Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves), Porto Cristo

Dark and cool, these limestone caves on the edge of Porto Cristo have become one of Mallorca's top tourist sights. Groups walk along 1200m of smooth paths exploring the magnificent stalactite formations within.

The Cuevas del Drach (or Dragon Caves) were already known during the Middle Ages. These calcareous formations were formed between 11 and 5.3 million years ago, during the Miocene era. Between 1922 and 1935, they were conditioned to be visited by opening a new entrance, building paths, stairs and installing electric lighting. The tour takes about an hour and includes a classical music concert and a boat trip. The temperature inside is about 21°C and the humidity an 80%.

The colours and formations within the cave are truly astonishing and those with a creative imagination will see formations resembling a cactus, a flag and even a snowcapped mountain. There is also the Baths of Diana and a multitude of fantastic stalactites that grow 1cm every 100 years.

The tour ends with a floodlit, floating violin concert on Lake Martel, Europe's largest underground lake, about 170 metres long and between 4 and 12 metres deep. The lake is named after the French geologist Edouard Martel who first explored these caves in the late 19th century, at the commission of Archduke Ludwig Salvator. Afterwards you can return by boat across the lake to the exit.

Worth knowing

Photography and video cameras are permitted during the tour (with the exception of the concert) but without using flashes, lights or tripods. There is also free parking, free WiFi, a café, a souvenir shop and picnic areas.

When to come

Caves opening slots are as follow:

November 1st to March 11th: 10:45, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:30
March 12th to October 31st: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 (during the high season, the less busy times are 10:00, 16:00 and 17:00, as well as during the weekends)
Closed on December 25th and January 1st

How to book

For same day visits, tickets can be purchased from the ticket office, which is located 200m from the cave entrance. You can also purchase tickets in advance online and pay by credit card. Your ticket will show the time of your visit and you should arrive 10 minutes before your tour begins. Places are limited and only visitors with a valid ticket for the visit concerned may enter the cave.