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Coves d’Artà


Head 1km north of Canyamel and pass through an unassuming fissure in the rock wall that buffers the coast and you'll find yourself in a stunning warren of limestone caves – the possible inspiration for Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. First up is a soaring vestibule, home to the 22m-tall stalagmite known as the 'Queen of Columns', while subsequent rooms include the 'Chamber of Purgatory' and 'Chamber of Hell'. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes.

First properly explored in the 19th century, the Coves d’Artà once served as a refuge for the local inhabitants in times of war and invasion: Jaume I, the 13th-century Christian conqueror of Majorca, reportedly found 2000 Arab citizens and their cattle hiding here. You can combine your visit with a boat trip to Canyamel from either Cala Ratjada (for an extra €15) or Font de sa Cala (€12). The Artà Card offers reduced-price entry.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Platja de Canyamel

0.54 MILES

Backed by the comparatively low-key resort town of Canyamel, with low pine-covered hills beyond, this broad stretch of parasol-shaded sand gets very…

2. Font de Sa Cala

1.3 MILES

South of Cala Ratjada is Font de Sa Cala, where the crystalline waters are perfect for snorkelling. The serene, 100m-long beach is surrounded by a harshly…

3. Torre de Canyamel

2.24 MILES

Just 3km inland from Canyamel and signposted off the main coast road, the striking Torre de Canyamel – a 23m-high, restored 13th-century defensive tower…

4. La Antigua Farmacia Melis Cursach

3.33 MILES

The former home and workplace of Antònia Melis Cursach, bequeathed to the city on her death, is now a museum, preserved to look just as an 18th-century…

5. Platja de Son Moll

3.43 MILES

Cala Ratjada's most accessible beach is the busy 200m strip of the Platja de Son Moll, just in front of Passeig Marítim, in the centre of town.

6. Castell de Capdepera

3.47 MILES

Lording it over Capdepera is this early-14th-century fortress. A walled complex built on the ruins of a Moorish fortress, the castle is one of the best…

7. Sa Torre Cega

3.95 MILES

Named for the 15th-century 'blind tower' (unsighted by similar watchtowers) at its centre, this coastal estate was built in the early 20th century by the…

8. Cala Gat

4.04 MILES

East of Cala Ratjada harbour, beyond Sa Torre Cega, this fine little cove has a pretty 40m beach backed by pine forests and receives far fewer visitors…