding trail, around 17 km long with roughly 400 meters of elevation gain, and it typically takes 4.5 to 5 hours to complete. Most hikers start directly from Santa Maria del Camí and follow the Coanegra path toward Orient.

Can you go inside the cave?

No. Avenc de Son Pou has been closed to visitors for several years, since at least 2018. The closure protects the cave's fragile ecosystem, which suffered from heavy foot traffic and, in some cases, careless behavior by visitors over the years. Today you can approach the opening and view the cave from outside or from the upper edge, but entering the interior is not permitted.

Who is this hike suitable for?

The trail to Avenc de Son Pou suits hikers with a reasonable level of fitness who are used to spending several hours on uneven, rocky terrain typical of the Serra de Tramuntana. Sturdy trekking shoes, enough water for the full day, and sun protection are all worth packing, since long stretches of the route run through exposed ground. In summer, an early start helps avoid the hottest part of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Avenc de Son Pou cave? No, the cave has been closed to visitors since at least 2018 to protect its interior from further damage caused by excessive tourist traffic.

How long does it take to reach Avenc de Son Pou? The hike from Santa Maria del Camí usually takes between 4.5 and 5 hours round trip, depending on pace and the exact route chosen.

Is the trail difficult? The route is rated moderately demanding — long, with stretches of uneven, rocky ground, though it doesn't require any technical climbing gear.

What can you see of the cave if you can't go inside? From above or from a nearby viewpoint, you can see the distinctive opening in the rock through which, on sunny days, light filters down into the chamber and partly illuminates the rock formations visible from outside.