Mallorca bus tour to visit Alcúdia and Drach Caves

Are you playing golf in Mallorca or shopping in Palma de Mallorca and looking for something more cultural or adventurous? Here’s a route that includes both. A group tour with your friends in a minibus or car to the beautiful city of Alcúdia and a visit to the Drach Caves, where you can lose yourself in the depths of our planet.

A road trip in the north of Mallorca

Your day trip will be as follows:

• You will start early (around 8 a.m.) by departing from the city of Palma to head to Alcúdia, a small and historic town located in the north of Mallorca.
• In Alcúdia, you will spend the morning taking a walking tour of its main points of interest, including the historic center, the medieval walls, and the ruins of Pollentia.
• After a lunch break, you will visit the Drach Caves, located about an hour away by car or minibus.
• Following the cave tour (which lasts approximately one hour), you will return to Palma to conclude your day as you wish.

A road map of the Palma – Alcudia – Drach Caves route

In the following map, you can see the route of the day. In total, it’s 180 km by road, starting the route and ending in the city of Palma.

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To Alcúdia from Palma de Mallorca

Alcúdia is located about 60 km from the city of Palma de Mallorca. This distance represents just under an hour’s journey by the Ma-13 road, which crosses the interior of the island. Therefore, if you are traveling by minibus, that is the route you will have to follow.

It is also possible to reach it by public transport. The bus station from which buses to Alcúdia depart is about 300 meters from Plaza de España, one of the most important communication nodes in Palma. Here you can check the frequency and schedules of trips.

Traveling to Alcúdia from Palma by minibus

Car rental in Mallorca is usually inexpensive (except in high season). It has three disadvantages: it usually only fits 4 or 5 passengers, you have to drive it yourself, and mountain roads can be challenging for those not accustomed to driving on this type of road.

Fortunately, there are more comfortable and practical alternatives for larger groups, so you can enjoy your route around the island: renting a chauffeured minibus or motor coach in Palma de Mallorca. Although the island can be toured by a self-drive car or public bus, opting for this modality will be the best way to manage your schedules and itinerary in the most convenient way.

Therefore, your group can meet the driver around Plaza España and from there set off for Alcúdia. I suggest you start the day as early as possible, around 8 in the morning, to make the most of each site to visit.

Minibus parking in Alcúdia

The city of Alcúdia has several public parking lots, some located near the historic center and others in the port and beach area. You can also park on the outskirts of the city and move to the center by walking or by other means (taxi, for example).

In your case, focusing the visit on the old town area, Sa Porta de Mallorca parking or the one located next to the Porta Roja is a good option, where you will start the walking tour of the historic center. Although both parking lots are especially for cars and motorcycles, there may be space for minibuses. In any case, it is best to arrive as early as possible and, as far as possible, outside of weekends or holidays, when there is a greater chance of finding a place.

Parking in Port D’Alcudia

Otherwise, in the port area (Port D’Alcudia), there is space for buses and minibuses to park. From here to the center, it’s only a 10-15 minute walk, so you shouldn’t spend too much time getting to the old town of the city.

Alcúdia: Mallorca’s most beautiful bay

Half a day is enough for your group to explore the main points of interest in Alcúdia. But if you want to enjoy beach tourism, I suggest spending one or two days to combine the stroll with moments of relaxation.

This city in the north of the island is the ancient Mallorcan capital, which is why it preserves an interesting historic center that is worth getting lost in, as well as beautiful beaches along the bay where it is located.

What to see with your group in Alcúdia?

In Alcúdia, you can enjoy a stroll through the streets of the historic center, the walls, and the entrance gates to the old town. Outside the walled area are the ruins of the Roman city of Pollentia, which maintains the same appearance as in ancient times.

In summary, this is the route I propose for you to take in Alcúdia:

⦁ Porta de Vila Roja: Start the tour at this gate, which was one of the original gates of the ancient medieval city of Alcúdia. From here, you can access the top of the wall for a walk along it.

⦁ Medieval wall of Alcúdia: Built in the 14th century by order of King James II, it is 1.5 km long and 6 meters high. Its 26 watchtowers provided security to the town against pirate attacks coming to the north of Mallorca.

⦁ Porta de Mallorca: Also known as Porta de Sant Sebastià, it is another relic from medieval times preserved in Alcúdia. In its time, it connected with the royal road of Palma de Mallorca. Today, it is the entrance to Carrer Major (or Main Street).

⦁ Carrer Major: This street full of shops, restaurants, and bars runs through the entire historic center of Alcúdia.

⦁ Town Hall or City Hall: Built in 1523 in Renaissance style, it is accompanied by a large central tower with a clock on each face.

⦁ Squares of Alcúdia: In the historic center of the city, there are several squares, such as Constitution Square and Greengrocers’ Square, two ideal places to sit and have a drink on one of their terraces.

⦁ Porta del Moll: From Constitution Square, you can take Carrer del Moll, which leads in less than 5 minutes to Porta del Moll or de Xara, another of the entrances to the walled city. It is one of the best-preserved in Alcúdia, so be sure to take a photograph.

⦁ Church of Sant Jaume: The next stop on the itinerary can be this temple that once was part of the city’s defensive system. Here, I suggest you admire the large rose window and the image of Santiago on the facade and then visit the interior, where there is a sacred museum and the Chapel of the Holy Christ.

