The caves near Porto Cristo take their name from their hook-shaped formations. Smaller than the nearby Coves del Drac, they combine unusual limestone shapes with lighting and an underground musical presentation.
Coves dels Hams
Coves dels Hams in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- Limestone formations and atmospheric cave displays
- Best months
- January–June, September–December
- Time to allow
- Allow around an hour for the cave visit, plus arrival and waiting time
- Without a car
- Hire car recommended
- Parking
- Parking at the entrance
- Highlight
- Hook-shaped formations
- Keep in mind
- A step-free cave visit
- Access
- Pushchairs: Not suitable for the cave route · Wheelchairs: The cave route is not step-free
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Limestone formations above the underground water.
The unusual curved shapes are a distinctive feature of these caves.
The Mozart presentation photographed during Friedhelm's visit.
Drive from the airport
60 minutes
62 km
Bus connections
Check current connections from Porto Cristo and Manacor
Region
Llevant
Nearest beach
Porto Cristo
1 km
Elevation
40 m
above sea level
A glimpse of Coves dels Hams
Season guide for Coves dels Hams
November Worth a visit
A useful rainy-day option on the east coast, usually quieter than in summer.
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Coves dels Hams
- Region
- Llevant
- Municipality
- Manacor
- Elevation
- 40 m above sea level
- Airport
- 62 km , around 60 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.5458,3.3200
What are the Coves dels Hams?
The caves lie just outside Porto Cristo. Their name means fishhooks, referring to their unusually fine, curved limestone formations.
Pedro Caldentey discovered them in 1905 while looking for onyx.
How they compare with the Coves del Drac
The nearby Coves del Drac are larger, with a larger underground lake. The Hams offer a smaller-scale visit with distinctive formations and theatrical lighting.
On Friedhelm’s visit, the group was manageable, explanations were provided along the way, and photography without flash was allowed. These were practical reasons he enjoyed the experience.
Check the current visit format, language options and programme before booking, as attractions can change their arrangements.
The Mozart presentation
During that visit, an illuminated boat appeared beside the underground lake, accompanied by projections of singers and animations on the rock and Mozart’s music.
Some visitors enjoy the theatrical element; others prefer the natural formations on their own. It formed a short part of the visit rather than the whole experience.
Practical details
The caves can feel cool and damp, particularly after the summer heat. Wear shoes with a good grip and bring a light layer.
There are numerous steps, so the route is not accessible with a wheelchair or pushchair.
The caves are a useful rainy-day option, but other visitors often have the same idea. Check availability and allow for busier arrivals in poor weather.
Photographs
Coves dels Hams in Mallorca
Practical details
- Parking
- Parking at the entrance
- Time to allow
- Allow around an hour for the cave visit, plus arrival and waiting time
- Good to know
- Check the current visit format and ticket details. Photography without flash is generally permitted, subject to signs and staff instructions. Expect steps and damp surfaces.
- Bus
- Check current connections from Porto Cristo and Manacor, including the distance from the stop
- Access
- Surfaced paths with numerous steps and some damp areas · Pushchairs: Not suitable for the cave route · Wheelchairs: The cave route is not step-free · Dogs: Check current admission rules; pets are generally not admitted
- What you will not find
- Unrestricted independent access to the caves · A step-free cave route · Permission to use flash photography
- Coordinates
- 39.5458,3.3200 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
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Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Where to swim nearby
Beaches and swimming nearby
A town with two different daily moods. From ten until four, coaches bring visitors to the Coves del Drac. Before …
Cala Anguila lies south of Porto Cristo, beside Cala Mandia. A small sandy beach opens between low rocks and …
Cala Mandia, also called Cala Mendia, lies south of Porto Cristo. Pale sand, clear water and gently shelving …
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Places to stay within reach
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Coves dels Hams
Where does the name Coves dels Hams come from?
Hams means fishhooks, referring to the unusual curved formations inside the caves.
Who discovered the caves?
Pedro Caldentey discovered them in 1905 while searching for onyx.
How do they differ from the Coves del Drac?
The Coves del Drac and their underground lake are larger. The Hams offer a smaller cave visit with distinctive curved formations and lighting and musical elements. Compare the current programmes and ticket details rather than assuming the same experience at both.
Can I take photographs inside?
Photography without flash is generally allowed, subject to signs and staff instructions. A steady hand helps in the low light.
What is the Mozart presentation?
During Friedhelm's visit, the underground lake formed the setting for a short presentation with an illuminated boat, projections and Mozart's music. The current programme can change, so check the attraction's description before booking.
Are the caves accessible without steps?
No. Surfaced paths include numerous steps and can be damp. The cave route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Coves dels Hams?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December. Conditions underground vary little, and winter is generally quieter.
Is Coves dels Hams worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy.
How far is Coves dels Hams from Palma airport?
About 62 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 60 minutes by car. The caves are just outside Porto Cristo on the road towards Manacor. Parking is available.
Do I need a hire car for Coves dels Hams?
A car is useful Check current connections from Porto Cristo and Manacor, including the distance from the stop
Where can I park in Coves dels Hams?
Parking at the entrance
Can I visit Coves dels Hams with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Surfaced paths with numerous steps and some damp areas Pushchairs: Not suitable for the cave route Wheelchairs: The cave route is not step-free
Are dogs allowed at Coves dels Hams?
Check current admission rules; pets are generally not admitted
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.