Cuevas del Hams

Cave near Pollenca

Coves dels Hams
Coves dels Hams
Free Art License. / A.Savin

Cuevas dels Hams is one of Mallorca's most visitor-friendly cave experiences, set just inland from the fishing-port feel of Porto Cristo on the island's east coast. The visit is designed as an easy, guided route through a series of chambers where stalactites and stalagmites curve into the “hams” shapes that give the caves their name-an otherworldly, almost sculpted look you do not see in every cave system.

The tour balances geology with atmosphere. You move between distinct zones (including the famous underground “Sea of Venice”) and finish with a short, theatrical music-and-light moment that leans into the setting rather than overpowering it. If you want a cave visit that feels curated and accessible-without needing specialist knowledge-this is the kind of stop that fits neatly into a half-day on the east coast.

History and Significance of the Cuevas dels Hams

The caves are estimated to be around 10 million years old, but they entered modern tourism history in 1905 when Pedro Caldentey Santandreu discovered them while searching for onyx in the area. That discovery matters because it turned a local geological curiosity into one of Mallorca’s early “must-see” natural attractions, helping to shape the island’s reputation for more than beaches.

Cuevas dels Hams became especially notable for how early the site embraced visitor infrastructure. Caldentey's family later introduced electric lighting to make tours and performances possible, and the caves developed a reputation for staging an atmospheric finale on the underground lake-an experience that blends natural acoustics, reflections on the water, and carefully timed illumination.

In a practical sense, the caves’ significance today is that they offer a reliable, weather-proof attraction on the east coast: a cool, constant underground environment that works year-round, and a format that suits both independent travelers and families building a day around Porto Cristo.

Things to See and Do in the Cuevas dels Hams

The headline visual is the “hams” formation style-hooked, curved dripstone that looks less like straight icicles and more like organic, twisting ornaments. As you move through the chambers, look for the way lighting is used to pick out texture and depth; it helps you notice the fine, lace-like edges of formations that are easy to miss in flatter light.

The underground lake known as the “Sea of Venice” is the emotional peak of the visit. This is where the tour typically shifts from explanation to mood: still water, dramatic reflections, and the sense of being in a hidden auditorium. The Mozart-themed musical moment is short, but it is staged to feel intimate-more like a cave “scene” than a concert hall production.

Beyond the classic cave route, the visit often includes a more open, garden-like space that contrasts with the enclosed chambers and gives you a breather before or after the underground section. It is a small detail, but it improves the overall flow-especially if you are traveling with kids or anyone who prefers breaks from enclosed spaces.

How to Get to the Cuevas dels Hams

The nearest airport is Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), and from there the simplest route is to travel across the island toward Manacor and Porto Cristo. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Palma de Mallorca on Booking.com.

If you want to use public transport, you can take the TIB train from Palma’s Estació Intermodal to Manacor, then continue onward toward Porto Cristo by bus or taxi. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Buses are practical on the east coast: TIB route 401 runs between Palma and the Cala Millor area via Manacor and Porto Cristo, and you can plan around stops serving the caves/Dinosaurland area depending on the timetable.

Driving is the simplest option: follow the Ma-15 toward Manacor, then connect to the Ma-4020 toward Porto Cristo; the caves are well signposted and set up for straightforward arrivals. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cuevas dels Hams

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €17; Children (3–12): €11; Under 3: free.
  • Opening hours: Daily: 10:00–17:00.
  • Official website: https://cuevasdelshams.com/en/
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for smaller tour groups and a calmer pace through the chambers. Midday can be busier, especially in peak summer.
  • How long to spend: Plan around 60-90 minutes on site, depending on your group size and how long you linger in the garden areas and entrance facilities.
  • Accessibility: Expect steps, uneven cave flooring, and narrow passages in places; it is manageable for most visitors but not consistently step-free.
  • Facilities: Arrive with water and a light layer, then use on-site restrooms and any snack options before you start the underground route, as the tour flow is easiest when you begin prepared.

