Hotels near Drach Caves (Coves del Drac)

The Drach Caves, also written Coves del Drac ('Caves of the Dragon'), run 1.2 km under the east-coast town of Porto Cristo and contain one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Speleologist Edouard-Alfred Martel mapped the system for the Archduke Ludwig Salvator in 1896, naming the central body of water Lake Martel - 177 metres long, 30 metres wide, and up to 12 metres deep.

The standard one-hour visit follows a lit walkway past stalactite chambers (Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvator) and ends in a 1,000-seat auditorium overlooking Lake Martel. Lights dim, four classical musicians glide across the lake in illuminated boats, and play a short Bach-Chopin programme on the water - cheesy on paper, oddly moving in person. After the concert visitors can take an optional rowboat across the lake to the exit. The Hams Caves nearby and the Arta Caves further north use similar formations but skip the concert.

Pro Tip: Tickets sell out in summer - book online for a morning slot (10:00 or 11:00) to beat the cruise groups arriving from Palma. Wear a layer; the cave holds steady at 21 C and feels cool after a hot car park.