• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • CRETE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • MADEIRA
    • MALLORCA
    • PORTUGAL
    • SANTORINI
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • TIPS
  • EBOOKS
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT

7 Best Caves in Mallorca (tips + photos)

Last updated on March 2, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

Some of the most fascinating attractions on Mallorca island are the "Cuevas", especially Drach and Hams. 
But there are other options worth considering, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.
Some lesser known caves are my favorites!
Below are the 7 best Mallorca caves you can visit around the island with photos, tips and map.

Before all my tips + photos, let me share my best-of to plan your Mallorca trip:

car rental

My favorite platform to rent a car in Mallorca: Discovercars

boat

My favorite boat tour: dolphin watching from Alcudia

bus

My favorite day trip from Palma: Port de Soller and Valldemossa

hotel

My favorite places to stay to explore the island:

  • Palma de Mallorca - see best rated hotels - e.g. Hotel Posada Terra Santa
  • Port d'Alcudia - see best rated hotels - e.g. Bonavida apartments
  • Cala d'or - see best rated hotels - e.g. Casa Ceiba Maria
  • In a Finca in the heart of the island - I suggest Finca Cas Sant
best caves Mallorca Pin

Table Of Contents
1 - Coves d'Arta - Best Mallorca Cave
2 - Campanet Caves - the prettiest
3 - Portals Vells Caves - for something different
4 - Drach Caves - most famous caves in Mallorca
5 - Hams Caves - with a unique feature
6 - Cuevas de Genova - the Palma Caves
7 - Cala Sant Vicenç prehistoric caves
What about the Blue Caves in Mallorca? Plus, sea-Caving
About the caves in Mallorca - Map, tips...

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


1 - Coves d'Arta - Best Mallorca Cave

Coves d'Arta - old entrance

Arta Caves entrance

For me , there is no question.
The best experience is at Coves d'Arta, a.k.a. the Arta Caves.
They are not the best for photography, but the visit brought me to tears.
I visited it last, so I was worried about getting bored, but on the contrary, I had a blast!
I especially loved:

  • The impressive entrance in the sea cliff facing the water,
  •  The impressive size of the columns and stalagmites,
  • The quantity of columns,
  • The nice size of the group, not too big,
  • The music experience. Exactly what I was hoping (as I was disappointed in the other caves... no details, I am not spoiling the surprise for you!).

Just know that because of its situation, the cave has been inhabited a long time, and there are a lot of dark colors compared to other caves, because of that.

Arta caves
  • Location -
    Not far from the towns of Arta and Capdepera
    East end of the island
    Palma de Mallorca to Arta Caves = 1h10 drive
    Alcudia to Arta Caves = 50min drive
  • Type -
    Karst Caves
  • Opening hours -
    Entrance every 30 minutes
    10am to 5pm
    Tour is guided and takes around 40 minutes
    Check out latest info on official website
  • Price -
    15 euros
  • Practical info -
    Drive is easy
    Parking is limited (note: there are 2 carparks, one near the entrance and one 200m away along the road)
    The tour includes 425 steps. They are spread out throughout the walk.
    Caves are rather large, not too bad for claustrophobia.

Need to rent a car in Mallorca?
My tips:

  • Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
  • Choose your car and company (prefer a smaller car for the narrow roads)
  • Consider their full coverage option (I recommend it because of the narrow roads)
  • Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Mallorca


2 - Campanet Caves - the prettiest

Campanet Caves

Beautiful structures in Campanet Caves

My second choice is still not one of the most famous cave systems on the island. It is the Campanet Caves.
This is the one with the most beautiful structures, in my opinion (and in the opinion of my Arta Caves Tour Guide too).
The lighting is very well done so you can really enjoy the details and beauty of the place.
Plus, it was only discovered in 1945, so the rock crystallizations and structures are in a very good condition.

The walking path takes you around a 600m long route to discover several chambers.
And the views from the café restaurant are beautiful, out of the beaten path. One of Mallorca's hidden gems.

Campanet Caves - feature
  • Location -
    Close to main road across island Ma-13.
    Not far from Alcudia
    Palma de Mallorca to Campanet Caves = 35min drive
    Alcudia to Campanet Caves = 20min drive
  • Type -
    Karst Caves
  • Opening hours -
    Plan 40minutes to complete the tour of the cave
    Check the latest info on the official website
  • Price -
    15€
    Pre-book your ticket here
  • Practical info -
    Drive is easy.
    Parking is easy.
    Walk is more difficult. There are many tall steps, even just to reach the restaurant and the entrance of the cave from the carpark.

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, maps and tips) in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Mallorca road trip:

Plan your dream road trip around Mallorca!

