Cave systems around the world are always fascinating, otherworldly attractions that are always worth seeing but some are more impressive or evocative than others. One of the most magical cave systems that you could ever hope to visit, one that really does seem as if you have been transported to some underworld from myth and legend, is the Cuevas del Drach, or Drach Caves, in Mallorca. Just one of the many incredible natural gems to uncover and discover in the remarkable and breathtaking landscape of this paradise on earth, if you're interested in pretty surroundings, outdoor pursuits, and adventure (subterranean or otherwise), then browse our vacation rentals in Mallorca and get planning your next getaway to this magical island.
The Cuevas del Drach comprise four different caves that are called the Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador, and Cave of the French and are located in the municipality of Manacor, near the locality of Porto Cristo. Formed by water being forced through the entrance from the Mediterranean Sea, the caves are thought to date back to the Miocene Epoch, some 5 to 23 million years ago. They are, without a doubt, one of the island’s main tourist attractions and are truly staggering in scale, with a horizontal extension of about 1,200m and a maximum depth of 25m below ground level, and they also contain a large underground lake, Lake Martel (115m in length by 30m in width), that is considered one of the largest underground lakes in the entire world.
The Cuevas del Drach comprise four different caves that are called the Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador, and Cave of the French and are located in the municipality of Manacor, near the locality of Porto Cristo. Formed by water being forced through the entrance from the Mediterranean Sea, the caves are thought to date back to the Miocene Epoch, some 5 to 23 million years ago. They are, without a doubt, one of the island’s main tourist attractions and are truly staggering in scale, with a horizontal extension of about 1,200m and a maximum depth of 25m below ground level, and they also contain a large underground lake, Lake Martel (115m in length by 30m in width), that is considered one of the largest underground lakes in the entire world.
First mentioned in a letter that dates back to 1338, the caves have been well-known since the Middle Ages but were not truly explored until the 19th century. It was then, in 1880, that the German cave explorer M. F. Will, having heard of the caves, came to explore them. He uncovered and mapped the Black Cave and the White Cave and then fifteen years later, in 1896, the French explorer and scientist Édouard-Alfred Martel, who is considered the founding father of speleology, came to further inspect the cave system. It was Martel who discovered the other two caves in the system, the Cave of Luis Salvador and the Cave of the French, and the Lake Martel, which was named for him.
Between 1922 and 1935 the caves were prepared for visitors and to be opened to the public. A new entrance was created. Paths, stairs, and handrails were introduced and an electric lighting system was designed by the engineer Mr. Buigas and added to allow access to the caves by the public. Since being opened to public in the 1930s, the caves have been an incredibly popular tourist attraction and are now, undeniably, one of the must-see spots on Mallorca. The tour that is offered today is rather special and lasts about an hour, taking visitors along the paths through the marvelous caves and on a boat trip across Lake Martel that even includes a classical music concert, which sees another boat occupied by musicians with instruments (including a standup piano!) making the most of the incredible acoustics afforded by this magical space.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Mallorca and you are interested in both a little bit of adventure and beautiful sights, set aside some time to explore this otherworldly gem. Just be prepared to potentially perspire (the temperature inside is constantly at about 21°C and the humidity is at 80%) and to be awed! One of the most extraordinary sights in all of Spain, a visit to the stunning Cuevas del Drach is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is definitely not to be missed.
Between 1922 and 1935 the caves were prepared for visitors and to be opened to the public. A new entrance was created. Paths, stairs, and handrails were introduced and an electric lighting system was designed by the engineer Mr. Buigas and added to allow access to the caves by the public. Since being opened to public in the 1930s, the caves have been an incredibly popular tourist attraction and are now, undeniably, one of the must-see spots on Mallorca. The tour that is offered today is rather special and lasts about an hour, taking visitors along the paths through the marvelous caves and on a boat trip across Lake Martel that even includes a classical music concert, which sees another boat occupied by musicians with instruments (including a standup piano!) making the most of the incredible acoustics afforded by this magical space.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Mallorca and you are interested in both a little bit of adventure and beautiful sights, set aside some time to explore this otherworldly gem. Just be prepared to potentially perspire (the temperature inside is constantly at about 21°C and the humidity is at 80%) and to be awed! One of the most extraordinary sights in all of Spain, a visit to the stunning Cuevas del Drach is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is definitely not to be missed.