DISCOVER THE BEST CAVES IN MALLORCA

When we say that something has a hidden face, many tend to see negative connotations in this statement. However, in the case of the largest of the Balearic Islands, nothing is further from reality, since some of its main claims are under the traveler’s feet. Or hidden behind spectacular geological formations. As if they were mysterious treasure chests, the insides of these tourist destinations are home to magnificent caves that deserve to be discovered without haste. And so you don’t miss any during your holiday, today we want to accompany you through the best caves in Mallorca.

With your rental car in Mallorca, it will be easy to move around the Majorcan geography in the easiest and fastest way, without depending on public transport and with the peace of mind that you can make the most of your stay on the island. As with a scooter rental in Mallorca, an even cheaper way to get around and, if you are visiting Palma, to travel around the streets of the capital, forgetting about traffic jams.

Ready to bring out the explorer within with this top-10?

Cova de Lourdes

Among the best caves in Mallorca, Lourdes is not among the best known, nor among the most popular. However, due to its long history, its simplicity and its undeniable charm, it is worth paying attention to this small cave, located at the exit of Santa Eugenia and on the route that takes the traveler to Ses Olleries. Known as Cueva de las Palomas until 1920, this rocky space serves as a niche for a sculpture of the Virgin of Lourdes, patron saint of this town in the center of Mallorca. Walking up a steep staircase of 100 steps, you will reach this venerated image and the place where, every February, a special mass is celebrated. In addition, from this site you will enjoy unique views.

Cova de l’Avenc de Son Pou

Just 7.5 km from the cave of Lourdes, another of the caves of Mallorca that you cannot miss awaits: l’Avenc de Son Pou. Belonging to the municipality of Santa Maria del Camí, this natural hypogeum is considered one of the most impressive geological phenomena of the Tramuntana mountain range, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. The cave which features a 20-meter tunnel, also belongs to the Natura 2000 Network. Specifically, it is located 150 m above the level of the Freu stream, near the Comellar des Bous and Alaró.

To get there, you can go from the center of Santa María or following the Oriente route, which runs through the beautiful Coanegra stream. Of course: keep in mind that the cave is usually closed to the public, so you should contact the tourist information offices in the area to check if access is possible on the dates in which you are planning to visit.

Because of its beauty, Cova de l’Avenc de Son Pou has inspired some Majorcan poets, such as Miquel Costa i Llobera or Josep Maria Llompart.

Cova de Sa Campana

We are not leaving the Tramuntana mountains yet, since they are home to another beautiful cave: Sa Campana, belonging to the municipality of Escorca. Located 317 m below ground level, this grotto of karst origin captivates the visitor thanks to its huge rooms, which are among the largest in the Balearic Islands. It was considered the deepest cave in Mallorca until 2008, when it was beaten by the Avenc de Puig Caragoler by just one meter.

To get to Cova de Sa Campana by car, take the famous Sa Calobra road (Ma-2141). After reaching 9.5 km, park the vehicle on the esplanade located on the right-hand side, from which the path leading to the route starts (it is perfectly signposted). Walking the final stretch takes approximately 40 minutes and requires comfortable and resistant footwear.

Coves Blanques

Located next to the sea and at the end of the promenade of the beach of Porto Cristo, these caves served as housing for some local fishermen and their families until mid-1888, date on which the Colònia del Carme was founded. It is not surprising that many people settled here, since these caves guaranteed a pleasant temperature during most of the year. Conditioned around 1844 by Gabriel Fornés, its nucleus was formed by the cave of the Perlines Patronet and two smaller annexes.

Artà caves

Located on the Carretera de les Coves, 1 km away from the coastal town of Canyamel and in the municipality of Capdepera, the Artà Caves are among the best caves in Mallorca. Also known as Coves de S’Ermità and located 150 meters high, they were not rediscovered until the early nineteenth century, although it is believed that they were occupied by the first inhabitants of the island. Among its most illustrious visitors, the poet Costa and Llobera and the archduke Luis Salvador, who described them in his work Die Balearen, stand out.

Its interior, always illuminated, exhibits a large number of stalactites and stalagmites, among which the so-called Queen of Columns, with more than 20 m high, stands out. We also advise you to contemplate the so-called Lobby, the Hall of the Columns, Hell, The Theater and the Hall of the Flags.

Caves of Gènova

The neighborhood of Genoa or Gènova, in Palma de Mallorca, houses the caves to which it owes its name, and which were discovered in 1906 while excavating to make a well. These 36-meter-deep caves are formed by underground galleries of calcareous origin, joined together by corridors chiseled by the action of water. Inside, there are also pools, domes and majestic geological formations that will leave you speechless.

The exact address is Carrer del Barranc, 45, and the opening hours for organized visits are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Mondays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 00 h. However, it is recommended to consult possible changes in low season, by sending an e-mail to sescovesdegenova@gmail.com.

Coves of the Campanet

These caves were discovered accidentally in 1945, while conducting surveys in search of water, and were opened to the public three years later. The caves accommodate about 3,000 m2 of galleries and limestone rock rooms, modeled by the erosive action of groundwater. Once inside, spend some time admiring its imposing stalactites and stalagmites, as well as some of its most striking cavities: the Palmera Room, the Red Room, the Lake Room, the Romantic Room, the Sonora Waterfall, The White Elephants, the Chapel of the Virgin and the Enchanted Hall. Myotragus balearicus fossils, an endemic prehistoric mammal of Mallorca and Menorca, have also been discovered here, so the place also stands out for its historical importance.

You will find this little gem on the amí de les Coves of the town of Campanet. Open every day of the week, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the summer season and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in winter.

Caves of Drach

If we talk about the best caves in Mallorca, we do not exaggerate if we place the beautiful Caves of Drach at the top of the ranking. These four caves, connected to each other and called the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Luis Salvador Cave and the French Cave, are located near Porto Cristo and in the municipality of Manacor, in the east of the island. The caves descend to a depth of 25 m and reach 2.4 km in length. Its formation is due to the entry of the Mediterranean’s waters, a process that some experts date back to the Miocene. However, its main claim is its extensive underground lake, the so-called Martel Lake, about 115 m long and 30 m wide, which makes it one of the largest underground lakes in Europe.

From November 1 to March 10, visits are carried out at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and from March 11 to October 31, at 10 a.m.; 11:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Closed on December 25 and January 1.

Cova dels Hams

Les Coves del Drach are not the only ones found in Porto Cristo. In fact, this town also has the world-famous Cova dels Hams, whose name has to do with its particular hook shape (Ham means hook in Catalan). Discovered in 1905, they were the first caves that were opened to the public in Spain, in 1910. The visit begins by going down to the Round Cave, which accommodates a botanical garden, and continues through the Blue Cave, where a documentary is projected on the history of Mallorca and these caves. From there, you can access the Classic cave, which has 12 galleries, where the underground lake Mar de Venecia is located, prepared to host musical shows. Hence, it is an ideal option for an excursion around Mallorca.

Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the time of year. For more information, we recommend you check the tiemtables before your trip to Mallorca.

Cuevas de Cala Varques

On the road that goes from Porto Cristo to Portocolom, the picturesque virgin cove of Cala Varques unfolds, undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Mallorca. In addition to being the perfect excuse for a swim, here you will find three caves with which we close our tour of the best caves in Mallorca: Cova des Pont, Cova des Xot and Cova des Pirata. Open to tourism in 1987 and enabled with stairs, they are full of limestone formations, which include stalactites and stalagmites.

Do you want to help us complete this list? Would you like to share some advice for those who have in mind visiting some of these caves in Mallorca? If so, please share your comments with us!