Though it is much smaller than other Spanish holiday destinations, Porto Cristo still has a wealth of tourist attractions which make it an excellent choice for a holiday. Whether you want to delve into the ancient caves or explore the beautiful town and aquarium, you will find an activity in Porto Cristo that suits your style.
Below, we highlight some of our recommendations for places to visit in Porto Cristo that are certain to be the highlight of your trip.
Porto Cristo Caves
One of the best things to do in Porto Cristo is visiting the iconic caves. The main caves which attract countless tourists to Porto Cristo are the Cuevas del Drach or Dragon Caves. These immaculate limestone caves are millions of years old and feature rock formations and even an underground lake, making them one of the best places to visit in Porto Cristo.
The caves get their name from the stalagmites and stalactites which resemble dragons’ teeth and create a sense of wonder as you enter into the deep caverns. The caves have had lights installed in modern times which improves visibility and creates a dramatic atmosphere that is perfect for subterranean exploration.
One of the standout features of the Dragon Caves is Lake Martel, a picturesque underground lake which is thought to be one of the largest in the world. The acoustics in the underground chamber are perfect and as such, classical concerts are performed for visitors at no extra cost to make use of this unique feature. It adds so much charm to the caves and is a splendid way to spend a day in Porto Cristo.
The best way to visit the Porto Cristo caves is via a guided tour as you can gain more context about the local geology from your knowledgeable guide. The caves are located just outside of Porto Cristo and can be reached via taxi or public transport.
There is a bus stop located right next to the ticket office for the caves which makes it very accessible. It is worth noting that while efforts have been made to ensure the safety of visitors, you should take care when traversing the caverns and be sure to wear comfortable footwear as the floors can be slippery and uneven.
Porto Cristo Aquarium
Located near the Dragon Caves is the Porto Cristo Aquarium which is one of the best things to do for families visiting the town. It is smaller than other aquariums so you can see it all within an hour or two. We suggest you pair it with a trip to the caves for an educational experience.
The aquarium features a variety of fish species from all over the world, some from as far as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The highlights of the aquarium include the piranha and eclectic eel tanks which allow you to see these eerie animals up close.
The aquarium is by no means extensive, but is a fun activity for anyone visiting Porto Cristo. If you are wanting a more robust aquarium experience, consider taking a day trip to Palma Aquarium in Palma de Mallorca which is just an hour away and has an excellent selection of marine species.