The Drach Caves

Mallorca's Subterranean Jewel

On the eastern coast of Mallorca, the small harbor town of Porto Cristo guards one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary natural treasures. The Drach Caves, known in Catalan as the Coves del Drac and in Spanish as Cuevas del Drach, are a complex of four interconnected caves that plunge to 25 meters below the surface and extend over 1,200 meters in total length.

What sets these caves apart from others in Spain is the remarkable combination of geological beauty and cultural experience they offer. A visit here is not merely an exploration of underground formations, but a multisensory journey that culminates in one of the most unusual concert venues on the planet: a performance of classical music on the still waters of Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world.

The Four Caves

The Drach complex consists of four distinct caves that are connected through a series of passages and chambers. The Black Cave (Cova Negra), the White Cave (Cova Blanca), the Cave of Luis Salvador (named after Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria who explored the site in 1880), and the Cave of the French (Cova dels Francesos) together form a labyrinthine network carved by water through the Miocene limestone over millions of years.

The caves were known to local inhabitants since antiquity, with the first written references appearing in medieval texts. However, it was the systematic exploration by the French speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel in 1896 that revealed the full extent of the cave system, including the discovery of the massive underground lake that now bears his name.

Martel's expedition, organized and funded by Archduke Ludwig Salvator, mapped the caves for the first time and opened the way for their eventual development as a tourist attraction. The caves were first opened to the public in 1922 and have since become one of Mallorca's most popular visitor destinations.

Lake Martel: A Concert on the Water

The undeniable star of the Drach Caves experience is Lake Martel. Measuring 177 meters in length and 40 meters at its widest point, this crystalline subterranean lake is one of the largest underground bodies of water in the world. Its still, mirror-like surface perfectly reflects the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites above, creating an effect of infinite depth that has captivated visitors for over a century.

Every guided tour of the caves culminates in a classical music concert performed by musicians aboard small boats that glide silently across the lake. As the cave lights dim and the performers begin to play, the natural acoustics of the limestone chamber transform the sound in remarkable ways. The music seems to come from everywhere at once, reverberating off the ancient rock walls and across the glassy water.

The concert typically features works by composers such as Bach, Chopin, and Albinoni, chosen for how beautifully they resonate within the unique acoustic environment of the cave. The experience lasts approximately ten minutes and is included in the standard admission ticket. After the concert, visitors have the option of crossing the lake by boat to reach the exit, an atmospheric finale to an already memorable visit.

Listening to live classical music performed on a boat gliding across an underground lake, surrounded by formations millions of years in the making, is one of those rare travel experiences that truly defies description. It must simply be felt.

Geological Formations

Beyond the famous lake, the Drach Caves contain an impressive array of speleothems, or cave formations, that showcase the patient artistry of water and minerals working together over geological timescales. The caves are adorned with delicate soda straws, robust stalactites, towering stalagmites, and massive columns where ceiling and floor formations have merged.

Particularly noteworthy are the cave's flowstone formations, which create smooth, curtain-like surfaces of mineral deposits along the walls. The turquoise waters that percolate through the limestone carry dissolved calcium carbonate, which slowly precipitates as the water enters the cave environment, building these remarkable structures at a rate of just a few millimeters per century.

The lighting system installed throughout the caves has been carefully designed to highlight the most impressive formations while maintaining an atmosphere of mystery and wonder. Different sections are lit in varying colors and intensities, revealing details and textures that might otherwise go unnoticed in the dim subterranean environment.

Planning Your Visit

The Drach Caves are open daily throughout the year, with tours departing at regular intervals. The complete visit takes approximately one hour and follows a one-way route through the main chambers, ending at Lake Martel for the concert and optional boat crossing.

Given the popularity of the caves, especially during the peak summer tourist season in Mallorca, advance booking is strongly recommended. Tour groups are limited in size to preserve the visitor experience and protect the cave environment. The official Drach Caves website provides current schedules and online ticket purchasing.

The pathway through the caves is well-maintained but includes some steps and inclines. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended. The interior temperature remains around 21 degrees Celsius year-round, noticeably cooler than the Mallorcan summer heat outside, so bringing a light layer is a good idea.

Porto Cristo and Eastern Mallorca

The caves are located on the outskirts of Porto Cristo, a pleasant harbor town that makes an ideal base for exploring eastern Mallorca. The town features a sheltered bay with a sandy beach, a promenade lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere far from the busier resort areas on the island's western coast.

Nearby, the Caves of Hams (Cuevas de Hams) offer another impressive underground experience, featuring their own unique formations and a different geological character. Combining visits to both cave systems provides an excellent comparison of the varied underground landscapes of Mallorca.

Eastern Mallorca also offers stunning coastal scenery, including the pristine coves of Cala Varques and Cala Romantica, the medieval hilltop town of Arta with its famous pilgrimage church, and the quiet agricultural landscapes of the Mallorcan interior. For nature lovers, the Mondrago Natural Park to the south provides excellent walking trails and secluded beaches.