Nestled in the coastal town of Porto Cristo on the eastern shore of Mallorca, the Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) are among the most visited natural attractions in the Balearic Islands. Stretching approximately 4 kilometers underground, these four interconnected caverns have captivated visitors for over a century with their otherworldly formations and the serene beauty of Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world.

A Brief History of the Dragon Caves

The caves have been known since the Middle Ages, with the earliest documented exploration dating back to 1338 when soldiers of the Mallorcan governor conducted a brief foray into the entrance chamber. However, the caves remained largely unexplored until the late 19th century when Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria commissioned a more thorough survey in 1880.

The true extent of the cave system was only revealed in 1896 when French speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel explored the deepest reaches and discovered the enormous underground lake that now bears his name. Martel's expedition opened up the world to one of Mallorca's greatest natural treasures.

Boats on Lake Martel inside Cuevas del Drach illuminated with golden lights
Lake Martel inside the Dragon Caves, named after the French explorer who discovered it in 1896. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

The Four Interconnected Chambers

The Cuevas del Drach consist of four distinct caverns, each with its own character and geological features:

Black Cave (Cova Negra)

The oldest known section of the cave system, the Black Cave was the only part accessible before modern exploration. Its dark, dramatic formations include towering columns and deep recesses that give the chamber its name.

White Cave (Cova Blanca)

Characterized by lighter-colored calcite deposits and delicate crystalline formations, the White Cave provides a striking contrast to its darker neighbor. The pale walls shimmer under carefully placed lighting.

Cave of Luis Salvador

Named after Archduke Ludwig Salvator who first commissioned the cave's exploration, this chamber features some of the most impressive stalactite curtains in the entire system.

Cave of the French

The deepest and most spectacular section, discovered by Martel's French expedition. It houses Lake Martel and the concert amphitheater where live music performances take place daily.

Lake Martel and the Underground Concerts

The undeniable highlight of any visit to Cuevas del Drach is reaching Lake Martel, a vast subterranean body of water approximately 115 meters long, 30 meters wide, and up to 12 meters deep. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding formations like a natural mirror, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Since the early 20th century, the caves have hosted classical music concerts performed by musicians on small rowboats that glide across the lake. As visitors sit in the natural amphitheater carved from the rock, they are treated to a short but unforgettable recital of works by composers such as Bach, Chopin, and Albinoni. The acoustics of the underground chamber lend a haunting, reverberant quality to the music that cannot be replicated in any conventional concert hall.

After the concert, visitors have the option to cross the lake by boat themselves, offering a closer look at the water and the formations that line its shores. This experience alone makes the Dragon Caves one of Mallorca's most unique attractions.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location Ctra. de les Coves, s/n, Porto Cristo, Mallorca, Spain
Opening Hours Open daily. Summer (April-October): 10:00-17:00. Winter (November-March): 10:45-15:30. Guided tours depart at set intervals.
Duration Approximately 1 hour, including a 10-minute concert on Lake Martel.
Temperature Constant 21 degrees Celsius and approximately 80% humidity. A light layer is recommended.
Accessibility The cave path includes steps and uneven surfaces. It is not fully wheelchair accessible, though efforts have been made to improve access in some areas.
Getting There The caves are located about 65 km east of Palma de Mallorca. Accessible by car (free parking available) or by bus from Palma and other resort towns.

Geology and Formation

The Dragon Caves were formed through a process known as karstification, where slightly acidic rainwater slowly dissolved the Miocene limestone bedrock over millions of years. The result is a complex network of passages decorated with an extraordinary variety of speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones, and draperies.

The cave extends to a maximum depth of 25 meters below the surface, and the interplay of freshwater and seawater in the underground lake creates unique geological conditions. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means that the water level in Lake Martel rises and falls with the tides, a phenomenon that has fascinated geologists since Martel's original expedition.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your preferred tour time, especially during July and August when the caves receive thousands of visitors daily.
  • Photography without flash is permitted, but tripods are not allowed due to the narrow walkways.
  • Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes as the path can be damp in places.
  • The caves maintain a pleasant temperature year-round, making them an excellent activity on both rainy days and extremely hot summer afternoons.
  • Consider combining your visit with a trip to Porto Cristo's beach and the nearby Coves del Hams, another impressive cave system just a short drive away.

Further Reading