⦁ Roman city of Pollentia: Outside the walls and near the church are the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, which maintains its appearance from ancient times, with an amphitheater carved into the rock, civil constructions, and a colonnaded street. Did you know it is the most important Roman archaeological site in Mallorca? Therefore, it is a place you cannot miss.

⦁ Port of Alcúdia: At the end of the walk through the historic area, be sure to visit the port of Alcúdia. The area is very touristy and is full of bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels. From here, many boat trips depart around the bay, and there are agencies that rent kayaks for those who want to explore the area on their own.

Lunch in Alcúdia

All this walking around Alcúdia will surely open your appetite. The good news is that both in the historic center and in the port, there are plenty of places where you can eat Mallorcan dishes.

One of the best places to eat in Alcúdia is Celler Ca’n Costa, the oldest restaurant in the city. Its menu focuses on dishes typical of the island, such as “frito mallorquín” (a traditional dish), “trempó” (a salad), cod loin with sobrasada (a spreadable cured sausage), and Mallorcan-style mussels. You will find it at Carrer de Sant Vicenç, 14 (near Plaza de la Constitución).

In the same street, but at number 7, we find Sa Portassa, another of the best places to eat in Alcúdia. Its menu includes tapas such as fried squid, mussels, mushrooms, and the typical “frito-Mallorquin” that you can share with your group.

At Carrer Major, 3, there is another good place to eat: Básico Gastrobar, a place where you can eat some “patatas bravas” (spicy potatoes), a seafood fry, or try the gourmet croquettes, among other things.

If you are looking for a good place to eat in the Port of Alcudia, I suggest you go to Bistro Mar. Located in the Alcudiamar Yacht Club (Local 3, Passeig Marítim), it is a restaurant specializing in grilled meats, rice dishes, seafood, and fish. Or, Ca’n Punyetes, another of the best places for tapas in Alcúdia. However, the place is usually quite crowded, as it is located in one of the busiest areas of the port (at Carrer de les Barques, 1).

Guided tours of Alcúdia

Although you can explore Alcúdia at your leisure or follow the route I propose, you also have the option of joining a guided tour. That way, you will have a local guide who will tell you interesting facts and curiosities about each site to visit.

Since you are traveling in a group, I suggest this private tour of Alcúdia, where, unlike traditional free tours, you will have an exclusive guide for you.

With your group to the Drach Caves

On the southeast coast of the island of Mallorca, we find one of the most acclaimed natural wonders of the island: the Drach Caves, or Dragon Caves (because legend says that one of these creatures lived in its depths).

The caves are located in the fishing village of Porto Cristo, 55 km from Alcúdia (which represents about an hour’s journey

How is the visit to the caves?

Once you arrive at the caves and pass through the ticket office, your group will be able to venture on foot into the interior of this enigmatic place. The cave tour lasts about an hour and takes you along 1,200 meters of galleries filled with incredible formations, as you descend to a depth of 25 meters.

In addition to the tour, the visit includes a concert in front of Lake Martel, which consists of four pieces of classical music performed by musicians playing the cello, harpsichord, and two violins. Can you imagine the effect of the sound inside the cave? Undoubtedly, a spectacle worth enjoying.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to cross Lake Martel by boat or through a walkway that borders it. After the walk, you will begin the ascent again to the exterior of the cave.

Schedules and prices of tours

• The visiting hours at the Drach Caves vary depending on the season, so you will have to take this into account when planning your itinerary.
• From November 1st to March 10th: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. If you make this excursion during this time, I suggest changing the itinerary and starting the day by visiting the caves and then going to Alcúdia.
• From March 11th to October 31st: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.
• The caves are closed on December 25th and January 1st.
• The cost of admission for adults is €17.00 (online) and €18.00 at the ticket office; and for children aged 3 to 12, it is €10.00 (online) and €11.00 (at the ticket office).
• It is most convenient to purchase tickets online, to be able to choose the day and time of the visit, as well as to avoid queues at the ticket office.

Parking for cars and minibus/bus

 There is ample parking at the Cuevas del Drach and it is completely free for all types of vehicles.

What to know before visiting the caves?

Before visiting the caves, keep in mind the following:

• The temperature inside ranges from 17ºC to 21ºC, which is pleasant, although it can vary considerably from the outside, especially in summer.
• Cave tours are conducted in groups but are not guided.
• If you purchase tickets online, you will need to arrive at the cave entrance 15 minutes before the indicated time.
• There is parking 200 meters from the entrance where you can park the minibus, although I suggest you contact the site in advance to confirm availability.
• It is prohibited to touch the stalactites and stalagmites formations (keep in mind that they are very fragile ecosystems that need to be preserved) and to stray from the path. Eating or drinking inside the cave is also not allowed, and of course, leaving trash inside is prohibited.
• The caves have steps, so they are not accessible for baby strollers or wheelchairs.
• Outside the cave, there are several facilities, including a cafétería where you can eat and drink before returning to Palma; bathrooms, a picnic area, and a souvenir shop.

Return to Palma de Mallorca

After a day filled with history and enjoying the wonders of planet Earth, it’s time to head back to Palma. The bus ride back will take about an hour. Ask the bus driver to drop you off in the city center, maybe near Pg. del Born. In this area, there are multiple terraces and bars where you can spend some time and enjoy tapas before calling it a day and returning to the hotel.