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Cave / Rocks Sights in Porto Cristo — 2 of Our Favourites

Discover and book the top Porto Cristo sights

Cuevas dels Hams, Porto Cristo

1. Cuevas dels Hams

Location
Porto Cristo

You cannot miss these caves as you drive from Manacor to Porto Cristo. Most people only want to visit one set of caves during their time on Mallorca and the giant billboards and flags at the entrance are an attempt to ensure that this is the one. In fact you are better off continuing to the 'Cuevas del Drach' or up the coast to the 'Coves d'Arta'.

But for serious speleologists, here are the facts. The caves were discovered by Pedro Caldentey in 1905 and the electric lighting was added by his son. Their name means 'fish hooks', which the stalactites are said to resemble. You get a guided tour and, yes, another concert on an underground lake.

The caves also make for a wonderful venue for weddings and parties.

Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves), Porto Cristo

2. Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves)

Location
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.