Veröffentlicht von Portocristo (also often written Porto Cristo) is a small town in the east of Mallorca. It is touristy, but much quieter than the neighboring towns. There are no very large concrete hotels here. Most vacationers who visit Porto Cristo come because of the famous caves Coves del Drac (Dragon’s Cave) and Coves de Hams. The town itself is far less visited by swarms of tourists. It’s a shame: Porto Cristo doesn’t have any major attractions to offer, but it is still a small, nice harbor town. The town has a small, clean beach right in the center next to the ferry port. The helpful little tourist information office is located down by the harbor opposite the excursion boat pier.
By Dirk Vorderstraße – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
The backpackers are noticeable in the town, and are even more present here than in other towns on Mallorca. Porto Cristo consists of many small alleys behind the large harbor. There you will find small restaurants, shops and simple guesthouses. It is interesting to take a walk along the small, romantic canal with many small boats that dock here.
You can watch the fishermen drying their nets or unloading their boats. It is noticeable that in Porto Cristo there are many small boats belonging to locals in the harbor and not so many of the large yachts belonging to northern Europeans that are otherwise common on Mallorca.
By Derbrauni – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Caves: In front of the town entrance (coming from Palma) there are large signs that prominently advertise the Coves de Hams caves. The interesting caves, however, are the Dragon Caves (Coves del Drac) one kilometer behind the town near the road towards Porto Colom. The Dragon Caves are also well signposted. The number of visitors, the parking lot and the number of buses is gigantic. For an entrance fee of 18 euros (in 2025) you get a guided tour of about one kilometer through the caves including a large underground lake and concert. Due to the high demand, it is better to buy the tickets online at this link for 1 euro less. Children from 2 to 12 years pay an entrance fee of 10 euros, even smaller children can enter the most famous caves in Mallorca for free. You can also book a bus tour from almost all major tourist destinations on Mallorca to the caves on this website. For a detailed description of visiting the Dragon Cave in Porto Cristo, see below.
Buses: From Porto Cristo there are around 10 connections per day to the mass tourist resort of Cala Millor (via S’Illot) and to the far less touristy district town of Manacor (around 2 to 3 euros each). Direct buses also run around 5 times a day to Palma de Mallorca for around 10 euros. A cheaper and more interesting way to get to Palma is to take the bus to Manacor and then take the hourly train to Palma. There are also 2 buses a day to Cala Ratjada. Most of the buses described above also stop at the Dragon Cave. The bus stop in Porto Cristo is directly above the harbor.
Ferries / excursion boats: Tourist ferries with glass bottoms for fish watching connect Portocristo with the nearby holiday resorts (Cala Millor and Calas de Mallorca) several times a day. The fares are many times higher than the bus prices (around 30 euros). Submarine trips to the Drach Caves are also offered from Cala Millor. Getyourguide has a good overview of the boat tours that can be booked online.
Map of Porto Cristo Mallorca
Dragon Cave Porto Cristo: Visit Procedure
Getting there and tickets
- It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
- There are fixed entry times, which are indicated on the ticket. Plan to be at the entrance about 15 minutes before the entry time.
Entrance to the cave
- After the ticket check, the descent into the cave begins. The path is well maintained, but sturdy shoes are an advantage.
Tour of the cave
- The tour of the Dragon Cave takes about 1 hour.
- You explore impressive rock formations, huge stalactites and underground halls. The paths are illuminated and lead through different sections of the cave.
De Cuevas del Drach – Cuevas del Drach, Dominio público,, Link
The highlight: Lake Martel and concert
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The highlight of the visit takes place at the underground Lake Martel: a live concert.
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Musicians play classical pieces from a boat. The acoustics of the cave make the experience special.
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The concert lasts about 10 minutes.
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Optional boat trip
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After the concert, there is the option of crossing Lake Martel in a small boat (recommended, included in the entrance fee). Alternatively, you can also bypass the lake via a bridge.
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Return and exit
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The tour ends in an area with souvenirs and a small café.
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Practical information
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Duration of the entire visit: About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Temperature: The cave is constantly around 20°C – ideal for cooling down on hot days.
Strollers and wheelchairs: Not suitable due to the stairs and narrow paths.
Photos: Photography is permitted, but no flash. -
Visit Dragon Cave Porto Cristo: Is it worth it?
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The Dragon Caves (Cuevas del Drach) in Porto Cristo on Mallorca are one of the most famous sights on the island. Whether a visit is worth it depends on your interests, but here are some points that can help you decide:
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Highlights of the Dragon Caves
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1.Impressive stalactite caves: The caves offer spectacular stalactite formations that are particularly highlighted by the clever lighting design.
2.Underground lake: Lake Martel is one of the largest underground lakes in the world and an absolute highlight.
3.Concert inside: A live classical concert with atmospheric lighting is played on the lake during the tour – an unforgettable experience.
4.Boat trip: After the concert, you can optionally take a small boat across the lake. -
Pros of a visit
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Unique nature: The caves are a geological wonder and offer an impressive atmosphere.
Well organized: The tours are well structured and the audio guides are informative.
Weather independent: Ideal as a destination in bad weather. -
Possible disadvantages
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Lots of tourists: It can get very crowded in high season. It is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Price: Entry costs around €17-20, which may be quite high for some. Booking online on this link is a bit cheaper.
Limited freedom: It is a guided tour and you have to stick to the set schedule. -
Who is it worth it for?
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Yes, if… you are interested in natural wonders, geology or special experiences like the concert.
Not so much if… you find the crowds or the entrance fee daunting or prefer to explore on your own.In summary: If you have never visited stalactite caves before or are looking for a special experience, the Drach Caves are definitely worth it. In low season or with advance reservations you can enjoy the visit in a more relaxed manner.
Information for visitors with walking difficulties: The paths are well developed and about 1.2 kilometers long, but there are some stairs. So no wheelchairs, strollers or anything like that.
Dragon Cave Mallorca Clothing: It is about 20 degrees warm in the cave all year round. So it is comfortable, you don’t need a thick jacket or anything like that.
Porto Cristo Top 10
Here are the top 10 sights and activities in Porto Cristo and the surrounding area that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Dragon Cave (Cuevas del Drach)
The famous stalactite cave with Lake Martel and live classical concert. A highlight in Mallorca. See above.
2. Hams Caves (Cuevas dels Hams)
Another impressive cave with unique formations and a multimedia light show. Perfect for cave lovers.
3. Porto Cristo Beach
A small, sheltered sandy beach right in the town, ideal for families and for relaxing.
4. Porto Cristo Harbor
The picturesque harbor with restaurants and cafes invites you to take a stroll. Watch fishing boats and yachts.
5. Torre del Serral dels Falcons
An old defense tower with spectacular views of the coast. Perfect for a short trip and photos.
6. Cala Anguila and Cala Mandia
Two beautiful bays near Porto Cristo with turquoise water and fine sandy beaches – ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
7. Sa Coma and Punta de n’Amer
A short drive to Sa Coma leads to a spacious beach and the Punta de n’Amer nature reserve. Here you can hike and visit the castle ruins.
8. Zoo Safari in Sa Coma
Perfect for families: an animal park that you can drive through by car or on a safari train.
9. Winery and finca visits
In the area there are traditional fincas and wineries where you can try regional specialties and wines.
10. Manacor – pearls and handicrafts
The nearby town of Manacor is known for its artificial pearls (e.g. Majorica pearls) and traditional handicrafts. It’s worth a detour!
Everything about the Welcome Card Berlin, the big ticket for tourists.