Caves of Drach: Day Trips and Tours from Mallorca

Nestled on the eastern coast of Mallorca, the Caves of Drach are one of the most impressive natural wonders on the Balearic island of Mallorca.

The “Dragon Caves,” as they are known, were discovered in the Middle Ages and are among the largest in Europe. Caves of Drach day trips in Mallorca are popular among travelers all year long.

The cavern system of stalactites and stalagmites offers an impressive view and scientific insight into the major geological shifts through the ages.

It also features Europe’s largest underground lake, named after Edouard Martel, who explored the caves in the late 1800s. While swimming in the lake is prohibited, there are many sandy beaches nearby for a refreshing dip.

Here's all you need to know about the Caves of Drach, one of the most breathtaking day trips in Mallorca.

How to get to the Caves of Drach in Mallorca?

The Caves of Drach are in Porto Cristo, which is about 60 kilometers to the east of the capital of Mallorca, Palma. Porto Cristo is easily accessible by car and public transportation, with the journey taking 1 to 2 hours, depending on the route.

From Palma to the Caves of Drach by car

The most direct route from Palma is via the Ma-15 up to Manacor, and from there you continue along the Ma-4020 to reach Porto Cristo.

The Caves of Drach are in the south of the town and are accessible on foot or via the Ma-4014. A taxi from Palma may cost between €75 and €95.

From Palma to the Caves of Drach by public transportation

You can reach the Caves of Drach via bus from the Estació Intermodal station in Palma. The 401 bus service takes about an hour and 20 minutes to reach the Caves of Drach, with tickets costing €8 to €11.

You may also take the T3 train from Estació Intermodal to Manacor Estació and then continue with the 401 bus from Estació de Tren to reach Porto Cristo. This route takes about two hours, at a cost of €4 to €7 per person.

Guided tour to the Caves of Drach in Mallorca

Should you prefer to avoid the public transit system or drive out yourself to Porto Cristo, consider booking a guided day trip.

Aside from providing a guided tour of the cavern system, most tours include transportation from your hotel or other convenient meeting point.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Caves of Drach cost?

• Adults (aged 13 and above): €17
• Children (aged 3-12): €10
• Children under aged 3: Free

Caves of Drach tickets include a tour of the cavern system, a live concert and the option to cross Lake Martel by boat or on foot.

Tickets bought online are discounted and crucially allow you to book a specific time slot, up to 30 days in advance.

What is the typical itinerary?

Should you opt for a guided tour that includes transportation, you will be picked up from your hotel in Palma.

From there, the ride across the island to the Caves of Drach takes about an hour. There are also day trips via boat, for a more scenic, aquatic route.

Upon arrival, a tour guide will show you around the cavern system, where you can take photos and enjoy a light show simulating sunrise in the caves.

The tour lasts about an hour, and afterwards, you may also explore Porto Cristo, before returning to Palma.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Caves of Drach?

Day tours of the Caves of Drach and Pearl Museum from Palma

Group excursions are the most affordable way to explore the Caves of Drach.

These packages typically include a guided tour of the caves, a stroll around Porto Cristo and other nearby areas of interest (such as the pearl museum) and bus transport. Trips may last half or a full day.

Guided boat tours of the Caves of Drach from Palma

Should you wish to take to the seas, you can combine your visit the Caves of Drach with a boat trip to explore the island’s eastern coast.

Starting from Sa Coma, about 6 kilometers north of Porto Cristo, you can explore the coves and beaches in the area, such as Cala Petita and Cala Morlanda, on a catamaran or even a glass-bottom boat.

Private guided tours of Porto Cristo and the Caves of Drach from Palma

For a more exclusive excursion of the Caves of Drach and the eastern side of the island, a private guided tour will offer you privacy and flexibility.

An experienced guide will show you around the caves and town, explaining the local culture and delights it has to offer at your own pace. These guided tours may also include lunch and entrance fees to other local sites, such as the Pearl Museum.

How much does a tour cost?

Guided tours to the Caves of Drach from Palma cost €40 to €65 per person and include transportation and entrance fees. Guided boat tours come at an additional cost of €15 to €25.

The cost of a private guided tour ranges from €110 to €160 per person for a group of 4, depending on the duration and areas visited. These tours include a personal guide, entrance fees, transportation and, in certain cases, a meal.

What will you see and do?

Caves of Hams

In Porto Cristo you will also find another cavern system, the Caves of Hams. These caves may be smaller than the Drach, but are equally impressive and also feature an underground lake with a music and light show.

The caves got their name from the local word for harpoons, which was used to describe the uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Additionally, the Caves of Hams has a dinosaur park.

Porto Cristo

The town of Porto Cristo also has many restaurants and cafés, to catch your breath and enjoy some food and wine experiences in Mallorca after a day at the caves.

In the seaside town, which you can explore on foot, you will find markets and shops with locally produced goods and souvenirs.

While you are there, you may also want to visit one of the many sandy beaches in the area for a swim and some sunbathing, such as Cala Petita and Cala Anguila.

Coastal tour

You can explore the eastern coast of the island on a speedboat or a glass bottom catamaran, for a more relaxed experience. It is easy to book a boat tour in Mallorca to discover the coves in the area.

If you would like an even closer look at the wonders that lay beneath the waves, you can arrange a scuba diving in Mallorca.

Mallorca Pearl Factory

Half way between Palma and Porto Cristo, just outside Montuiri, you will find the Mallorca Pearl Factory. There you can learn about the rich history of pearls and how they are made traditionally on the Mediterranean island. The pearl factory is open to visits on weekdays and features an impressive showroom where you can view and buy pearl jewelry.

What are the opening times?

The Caves of Drach open at 10:30 AM from Nov, 1 to March 13, and the final tour is scheduled at 3:30 PM. From March 14 to Oct. 31, the opening time is 10 AM and the last admission is at 5 PM. The caves are closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

When is the best time to visit the Caves of Drach?

The best time to visit the Caves of Drach is in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperatures are lower and the crowds are smaller.

During the day the temperature inside the caves ranges from 17 to 21 degrees Celsius, while the humidity levels can be rather high at 80%. The caves are not affected by the rain, so you can visit them throughout the year.

Travel tips

• Book your tickets to the Caves of Drach online for a better price and to guarantee a specific tour slot since the site is rather popular during the high season.
• Tours from the cave staff members are not guided, however, a tour brochure is available in nine different languages.
• The path of the tour is about 1,200 meters, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes without heels. Due to the humidity levels, the path can be a bit slippery in certain areas.