After I would consider Mallorca, I’d image these glowing seas of crystal clear water and white sand seashores. I’d think about wandering by means of the winding cobblestone paths lined with vibrant bougainvillea blossoms as I explored timeless mountain villages like Deia and Valldemossa.
I’d dream about days soaking in the solar and evenings sipping on that well-known Spanish wine.
Now for those who ask me about Mallorca, the very first thing that pops into my thoughts is Cuevas del Drach (or Drach Caves). Although this underground treasure was fully off my radar earlier than I arrived, it’s now considered one of my favourite locations in Spain.
Whereas I believed it is likely to be a bit touristy, spelunking by means of these fascinating caves was considered one of the highlights of my go to to Mallorca. This fully pure cave system is house to considered one of the largest underwater lakes in the world.
This was not solely an fascinating and exquisite area to discover however the means the complete expertise was orchestrated made it actually magical.
On the lookout for a really one-of-a-kind expertise? Right here’s what you need to find out about visiting the Cuevas del Drach in Mallorca.
About the Caves
Cuevas del Drach, or Coves del Drac as they’re identified in Catalan, actually means dragon caves. Situated in Manacor, close to Porto Cristo, the underground tour right here is considered one of Mallorca’s largest sights.
There are 4 areas, often known as the Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador, and Cave of the French, that each one join collectively. The community of caves measures a complete of 4 kilometers (about two and a half miles) in size and 23 (75.5 ft) meters in depth.
The community of caves was fashioned by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is talked about in writings way back to 1338. Geologists imagine that caves date again presumably round the Miocene Epoch that occurred 5 to 23 million years in the past.
Martel Lake, considered one of the main claims to fame of the caves, is called after French scientist and explorer, Édouard-Alfred Martel, who came over the caves again in 1896 (how is that for a welcoming reward!).
The community had been mapped out just some years earlier by German cave explorer, M.F. Will, who found the White Cave in addition to the Black Cave throughout his expeditions.
About the Expertise
I spent 45 minutes strolling by means of the caves and was impressed at each flip.
The sheer variety of stalactites and stalagmites encircling the pathway is unimaginable. Spending the higher a part of an hour simply gawking at the formations was barely sufficient time.
The lighting options of the cave create an otherworldly magnificence, then the crystal clear lake at the coronary heart of all of it brings issues to a different stage. I’ve by no means been a lot into caves and wasn’t actually anticipating to be impressed…
However WOW.
The expertise ends in an underground amphitheater — at this level, no telephones or cameras are allowed they usually dim the lights, so that you’re surrounded by pitch black.
Then, the orchestra rows out on a ship enjoying classical music and also you sit again and soak in the stunning sights and sounds.
The live performance lasts for about 15 minutes and each single second is really unforgettable.
It looks like one thing out of a Disney film and I began crying, it was so stunning.
Whereas I might have by no means thought that going to an underground live performance can be one thing for my bucket record, the expertise was second to none. The acoustics of the caves are completely beautiful and this was the BEST cash spent.
Ticket Data
I’d suggest shopping for your tickets on the web site earlier than you go. You’ll get a diminished on-line fee of 15 euros versus 16 euros for those who purchase them at the door.
For youths from three to 12 years outdated, you may get tickets on-line for eight euros or at the door for 9 euros. Should you’ve obtained little ones below two years of age, they will enter without spending a dime.
Altogether, you spend a complete of 1 hour and fifteen minutes exploring.
Total
I’ve obtained to confess that I believed the complete factor can be tacky however I’m not exaggerating after I say that I used to be in tears by the finish. I don’t know if I’ve ever loved a 15 euro expertise so fully and completely.
The complete beautiful scene felt like one thing out of a fairy story.
As a be aware, I visited throughout COVID so the whole lot was scaled again, however nonetheless extraordinarily properly run. Usually they do rowboat excursions and also you go inside with a information, however that was all off throughout my go to. Nonetheless, I completely adored each minute of the tour.
Get tickets for Cuevas del Drach right here!
Impressed to plan your personal Spanish sojourn? Try my information to 10 must-see spots in Spain that aren’t Barcelona.
Planning Tip: Undecided when to go ebook your journey? Bounce over to my rundown of the finest occasions of 12 months to go to Spain.