Boat ride inside the Caves of Drach, Mallorca

The secret of the Caves of Drach in Mallorca

Mallorca

Did you know that hidden inside the Caves of Drach there’s a huge lake? It's over 115 metres long, and it's called Lake Martel. Prepare to be amazed! It's no surprise that these waters are considered to be one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world. 

To get there you'll need to go directly to the town of Manacor, near Porto Cristo, one of the prettiest fishing villages in the west of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. The Caves of Drach are four stunning natural beauties called the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Cave of Luis Salvador, and the Cave of the French. They're all interconnected and are an extremely important part of the heritage of the area.

Views of Porto Cristo, Mallorca

It was in 1896 that the French speleologist E. A. Martel ventured into the depths of the cave, observed how the rain slowly pooled in the hollows, seeping through walls, and creating small chambers full of magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. As soon as you arrive and go into the Baños Diana, you'll notice how warm it is there. You won't be needing your overcoat, because the average temperature is around 18°C all year round. So just relax and enjoy. Visits take around an hour, and include a live classical music concert. For ten minutes, a quartet of cellos, harpsichord and two violins will play something wonderful for you.  These shows started in 1935. 

Views of the interior of the Caves of Drach in Mallorca

You'll gradually discover that the caves are beautifully conserved and illuminated thanks to the Catalan engineer Carles Buïgas, known as the wizard of light. His play of light and shadow makes the caves hugely atmospheric as well as enhancing their beauty; ideal for celebrating a very special moment with a relaxing boat ride. As the boat gently rocks, you'll discover the depths of the cave and its waters. Waters that are slightly salty, and that rise and fall depending on the wind and the moon. You’ll be able to get an idea of how deep it is by studying the colours as they change. Green means a depth of around three metres, blue some eight metres, and white just one. And don't worry, during the whole of the trip you'll be able to take photos and film everything you see.  

Views of the interior of the Caves of Drach in Mallorca

Your ticket will show the time of your visit, and how long you have to complete it. You can either make your reservation via the Internet or at the caves themselves, whichever you prefer. Places on each trip are limited, and only those holding a ticket will be able to go in. Take advantage of being in the area and visit the old quarter of Manacor and the church of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors. Have a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of cala Morlanda. Laze on the fine white sand of cala Mendia. And explore the greenway between Manacor and Artà, a beautiful 29 km trail where you can get closer to the wealth of fauna and flora in the area. 

Visitors inside the Caves of Drach in Mallorca
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