Caves of Drach: a complete guide to visiting them (and why staying opposite changes everything)

If you are planning your holidays in Mallorca, there is one visit you cannot miss: the Caves of Drach (Cuevas del Drach), in Porto Cristo. They are one of the island's most famous attractions and one of the most spectacular underground lakes in Europe. In this guide we tell you what you will see, how to organise your visit and a trick that makes all the difference: staying right opposite.

And on that, we have something to tell you. Hotel Ankaa sits literally across from the Caves of Drach and the Porto Cristo marina, a couple of minutes' walk away. That means you can visit early, before the tour buses arrive, and come back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. Read on and, once you are ready, book your getaway at the best price on our official website.

What are the Caves of Drach

The Caves of Drach are an impressive complex of underground galleries in Porto Cristo, on the east coast of Mallorca (municipality of Manacor), about 50 minutes by car from Palma. The route runs for around 1,200 metres and descends to 25 metres deep, among thousands of illuminated stalactites and stalagmites that create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Their crown jewel is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world, more than 100 metres long. It is named after the speleologist Édouard Alfred Martel, who first explored it. And this is where the most magical moment of the visit takes place.

What you will see during the visit

The visit lasts around one hour and is designed so you enjoy the route at a good pace:

• Galleries and formations. You will walk through chambers with limestone formations in surprising shapes, lit to enhance their natural beauty.
• Lake Martel. You will reach this huge underground lake, the highlight of the visit.
• Live classical music concert. A quartet of musicians plays several pieces from illuminated boats gliding over the water. It is a tradition kept alive since 1935 and it makes the most of the cave's incredible natural acoustics. It lasts about 10 minutes and is, for many, the memory they take home from Mallorca.
• Sunrise on the lake. After the concert, a play of lights recreates a sunrise over the water.
• Boat ride. At the end, you can cross Lake Martel by boat or on foot over the bridge, at no extra cost.

The temperature inside is pleasant and constant all year (around 20 degrees), so the visit is enjoyable in any season.

Practical information for your visit

A few tips to organise everything without surprises:

• Buy tickets online. It is usually better value than at the ticket office and, above all, it lets you reserve a day and time, so you skip the queues and any availability problems.
• Arrive early. It is a good idea to be at the entrance about 15 minutes before your slot.
• Seasonal opening times. The caves are open all year (except 25 December and 1 January), with several daily slots that change by season. Check the current timetable before you go.
• Comfortable footwear. Some sections can be slippery, so trainers with good grip are best.
• A light jacket. It is cool inside, so something to cover up comes in handy.
• A perfect plan for rainy days. As it is an underground visit, the weather does not affect it. It is one of the best plans when the day does not cooperate.

Bear in mind that it is one of the most visited attractions on the island, so it gets busy in summer. That is why the key is to go early.

The trick to enjoying them without the stress: stay opposite

Most visitors arrive by coach from other parts of the island in the late morning, exactly when it is busiest. If you stay in Porto Cristo, you have the advantage: you can go in the first slot of the day, with hardly any queues, and enjoy the caves far more calmly.

Hotel Ankaa is a couple of minutes' walk from the entrance. Step out of the hotel, visit the caves at your own pace and come back for lunch by the pool. No coaches, no hunting for parking, no rush. Book your room opposite the caves and experience it your way.

Where to stay: Hotel Ankaa, opposite the Caves of Drach

To make the most of your visit, location is everything. Hotel Ankaa is a 4 star adults only hotel in Porto Cristo, a charming, quiet fishing village away from the crowded areas:

• Opposite the Caves of Drach and the marina, a few minutes' walk from the centre and the beach.
• Modern rooms with balconies, many with open views of the sea or the harbour.
• Outdoor pool with relaxation areas, Balinese beds, white sand and palm trees.
• Buffet restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and a poolside bar.
• Free parking and a commitment to sustainable tourism (solar panels on the building).
• Beautiful coves nearby: Cala Anguila, Cala Mendia, Cala Romántica and Cala Varques.

There is a reason couples rate it so highly: peace and quiet, a personal touch and an unbeatable location. Book directly on our website and get the best price guaranteed, with no intermediaries.

What else to do near the hotel

The caves are just the beginning. From Hotel Ankaa you have the marina and beach of Porto Cristo within a short walk, perfect for strolling, dining by the sea or booking a boat trip. And very close by you can discover coves of crystal clear water, the nearby Caves dels Hams, or head to Manacor (15 minutes away), famous for its pearls and for the Rafa Nadal Academy and Museum.

Book your Porto Cristo getaway

Ready to discover the Caves of Drach without the stress and with the sea just a short walk away? At Hotel Ankaa we make it easy: opposite the caves, a calm adults only atmosphere and all the best of Mallorca's east coast within reach.

Check availability and book now on our official website. Your Porto Cristo getaway starts here.