The sandstone extracted from these caves was transported by sea to Palma for the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma.
In 1720, a Spanish sailor surviving a storm vowed to build an altar here, leading to the cave's nickname 'Cova de la Mare de Déu'.
The massive stone pillars inside were left standing by quarrymen to support the weight of the limestone ceiling and prevent collapse.
The caves were a popular site for 20th-century hippies and artists, resulting in various wall carvings that remain visible today.
The name 'Portals Vells' translates to 'Old Portals', referencing the historical use of the bay as a sheltered harbor for small vessels.
Cova de Portals Vells is a historical man-made cave complex located on the southern coast of Mallorca near Calvià. The site was extensively quarried in the 15th century to extract marés sandstone, which was used to construct the Palma Cathedral. It features three distinct vaulted entrances leading to a large, columned interior chamber carved directly into the rock face. During the 18th century, the cave served as a place of worship for local sailors who carved altars into the stone. The site is situated along the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, adjacent to a secluded sandy beach. Visitors can access the cave via a short coastal trail that winds through pine-covered terrain. The interior remains cool and shaded, contrasting with the intense heat of the surrounding Balearic coastline. It is a protected site of cultural interest that reflects centuries of maritime and industrial history.
From the center of the main cave chamber looking outward toward the Mediterranean Sea framed by the cave's stone pillars.
Wear shoes with high grip as the limestone floors can be slippery and uneven.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight to see the deeper, darker sections of the caverns.
Combine your visit with a swim at the adjacent beach, which is rarely crowded compared to urban tourist centers.
Do not attempt to climb the exterior cliff faces outside of marked trails, as the limestone can be brittle.
Respect the historic site by not touching or damaging the soft sandstone walls or carvings.
