Caves of Drach, Mallorca: everything you need to know
The island's most famous show cave — a 115-metre underground lake, a live classical music concert beneath the rock and a boat ride you won't forget. Here's how to make the most of your visit.
The Caves of Drach are four connected natural caves in Porto Cristo, eastern Mallorca. The highlight is Lake Martel, one of the world's largest underground lakes, where every session features a live classical music concert from illuminated boats, plus an optional boat ride. The visit lasts about an hour. The easiest way to go without a car is a guided bus tour with tickets included.
What are the Caves of Drach?
Discovered and mapped by the French speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel in 1896, the Caves of Drach (Coves del Drac) are four interconnected caves — the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Luis Salvador Cave and the Cave of the French — reaching around 25 metres deep and stretching more than two kilometres. They were beautifully lit by the Catalan engineer Carles Buïgas, known as the “wizard of light”.
The route descends gently past carefully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites until it opens into a large chamber: a natural amphitheatre facing the lake. It is, by some distance, the most visited cave in Mallorca and one of the most popular attractions on the island.
Lake Martel and the live concert
Lake Martel is one of the largest underground lakes in the world, roughly 115 metres long. When you reach the main chamber the lights dim and the most memorable part of the visit begins: a classical music quartet performs live from illuminated boats gliding across the water. The natural acoustics of the chamber turn a short recital into the moment most visitors remember.
After the concert you can cross the lake on one of the boats — a short but unforgettable ride beneath the rock — before returning to the Mediterranean daylight.
Tickets, tours and prices
The Caves of Drach are busy year-round and sessions sell out, especially in summer — so it pays to plan ahead. If you don't have a car (or would rather not drive and park), the simplest option is a guided bus tour with admission included: you're picked up near your accommodation, taken straight to the cave and brought back.
- Bus to the Caves of Drach — round-trip transport, admission, the concert and the boat ride. From €53.
- Full day: Drach and dels Hams — two of the island's best caves in one day. From €70.
- Drach and the harbour of Porto Cristo — the cave plus free time in the seaside town. From €67.
How to get there
The caves are in Porto Cristo (Manacor), on the east coast, about one hour by car from Palma. There's free parking at the entrance if you drive. From the main resort areas — Playa de Palma, Magaluf, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa, Alcudia and others — a guided bus tour is usually the easiest and most relaxed way to go, with pick-up close to your hotel.
Tips for your visit
- Book the first or last session to avoid the midday crowds in summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the route has many steps and the floor can be slightly damp.
- Bring a light layer: it's a steady ~20 °C inside, cooler than outside in summer.
- Not step-free: the caves are not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Photos are allowed during the walk, but the concert is best simply enjoyed.
First time visiting caves in Mallorca? Drach is the classic choice. If you'd like something quieter, see our guides to the Caves of Campanet and the Caves of Génova.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Caves of Drach?
In Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Mallorca (Manacor), about an hour by car from Palma.
How long does the visit take?
Around one hour: a guided walk, a 10-minute live concert on Lake Martel and an optional boat ride. With a bus tour, allow up to ~5 hours including transport.
What is Lake Martel?
One of the largest underground lakes in the world (~115 m long), named after Édouard-Alfred Martel, who mapped the caves in 1896. It's the setting for the concert and boat ride.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — it's one of Mallorca's busiest attractions and sessions sell out in summer. A guided bus tour secures your place and includes transport and admission.
Is it suitable for children and older visitors?
Yes, though the route has many steps and isn't wheelchair or pushchair accessible. It's a steady ~20 °C inside, so bring a light layer.