Drach Caves: Lake Martel and Underground Concerts

Last updated: February 1, 2026

The Drach Caves, or Coves del Drac in Catalan, rank among the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Mallorca. Located on the eastern coast near the town of Porto Cristo, this system of four interconnected caves extends to a depth of 25 metres and stretches approximately 4 kilometres underground. The highlight for most visitors is Lake Martel, one of the world's largest subterranean lakes, where daily classical music concerts are performed from illuminated boats.

A Long History of Exploration

References to the caves date back to the Middle Ages, but systematic exploration did not begin until the late nineteenth century. In 1896, the French speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel carried out the first major scientific study of the cave system, mapping its passages and discovering the large underground lake that now bears his name. His work revealed the full extent of the four caves: the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Cave of Luis Salvador, and the Cave of the French.

Throughout the twentieth century, the caves were gradually developed for tourism. Pathways were constructed, lighting was installed, and the boat concert tradition was established, turning the caves into one of the most visited natural sites in the Balearic Islands.

Lake Martel

Lake Martel measures approximately 115 metres in length and 30 metres in width, with a maximum depth of around 14 metres. The water is remarkably clear and still, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding stalactites and stalagmites. The lake sits at the deepest point of the cave system, roughly 25 metres below the surface.

What makes the lake truly special is its role as a concert venue. Each visit concludes with a short classical music performance: musicians in small boats glide across the dark water, their instruments lit by soft lamps while the rest of the cave falls into complete darkness. The effect is striking, as the music echoes off the cave walls and the boats seem to float above their own reflections. Further details about the cave's geological features can be found on the Wikipedia page for Cuevas del Drach.

When the lights go out and the first notes of a violin rise from a boat on Lake Martel, there is a collective intake of breath. It is one of those rare experiences that photographs simply cannot convey.

The Tour Experience

Guided tours last approximately one hour and cover around 1.2 kilometres of the cave system. The route is mostly flat and well-paved, making it accessible for visitors of varying mobility. Temperatures inside the caves hover around 21 degrees Celsius, with high humidity, so light clothing is usually sufficient. Photography is permitted in most areas, though flash photography and tripods are discouraged.

The tour moves through a succession of chambers filled with formations that have been shaped over millions of years. The lighting has been carefully designed to highlight the most impressive stalactite curtains, flowstone formations, and columns. At the conclusion of the walk, visitors gather at the edge of Lake Martel for the concert before being offered a short boat ride across the lake to the exit.

When to Visit

The caves are open year-round, but summer months see the highest visitor numbers. If possible, plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest tour groups, which often arrive from coach excursions between 11:00 and 14:00. Autumn and spring offer a more relaxed atmosphere, and the reduced crowds allow you to spend more time appreciating the details of the formations.

Combining with Porto Cristo

Porto Cristo is a pleasant harbour town with a sandy beach, a selection of seafood restaurants, and a quiet promenade along the waterfront. It makes a good base for exploring the eastern coast of Mallorca. The nearby Coves dels Hams, another cave system with its own underground lake, can be visited on the same day for those with a particular interest in speleology.

Getting There

Porto Cristo is located about 65 kilometres east of Palma de Mallorca. The drive takes roughly one hour along the MA-15 motorway. Public buses connect Palma with Porto Cristo, and many organised tours include transport from hotels across the island. The cave entrance is about one kilometre south of the Porto Cristo town centre.

For current ticket prices and online booking, visit the official Drach Caves website. The Spain Tourism Board also provides useful travel planning resources for the Balearic Islands.