Coves del Drach

Coves del Drac in Manacor is one of the best-known karst cave systems on Majorca, located right by the coastal town of Porto Cristo on the island's eastern side.

How do you get to Coves del Drac?

The caves sit on the edge of Porto Cristo, roughly 60 km from Palma de Mallorca. Driving there takes about an hour along the main road through Manacor, and a large car park sits just a short, easy walk from the entrance. During the summer season, tourist coaches also run to Porto Cristo from the resorts along the eastern coast, which makes the caves an easy half-day trip for visitors without their own transport.

What will you see inside?

The system is made up of four interconnected caves, known locally as the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Cave of Lluís Salvador, and the Cave of the Frenchmen. The visitor route winds through the hillside to a depth of about 25 metres, passing corridors and chambers lined with stalactites and stalagmites shaped over thousands of years. Paths are lit and well secured, so the walk is comfortable even for visitors with no caving experience. The caves were first documented in a letter dated 1338, making them one of the longest-known sites of this kind on the island.

Lake Martel — the main attraction

The visit culminates at one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Musicians glide across the water in a small boat, performing a short live classical concert that echoes through the cave's natural rock acoustics. After the performance, visitors themselves can cross part of the lake by boat — one of the most memorable moments of any trip to Majorca. It's this combination of music echoing through the darkness and light reflecting off the water that has made Coves del Drac internationally famous.

When is the best time to visit?

The caves are open year-round, and the temperature inside stays cool and constant regardless of the season, making them a pleasant escape on hot summer days. Visitor numbers peak between June and September, so arriving early in the morning or visiting outside the peak holiday months helps you avoid queues and enjoy a calmer experience. Bring a light layer — even in the Mediterranean heat outside, the interior of the caves is noticeably cooler.

Practical tips

The full visit takes about an hour and involves a moderately long but undemanding walk. It's worth setting aside extra time to explore Porto Cristo itself — a picturesque bay with a beach and promenade just a few minutes' walk from the cave entrance. Other underground sites can be found nearby in the Manacor area, but Coves del Drac remains the most recognisable and most visited of Majorca's caves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Coves del Drac take? The standard route, including the concert on Lake Martel, takes about an hour, covering all four caves plus the short musical performance.

Is it cold inside the caves? The interior stays consistently cooler than the outside temperature all year round — a light jacket or sweater is a good idea, especially in summer after stepping in from the heat.

Can you take a boat ride on the lake? Yes, after the musical performance visitors can cross part of Lake Martel by small boat, which caps off the visit.

Is it worth combining the visit with Porto Cristo? Definitely — the town is literally a few minutes from the cave entrance and offers a beach, promenade, and restaurants serving local cuisine, making it easy to plan a full day out.