Where to Stay Close to the Cuevas dels Hams

For a culture-heavy itinerary where you want evening atmosphere and easy walking to restaurants, base yourself in Porto Cristo near the harbour; if your priority is quick road access and a quieter reset between beaches, choose an edge-of-town location with easier parking and simpler departures.

For a central, seafront stay that suits couples who want Porto Cristo on foot, consider THB Felip, which places you right by the waterfront promenade. If you prefer self-catering with marina views and a “base camp” feel for the east-coast coves, Porto Drach Aparthotel & Suites is a strong, flexible option. For a modern, adults-only alternative that is convenient for driving and quick access around Porto Cristo, Hotel Ankaa - Adults Only is worth considering.

Is the Cuevas dels Hams Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you want a cave experience that is well-organized, visually distinctive, and easy to fit into an east-coast day around Porto Cristo. The hook-shaped formations and the lake finale give it a “signature” feel that differentiates it from a standard dripstone walk-through.

The honest pivot: if you dislike staged lighting and music elements, or you are already planning to visit a larger, more purely “natural spectacle” cave nearby, you may prefer to choose just one cave experience and spend the rest of your time on coves and coastal walks.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (11,104)

Hams' Caves, on Ma-4020 near Manacor in Mallorca, are a subterranean attraction with two large grottos, a botanical garden and an underground lake where timed, guided visits move small groups through video presentations and a boat-borne musical finale with colourful light projections; visitors praise the organisation and acoustics, note the tour lasts about an hour, warn of stairs and no pram access (not recommended for children under three), and suggest crowd-control measures like adults-only slots can improve the experience when young children become distressed.

Sonya Baterip
4 weeks ago
"What an amazing place to visit, so very well organised by the friendly and helpful staff, timed visits are offered and no other entry is permittedwith very good reason, it means that it will not be too crowded and everyone can enjoy the space equally and at their own pace. The bonus of all bonuses of the visit was the wonderful floating recital, the acoustics of the caves enhanced the beauty of the music played live from the boats as they glided towards the audience, the caves were in total darkness but for the lights on the boats. This is a hidden gem on the enchantingly beautiful island of Mallorca...."
Jana Kurešová
4 months ago
"Amazing place to visit. We visited the same day together with Dinosaurland, everything was really good. The caves visit is kind of guided visit,there are two big caves, it the first one you watch two videos, which both were really interesting, even for the kids 😉, in the second cave at the end when you get to the lake, you listen to the classical music with projection. It was all stu ing...."
Boris Bellford
3 months ago
"Caves were amazing and the program is well though out. My only complaint is that the young children are allowed in tours that become scared and endup screaming and yelling thus ruining the experience for everyone else. Maybe it would be best to offer adults only time slots so everyone can enjoy the caves equally...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is one of the more child-friendly cave visits on Mallorca because the route is structured and the highlights are clear: unusual formations, an underground lake, and a short finale that keeps attention. The best strategy is to set expectations before you go in-cool air, some steps, and “hands off” rules-so the underground section feels like an adventure rather than a constraint.

If you are traveling with very young children, focus on comfort and pacing: use restrooms before the tour, bring a light layer, and keep the plan flexible afterward. Pairing the caves with a nearby beach stop or a simple harbour stroll in Porto Cristo usually lands well as a balanced half-day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Cuevas dels Hams works well for couples because it is naturally atmospheric-low light, reflective water, and a quiet, enclosed setting that feels like a change of pace from beach days. The musical finale is brief but memorable, and it gives the visit a sense of “moment” rather than just a checklist sight.

To make it feel less like an excursion and more like a date, book it as part of a Porto Cristo afternoon: caves first, then a harbour-side drink or early dinner. You get contrast-underground drama followed by sea-level calm-without spending the whole day in transit.

Budget Travelers

If you are watching costs, Cuevas dels Hams is best treated as your single paid “set piece” for the east coast, then complemented with free or low-cost coastal experiences nearby. Use public transport where it makes sense, and build the day around walking Porto Cristo, beaches, and viewpoints so the cave ticket feels like the premium highlight.