Travel Guide Mallorca ebook cover S2
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 140+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning tips to make the most of your time
  • 270+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


3 - Portals Vells Caves - for something different

Porta Vells caves

Porta Vells caves' entrances

Now, let's switch things up.
Before I continue with the famous karst caves, I think the Portals Vells Caves also deserve a visit.
Those are mining caves in the sea cliffs.
Mining in this area started in the Middle Ages. The caves are also known as « Ses Coves de Mare de Deu » (The Caves of the Blessed Mother).
The sandstone was used to build the cathedral in Palma as well as Palaces.

I really loved:

  • The short hike to get to the caves,
  • The stone carvings and the altar that testify to the history of the seamen who anchored there,
  • The size of the entrance holes,
  • The views from the cave,
  • The small beach nearby,
  • The views of those caves from across the bay,
  • ....

Learn more

Porta Vells cave - inside
  • Location -
    South West of Palma de Mallorca
    Palma de Mallorca to Portals Vells = 30min drive
    Alcudia to Portals Vells = 1h drive
  • Type -
    Mining caves
  • Opening hours -
    Free access
    10 to 15min hike from the carpark to the caves
    Plan 1h to 1h30 to enjoy the caves, the area and walk on the other side too.
  • Price -
    Free access
  • Practical info -
    Easy drive and good size carpark
    Hike is not difficult. At one point, it is not clear where the path is (it is up not at sea level). But you find out quickly.
    And don't forget to walk on the left side of the restaurant as well to see the cave's entrances from a distance.

4 - Drach Caves - most famous caves in Mallorca

Drach caves

Beautiful structures in Drach Caves

The Drach Caves are the most popular on the island.
I think the caves are beautiful but the experience is not for everyone, and you should be aware of the reality of the tour.

Pros:

  • Lots of beautiful structures in good conditions
  • Several chambers
  • High quantity of small stalactites falling from the ceilings
  • Lake Martel, which is one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world (177m long and 30m wide)
  • Music is with live musicians

Cons:

  • The groups are huge - 420 people max - you are hoarded along the path
  • For the music experience, it takes 15minutes for everyone to sit and 10 for everyone to leave...
  • The choice of music is not what I was hoping for (but that is a personal preference)
Drach caves river
  • Location -
    Near the town of Porto Cristo
    Palma de Mallorca to Cuevas del Drach = 1h drive
    Alcudia to Cuevas del Drach = 1h drive
  • Type -
    Karst Caves
  • Opening hours -
    Guided tour takes 1h10 
    Every hour
    Check out the latest info on the official website
  • Price -
    15€
    Book your ticket up to 7 days in advance on site above - can get full!
  • Practical info -
    Easy drive and large carpark
    1.2km loop
    Around 250 steps (including 100 in a row up at the end)
    The group size is up to 420 people!!! Be aware.
    If you don't rent a car, day trips are organized from many locations - see some options

I don't drink coffee

But I like other drinks and foods!
Do you enjoy the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising...

Claire ZigZag
Buy me a coffee

5 - Hams Caves - with a unique feature

Hams Caves and trees

Open cave between 2 visits at Hams' Caves

I was so surprised how different the experience is at Hams' caves, despite being so close to Drach Caves.
The tour includes 2 sections.

Pros:

  • While you wait to go in each area, you sit under the giant open cave with vegetation
  • The first video documentary in the Blue Cave is quite interesting and the right length
  • The classic cave is home to a unique feature called Fishhooks. The geologists still can't explain their formations.

Cons:

  • There are a lot fewer structures to look at, chambers are small
  • The music experience is very strange in my opinion (but maybe Germans will enjoy it)
  • There is quite a lot of waiting time
Hams Caves - hooks

Fishhooks in Hams Caves.

  • Location -
    Near the town of Porto Cristo
    Palma de Mallorca to Hams' Caves = 1h drive
    Alcudia to Hams' Caves = 1h drive
  • Type -
    Karst Caves
  • Opening hours -
    The tour with both visits lasts 1h
    Groups of reasonable size
    Check out the latest info on the official website
  • Price -
    19€
    Pre-book your ticket here (if guarantees your entrance but does not reduce the lines that much...)
  • Practical info -
    Easy drive and large carpark
    850m long path
    380 steps either up or down, and a few are quite steep
    The classic cave is not ideal for claustrophobic people. The chambers are quite small.
    If you don't rent a car, day trips are organized from many locations - see some options

Where to stay in Mallorca?
My tips:

  • For a choice of restaurants and a main town - see best rated accommodations in Palma
  • For beach + practical location to explore - see best rated accommodations in Port d'Alcudia
  • For a party area - see best rated accommodations in S'Arenal
  • For a quiet in the mountains - see best rated accommodations in Valldemossa
  • For a quiet, charming seaside place - see best rated accommodations in Canyamel
  • For access to the best calas - see best rated accommodations in Cala d'or
  • For families - see best rated accommodations in Cala Millor or in Colonia Sant Jordi

More tips on my article about where to stay in Mallorca


6 - Cuevas de Genova - the Palma Caves

Cuevas de Genova

If you are looking for the caves closest to Palma de Mallorca, then the Genova caves are your best option.
This is a small cave system just under a neighborhood. You access it via a restaurant.
It is a short visit with some nice structures, but many colors of lighting.

