You’ve seen the pictures online and Mallorca’s caves have made it onto the holiday bucket list – or perhaps the kids are just bored of the beach. Mallorca actually has over 5,000 caves – inland, coastal and underwater – but five are set up to welcome visitors without a hardhat and torch, and each one is a very different experience.
In terms of geology, all five are impressive: deep underground chambers, stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years, and surprising – sometimes amusing – rock formations. The difference is in the experience around them – some are worth every bit of the detour, others let the production slightly outshine the marvel. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one for your family.
Cuevas del Drach, Porto Cristo
The headline act – and by some margin the most visited attraction on the island. Drach takes you through 1.2km of cave before depositing you at the edge of Llac Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in Europe. The tour ends with a classical music concert performed from boats on the lake – atmospheric, and the thing children tend to remember – though younger ones may struggle with the darkness and sitting still for 10-15 minutes. There’s an optional boat ride at the end if you don’t mind queuing for it.
It is also the most commercial experience of the five and can feel overcrowded, particularly on rainy days when every family on the island has the same idea. Go in knowing what it is: a well-run, crowd-pleasing spectacle rather than an intimate encounter with geology. For families with children of primary school age and above it delivers well. For toddlers and younger children, the steps, the crowds and the sitting still can make it a hard sell.
Tours are not guided – you move through with the group but without commentary – and last around one hour. Book online to secure your time slot and avoid queuing at the door.
Reachable by bus from Palma, Manacor, Cala d’Or, Cala Rajada and Cala Millor. There’s a cafe and free parking on site.
Book tickets online – under-3s go free.
Cuevas dels Hams, Porto Cristo
Just up the road from Drach, Hams is smaller, quieter and often overlooked. The guided tour takes you through two impressive cave systems with a couple of short seated mini-movie projections along the way – educational, atmospheric, and frankly better for keeping children engaged than sitting through a concert in the dark – although there is a short one of those too!
The cave shares a site with Dinosaurland, which makes it a natural double-header – and if you’re travelling with dinosaur-obsessed children, the combination works well. We’ve got a full guide to doing both in one day here, including where to eat between the two (the smash burgers are surprising good).
Worth knowing: lots of steps, the tour moves as a group with no self-guided option, and toddlers will likely need to be carried at some point. Pushchairs aren’t allowed. Sturdy shoes essential.
Book tickets online – the combination ticket including Dinosaurland is a good idea if visiting with the kids. Under-3s go free.
Coves de Campanet
The one most families overlook, and arguably the better choice for younger children. Campanet sits centrally on the island rather than on the coast, which means it rarely features on the standard east-coast tourist circuit. The result is a quieter, more personal experience – no forced group tours and none of the theatrical production of the bigger sites.
The stalactites and stalagmites here are remarkably delicate, and the smaller scale works in its favour – children can take it in without the usual guided-tour endurance test. A self guided tour last around 45 minutes, with an audio guide available if you want it.
The snack bar terrace above is a scenic spot for coffee and cake afterwards, and if you want something more substantial, Campanet village is a few minutes’ drive. On cooler days, its worth knowing that the caves sit right next to Les Fonts Ufanes natural springs (active after rainfall) – a flat 45-minute walk through woodland that’s easy for all ages and very picnic-friendly – more on that over on Instagram.
Car is the most practical option; public transport is limited.
Book tickets online – under-5s go free.
Cuevas de Artà, Canyamel
The most dramatically set of the five, and – if you’re asking – the one most worth making the effort for. Perched on a cliff above the sea at Canyamel, it makes an impression before you’ve even gone inside.
The chambers are vast, tours are guided by a multilingual friendly expert, and last around 40 minutes. Groups are smaller than at other caves, which makes the whole experience feel less processed and more free-flowing than the bigger sites. There’s a short standing still (or seated) moment with music in the dark – manageable for most children – and plenty of impressive stalagmites and rock formations to keep all eyes entertained.
There’s a small cafe outside overlooking the sea, ideal for a coffee or an ice cream before you head back to your car.
Car or taxi required.
Book tickets online – under-7s go free.
Cuevas de Génova, Palma
Small, local and often forgotten. Génova sits in the hills about ten minutes from central Palma, which makes it useful if you’re based in the city and want a cave experience without a day trip. The cave is modest – around 30 minutes to explore – but the self-guided format, with audioguide included, is just right for children to take things in at their own pace. There’s a small cafe on site.
Bus stops are 50 metres away with a direct connection from Palma and there’s free parking opposite.
Book tickets online – children under 12 €7.
Which cave is right for us?
We want the full experience and don’t mind crowds. Drach. Book online, go early or late, and manage expectations on rainy days.
We’re based in Palma and want something easy. Génova. Thirty minutes, no car needed, self-guided.
We have primary-aged children who’ll engage with the history. Hams, especially combined with Dinosaurland next door.
We want fewer crowds and something more personal. Campanet or Artà. Both feel less processed than the east-coast circuit.
We want the most dramatic setting. Artà. Perched on a cliff above the sea and worth the drive.
We have toddlers. None of the caves are an easy option with very young children – you will have to carry them when they get tired and hand-hold on steps, but if you’re going, we suggest Campanet for the self-guided tour, or Hams for the rest stops with Dinosaurland theme park fun right next door.
Before you go
None of the caves are suitable for pushchairs. Steps throughout, often steep and sometimes slippery – flip-flopped toddlers will need carrying at some point. The temperature inside is noticeably cooler than above ground on a sunny day; a light layer is worth throwing in the bag.
With the exception of Génova and Campanet, entry is as a group and timed – check online before you go and book ahead at busy periods to secure your slot.
Tickets across all five caves are similarly priced – around €17 for adults and €9-11 for children in 2026, with Génova the most affordable at €12. If you’re combining Hams with Dinosaurland next door, the joint ticket is worth it for a full day out.
Looking for more rainy day ideas? We’ve rounded up 25 of the best indoor activities for families in Mallorca – from aquariums to climbing walls and soft play.
Planning a trip to Mallorca? I create personalised itineraries and experiences for families who want to go beyond the beach and experience the best of the island. Get in touch.