You can also keep spending down by choosing one cave experience rather than doubling up, then investing the saved time in coves and short hikes. The east coast rewards slow travel, and the caves fit nicely as a weather-proof anchor in an otherwise outdoorsy day.

FAQs for Visiting Cuevas dels Hams

Getting There

They are just outside Porto Cristo on Mallorca’s east coast, positioned on the road corridor between Manacor and the coastal area. It is close enough to combine easily with the harbour and nearby coves.
A short taxi ride is the quickest option if you are not driving. If you are walking, treat it as a direct out-and-back with roadside sections rather than a scenic promenade.
The practical approach is to use Mallorca’s public network by combining rail or bus legs through Manacor/Porto Cristo. Start by checking the day’s timetables, then plan a return time so you are not relying on a long wait.

Tickets & Entry

In peak season it is sensible to book ahead to secure a time slot that fits your day. Outside busy periods, you may still prefer booking to avoid uncertainty and keep your itinerary tight.
The experience usually follows a guided route through the main cave chambers and ends with the lake-and-music finale. Expect the emphasis to be on visual highlights and atmosphere rather than a deep, technical geology lesson.
The biggest one is respecting the formations-no touching, even lightly, as oils and contact can damage growth over time. Also assume the floor may be damp in places and walk with steady footing rather than rushing.

Visiting Experience

Most travelers find it fits comfortably into a 1-1.5 hour window on site. It is a good “anchor” activity that still leaves time for Porto Cristo and a beach stop the same day.
Yes, if you want a reliable, weather-proof highlight that contrasts with beaches and viewpoints. If your one day is strictly for coves and swimming, you might skip it and stay outdoors.
It is a strong bad-weather choice because the main experience is underground and unaffected by rain. In perfect weather, it still works well as a cooler break between coastal stops.

Photography

Yes, but it is low-light and movement is often guided, so it rewards quick, steady shots rather than long setups. Focus on reflections at the lake and the shape of formations rather than trying to capture every chamber.
Rules can vary by area and show segment, so follow guide instructions and any signage. If photography is allowed, be considerate and avoid blocking narrow paths while others are moving through.

Accessibility & Facilities

Expect steps and uneven surfaces, which can make it challenging for some visitors. If mobility is a concern, check directly with the site about current access arrangements before committing.
Yes, facilities are typically available in the entrance area rather than deep inside the cave route. Plan to take breaks before and after the underground section.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Porto Cristo harbour is the easiest choice for a relaxed meal with views and plenty of options. It also pairs naturally with a post-cave stroll along the marina.
A harbour walk plus one nearby cove is the simplest, most satisfying combination. It keeps travel time low while giving you a clear contrast between underground scenery and the coast.

Safety & Timing

It can be, but later slots may feel busier depending on season and tour volume. Earlier visits usually feel calmer and give you more flexibility afterward.
Yes, it is a well-established visitor area with clear access. As with any roadside attraction, be attentive when walking near traffic and use official entry paths.

Nearby Attractions to the Cuevas dels Hams

  • Cuevas del Drach (Coves del Drac): Mallorca's most famous cave system nearby, known for its vast chambers and iconic underground lake experience.
  • Porto Cristo Harbour: A relaxed waterfront area for cafés, a post-visit stroll, and an easy sense of the town’s fishing-port character.
  • Torre del Serral dels Falcons: A coastal watchtower viewpoint that adds open-air scenery and a quick, scenic detour.
  • Cala Anguila: A nearby cove beach with clear water that works perfectly as a “fresh air” contrast after the caves.
  • Dinosaurland: A family-friendly add-on next to the caves that can turn the visit into a full half-day for kids.

The Cuevas del Hams appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Palma de Mallorca!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 10:00-17:00.

Price:

Adults: €17; Children (3-12): €11; Under 3: free.

Address: Cuevas Dels Hams, Ctra. Ma-4020 Manacor–Porto Cristo, Porto Cristo, Spain
Pollenca: 45 km
Palma de Mallorca: 57 km
Official Website

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