Coves de Gènova

Coves de Gènova are underground limestone caves in the Génova neighbourhood, part of the municipality of Palma de Mallorca. They're one of the lesser-known but worthwhile attractions of the Balearic capital, located just a few kilometres from the city centre.

How were the caves discovered?

The caves were found by accident in 1906, while workers were digging a well. The excavation broke through into a system of limestone galleries shaped over thousands of years by water seeping through the rock. The discovery was soon turned into a visitor attraction, and the caves have kept a smaller, more low-key character than some of the island's other show caves.

What will you see inside?

The walking route covers almost a kilometre and descends to a depth of 36 metres underground. Along the way you'll pass naturally formed stalactites and stalagmites, built up over centuries by mineral-rich water dripping through the rock. Coves de Gènova are among the smallest of Mallorca's stalactite caves, and that smaller scale is exactly what gives a visit here a more intimate feel than the busier, larger caves elsewhere on the island, such as Coves del Drac.

Visitors can download a multilingual audio guide app to their phone, which explains the route as you move through the different chambers and corridors.

How to get there?

The caves are located at Carrer del Barranc 45, in the Génova district, a few kilometres west of central Palma de Mallorca. Getting there usually takes around 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from downtown Palma. A restaurant serving Catalan cuisine operates right at the entrance, so a visit can easily be combined with a meal on site.

When should you visit?

Thanks to the constant underground temperature, the caves can be visited year-round regardless of the weather outside. They make a good option on hot summer afternoons, when the cool interior offers a welcome break from the Mallorcan sun. Because the site is less well known, queues and crowds are rarely an issue, even during peak season.

Frequently asked questions

How far are Coves de Gènova from central Palma? The caves sit in the Génova neighbourhood, a few kilometres west of the city centre — the trip usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

How long does a visit take? The route runs almost a kilometre and reaches a depth of 36 metres; visiting with the audio guide typically takes around 30-45 minutes.

Are the caves suitable for children? Yes, the route is relatively short and technically easy, and the intimate scale of the site makes it a calmer alternative to the island's larger, more crowded caves.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby? Yes, a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine operates right at the entrance, so you can eat before or after your visit.