It is quite fun because of its location, but be aware that the visit is short.

Cuevas de Genova 2
  • Location -
    Suburbs of Palma de Mallorca
    Palma de Mallorca old center to Genova Caves = 15min drive
    Alcudia to Genova Caves = 45min drive
  • Type -
    Karst Caves
  • Opening hours -
    11am to 4:30pm
    Explore at your own rhythm, no guide - it takes around 15minutes
    Check out the latest info on the official website
  • Price -
    10€
  • Practical info -
    Just under a restaurant
    Good size carpark across the street.
    Avoid if you have claustrophobia. Small chambers.

7 - Cala Sant Vicenç prehistoric caves

Cala Sant Vicenç prehistoric caves

Let's move to something different again.
Near Cala Sant Vicenc, you can find burial artificial caves from the Middle Bronze Age.

A short walk around a hill allows you to discover the caves of the Alzineret:

  • Oval chamber caves, simple structure
  • Extended rectangular ground caves, with more complex structures including ceiling, corridor...

Inside are graves, benches, burial niches...

Cala Sant Vicenç prehistoric caves 2
  • Location -
    Near Cala Sant Vicenc
    Palma de Mallorca to Alzineret prehistoric caves = 1h20 drive
    Alcudia to Alzineret prehistoric caves = 25min drive
  • Type -
    Prehistoric Burial Caves
  • Opening hours -
    Free access
  • Price -
    Free access
  • Practical info -
    Easy parking on the street
    Easy walk
    GPS coordinates in my eBook.

Plan your trip to Mallorca:

tips key
  • My itineraries : 3 days - weekend, 4 days, 5 days, 1 week, 10 days
  • 36 tips to rent a car in Mallorca
  • Guide to driving in Mallorca
  • Where to stay in Mallorca
  • Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
  • Best things to do in Mallorca

What about the Blue Caves in Mallorca? Plus, sea-Caving

Several locations are called blue caves in Mallorca:

  • One of the 2 caves in Ham's caves (but it is not really blue...)
  • A small sea cave on Cabrera island (Cova Blava) where the light reflects on the water in the afternoon, creating a blue glow - book boat tour
  • Another sea cave in the peninsulas near Alcudia and Pollença - here as well, the light reflects on the water creating a blue glow - Book a snorkeling tour

Sea-caving experience!

And for an experience even more amazing, consider going sea-caving; You won't forget this unique experience!
Learn more


About the caves in Mallorca - Map, tips...

How many caves are in Mallorca?

It is written that Mallorca is home to over 200 cave systems.
Regarding Karst Caves, only 5 are open to visitors (as listed in this article).
But there are also many sea caves, mining caves and more.

Map - 5 Mallorca Karst caves to visit

Below is a map to help you locate those 5 Mallorca Cuevas.

visit Mallorca caves map

Mallorca Caves Map

Where to stay in Mallorca?
My tips:

  • For a choice of restaurants and a main town - see best rated accommodations in Palma
  • For beach + practical location to explore - see best rated accommodations in Port d'Alcudia
  • For a party area - see best rated accommodations in S'Arenal
  • For a quiet in the mountains - see best rated accommodations in Valldemossa
  • For a quiet, charming seaside place - see best rated accommodations in Canyamel
  • For access to the best calas - see best rated accommodations in Cala d'or
  • For families - see best rated accommodations in Cala Millor or in Colonia Sant Jordi

More tips on my article about where to stay in Mallorca


Want to see more of Mallorca?

  • 40 most beautiful landscapes in Mallorca (with pictures) - read article
  • 10 best calas in Mallorca (coves) - read article
  • 12 Mallorca hidden gems, off the beaten path - read article
  • 21 most beautiful views in Mallorca - read article
  • Mallorca travel tips - read article
  • Driving in Mallorca - read article
  • One week in Mallorca - 5 itinerary suggestions - read article
  • 21 Most beautiful towns and villages in Mallorca - read article
  • 21 Best beaches in Mallorca - read article

Planning a trip to Mallorca?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your dream road trip around Mallorca!

Travel Guide Mallorca ebook cover S2
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 140+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning tips to make the most of your time
  • 270+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Mallorca travel Journal

PREVIOUS: 

15 Best Talayots and Ruins in Mallorca

NEXT: 

12 Mallorca hidden gems, off the beaten path

Mallorca Travel Guide

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Footer

CONTACT ME

Search

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr

LoireLovers.fr

CorsicaLovers.fr

 

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2023 ZigZag On Earth · Log in