Majorca's limestone subsoil is riddled with hundreds of caves, carved by water over millions of years. Some are open to visitors and are among the island's most famous attractions, especially on the east coast.
Coves del Drach
The Dragon Caves at Porto Cristo, in Manacor municipality, are the most famous. The route of about 1.2 km passes halls full of stalactites and stalagmites to Lake Martel, one of Europe's largest underground lakes, discovered by French speleologist Édouard-Alfred Martel in 1896. The visit ends with a short classical music concert played by musicians on illuminated boats gliding across the lake, with the option of crossing it by boat. The caves are open all year with timed entry: book online in summer.
Coves dels Hams
Also in Porto Cristo, the Hooks Caves are named after their hook-shaped formations and also offer a route with underground lakes, the Mar de Venecia, and a music and light show.
Coves d'Artà
The Artà Caves, in Capdepera municipality, open on a cliff above the sea at Canyamel. They are huge, with towering halls such as the "Queen of Columns", a stalagmite over 20 metres high. Tradition says they inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. They were used as a refuge by pirates and smugglers.
Other caves
- The Coves de Campanet, inland near Inca, smaller and quieter, with delicate formations.
- The Cova de Gènova in Palma, discovered in 1906.
- Sea caves, such as Cabrera's Cova Blava and caves on the north coast and Formentor peninsula, visited by kayak or boat trip.
- Caves for caving and cave diving, for experts.
Tips
Inside the caves the temperature is a constant 20°C or so, but humidity is high. Steps and passages can be slippery: wear comfortable shoes. The caves are a good option on rainy days and combine well with Manacor, home of the pearl factory, and the eastern coves (see beaches).