Besides its capital Palma, its breathtaking beaches and bays, Mallorca is also known for its underground caves. The stalactite caves in Mallorca Coves del Hams and the Coves del Drach are a popular destination for tourists. The caves can be found in Porto Cristo. It is a pleasant duty on Mallorca to make a trip to one of the caves on the island. Especially if you have the opportunity to rent a car, it is worthwhile to visit the caves. Their mysterious nature captivates many tourists every year. The history of the caves is also exciting, as until not so long ago smugglers used to hide in the caves. They also served as homes for local people. The stalactite caves were formed over many millennia, as the island of Mallorca consists of soft limestone that is prone to erosion. These conditions created these beautiful places, which are now visited en masse by tourists. In total, there are around 200 cave systems on Mallorca. However, not all caves can be visited.
How were stalactite caves like Coves dels Hams and the Dragon Caves formed?
Stalactites are formed by water dripping from the ceiling. However, this is not pure water. The water consists of lime that has dissolved from the environment. In the course of time, they continue to grow and take on their unusual shape. Depending on the arrangement of the stalactite, one speaks of stalactite, stalagmite or stalagnate. Stalactites grow from the ceiling, whereas stalagmites can grow upwards from the floor. Relatively rare is stalagnate, which grows as a continuous columnar form. Stalactites grow very slowly. You can remember that they grow about eight to 15 millimetres per 100 years.
Important to mention: It is not allowed to touch stalactites. As soon as a person touches a stalactite, its growth stops. The reason for this phenomenon is the layer of fat that every person has on their fingers. Through the touch, the lime can no longer be deposited afterwards.
There are numerous caves in the region around Porto Cristo, in the Serres de Llevant areas in the east of the island and in Campanet. Some caves are easy to enter and suitable for everyone. Other caves, however, can only be reached by diving through the water. Thus, a visit is only suitable for people who have already gained diving experience.
Coves del Drach in Porto Cristo
The Cuevas del Drach, the Dragon Caves, are definitely one of Mallorca’s most famous sights. The cave system is located on the east coast of Mallorca south of Porto Cristo. Mallorca’s Dragon Caves are about 1,200 metres long and lie about 25 metres below the surface. They are among the most remarkable caves on the island. It is possible to visit four interconnected caves. In them you can reach a total of seven lakes, which are among the highlights. The largest subterranean lake in Europe, Lake Martel, is located in a cave called the “Grotto of the French”. The 170-metre-long lake serves as a venue for classical music performances. A lot of emphasis is placed on naturalness in the lighting of the Dragon Caves. The light colours together with the lake create a harmonious play of colours. Benches are set up by the underground lake. Mobile phones and cameras may not be used during the show, as it is not permitted to take pictures or videos. After the concert, there is the possibility to cover a short distance on the lake by boat. The small boat trip is a highlight for the younger guests. If desired, it is possible to cross a bridge on foot.
Coves dels Hams in Porto Cristo
Similar to the Cuevas del Drach, the Cuevas dels Hams are among the most famous caves in Mallorca. They are smaller but offer tourists a similarly breathtaking programme on their excursions. Their tree-like stalactite formations are impressive to many visitors. Their shape is reminiscent of hooks. Because of this peculiarity, they are called “the fishhook cave” in German. The reflections in the clear water of the lake create a beautiful picture that many like to admire. The cave was discovered and explored in 1905 and has played an important role in tourism on Mallorca ever since. Since then, many excursions have taken place. At the lake at the end of the tour, it is possible to enjoy a concert with a light show. The light show in this cave is unique, as it makes the walls and stalactites shine in bright and fascinating colours. Guided tours of the caves are also popular. They are extensive and provide background knowledge about the history and formation of the caves.
Other caves in Mallorca in Campanet and Canyamel
Besides the Coves del Drach and Coves dels Hams, there are numerous caves on Mallorca that are of great importance. The Coves d`Artà are located in Canyamel in the east of the island. They have a natural entrance and offer a breathtaking view of the bay. The cave system has been visited since the 16th century. The path through the cave is about 700 metres long and the cave system has a total area of 6000m². At the end of the tour, you have a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the bay through the natural exit. There are also the caves of Campanet. They are located in the north of Mallorca and are not yet heavily used for mass tourism. They have a total area of 3200 m² and the path has a distance of 500 metres. For their guests, these caves offer a special holiday experience. The stalactite caves in Mallorca are the ideal excursion destination for the days of the year when it is particularly hot or rainy. If you are interested, you can purchase tickets directly on the respective website.
