Caves of Hams Entry Ticket Porto Cristo Mallorca

The Caves of Hams and their formations

The Caves of Hams, or Coves dels Hams in Mallorcan, were discovered in 1905 and opened to visitors a few years later, becoming one of the first caves in Spain with electric lighting. Their name comes from the old Mallorcan word for fish hooks, inspired by the curved, hook-like stalactites that grow from the ceilings. Many formations are snow-white and extremely thin, like needles or macaroni, created drop by drop over thousands of years.

The visit follows a comfortable path of about 850 metres through 15 different areas, each with its own name and character, from narrow galleries to high chambers reflected in clear pools. Gentle lighting highlights the shapes without spoiling the natural atmosphere. Is the Caves of Hams worth visiting? For many travellers the delicate, pure white formations make it one of the most photogenic caves on the island.

The Sea of Venice music show

The most magical moment of the visit is the show on the Sea of Venice, an underground lake whose still water mirrors the ceiling above. Here you take a seat and watch a short performance of classical music combined with light effects, as the lake changes colour and the sounds echo softly around the cavern.

Visual projections in other parts of the caves add a modern touch, telling the story of how the caves formed and showing the hidden life of the underground world. The combination of music, light and natural rock makes the Caves of Hams a memorable experience for children and adults alike. Photos are usually allowed without flash in most areas; follow the guidance of the staff during the show.

Planning your visit: tickets, timing and access

Entries are timed, starting every 30 minutes from 10:00 until about 16:00, and the visit lasts about one hour. Choose your slot in the booking panel and show your ticket at the ticket office. Arrive 15 minutes early to park and enjoy the gardens. The temperature inside stays around 20 degrees all year, so a light layer is enough.

If you are wondering how to get to the Caves of Hams, they lie on the Ma-4020 road between Manacor and Porto Cristo, at kilometre 11, about an hour by car from Palma, with free parking on site. Buses run from Palma and the east coast resorts to Porto Cristo. The path has some steps and slopes, so comfortable shoes are recommended; it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Porto Cristo and the east coast of Mallorca

Porto Cristo is a charming harbour town set around a deep natural inlet, with a small sandy beach, a marina full of fishing boats and a seafront lined with restaurants. It makes a pleasant stop for lunch after your cave visit, or a relaxed swim in sheltered water.

The area is the cave capital of Mallorca: the famous Caves of Drach are just on the edge of town, and many visitors see both on the same day. Nearby, the inland town of Manacor is known for its pearl workshops and furniture making, while the coves of the east coast, such as Cala Varques and Cala Romántica, offer turquoise water and pine-fringed sand. The best time to visit the Caves of Hams is in the morning, before the midday tour coaches arrive.