Arriving at Palma, Majorca fairly early in the morning, as usual for a new port, our destination today was almost as far away as it's possible to get on this largest of the Balearic Islands: the Caves of Drach or Dragon's Caves, near Porto Cristo.
The caves were something like a super-sized, enhanced version of the English Cheddar Caves. Really spectacular with a new and breathtaking vista at every turn of the winding path and steps that led down to the lake at the bottom.
This is one of many beautiful light blue pools whose mirror-like surface reflected the myriad collections of stalagmites and stalactites and other formations.
It's difficult to get an idea of the scale of these caves from the above so these two each include a person:
Fifteen minutes or so of walking brought us to yet another spectacular sight, the big lake at the end of the caves, with a seating area for about 100 people. Once we were all seated the lights were turned out and some music started with a glow of light around a corner.
First one illuminated rowing boat carrying a quartet of musicians appeared, followed by two more empty but also illuminated boats doing a slow dance as they processed across our field of view.
No cameras were allowed at all so this (above) postcard view is the best I have but it doesn't do justice to the majesty of the event. When the recital was finished we were given the opportunity for a very short trip across part of the lake in some of the boats:
A different route out displayed yet more wonderful views with time for a coffee in the pleasant outdoor area before a short bus ride into the harbour of Porto Cristo where our guide enthusiastically pointed out their local hero's (Rafael Nadal) yacht ....
The yacht is only about two years old; our guide said that local press asked Rafael Nadal when he first got it why he didn't have something bigger (he could easily afford bigger) and he answered that he wouldn't be able to keep anything bigger in this nice little local harbour, and he doesn't need anything flashier. Our guide was keen to point out how he had stayed very much a local lad and did many good things locally with his significant earnings.
The bus stopped by the harbour and we soon found a nice bit of beach and had our first (and last) paddle during this break ....
And on the way into the town I had to stop Barbara undressing to see if she could compete! .....
A lovely sail-away party on the back decks completed a very nice day.
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