Activity · Family & rainy weather
Caves near Porto Cristo
Two cave systems, a few kilometres apart and with very different character. This page explains which one suits which kind of group.
The underground lake is the end of the tour – this is also where the music concert takes place.
Quick answer
Which caves are there near Porto Cristo?
The Coves del Drac right by Porto Cristo are Mallorca’s best-known show caves: a guided tour over steps and galleries that ends at one of the largest underground lakes in Europe. A few minutes’ drive away are the Coves dels Hams, with smaller, very delicate formations and far fewer crowds.
Direct comparison
If you are looking for the big cave effect – vast halls, a lake view, a show – the Coves del Drac are the right choice. If you prefer peace and detail or are planning at short notice, go to the Coves dels Hams. Both tours take about an hour and run in groups to a fixed schedule.
| Cave | Location | Duration | Special feature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coves del Drac | Porto Cristo, east coast | approx. 1 hr | Large underground lake with a musical performance from a boat, vast halls | Best-known cave on the island, time slots booked up early |
| Coves dels Hams | on the Porto Cristo–Manacor road | approx. 1 hr | Fine, white formations, smaller lake, quieter tour | Good alternative if the Drac is booked up or too busy |
| Both in one day | a few minutes’ drive apart | approx. 3 hrs incl. travel | Direct comparison of two very different types of cave | Only makes sense with a car and advance reservations for both |
Practical planning
- Reserve time slots in advance, in July and August ideally several days ahead.
- Be there 15 to 20 minutes before your booked slot; entry starts on time.
- Light jacket and sturdy shoes – it is cool and damp and there are many steps.
- Photography is allowed, but as a rule not during the musical performance.
- The trip also works as a rainy-day programme – but that is when the crowds are biggest.
What combines well
Porto Cristo itself has a small harbour and a town beach; the coves around Cala Ratjada and Cala d’Or are each around 30 minutes’ drive away. A cave visit in the morning and a beach afternoon in the east make a sensible day together.
Profile at a glance
- Place
- Porto Cristo, municipality of Manacor
- Duration
- approx. 1-hour tour per cave, 1–2 hours including entry and waiting
- Season
- all year round
- Booking
- Time slots, book ahead in high season
- Step-free
- no, many steps
Prices and times
Admission prices and show times change with the season and from cave to cave, so we do not give fixed figures. The information from the cave operators at the time of booking is binding.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions about the caves
Coves del Drac or Coves dels Hams – which cave is more worthwhile?
The Coves del Drac are larger, better known and end with a boat concert on the underground lake; the Coves dels Hams are smaller, less crowded and focus on fine, branching formations. If you are only visiting one cave, it is usually the Coves del Drac.
Do you have to book tickets in advance?
In high season, yes. Entry is by fixed time slots with limited places; morning slots are often booked up days in advance.
Are the caves suitable for children?
Usually no problem from nursery age. The tour is lit and guided, but there are many steps. Pushchairs are not possible; a baby carrier works.
How warm is it in the caves?
Cool and damp all year round, much cooler than outside. A light jacket and non-slip shoes are a good idea, because the steps can be damp.
Are the caves accessible?
No. Both caves have long flights of steps with no alternative. The tour is not suitable for people with severely limited mobility.
Image credit: Stalactites in the Coves del Drac: photo Author: see file page, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons