The Cueva de Nerja in Spain has opened the largest virtual reality space.

A new and exciting way to experience one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaga province has been introduced at the Cueva de Nerja. The new virtual reality room opened its doors on Saturday 29 April, allowing visitors to explore parts of the cave that are normally closed to the public for safety or conservation purposes. 

The Nerja cave is a historical site and a natural monument that attracts a large number of visitors each year, with over 436,000 tickets sold in 2022 alone. The immersive tour of the cave lasts around twelve minutes and is guided by the cave's new mascot, Tadeo Jones, an animated character. The virtual reality journey takes visitors through the geological formation of the cave, the Maro waterfall, and the valuable cave paintings, including images of a Neanderthal man.

To fully immerse themselves in this technological experience, visitors are provided with VR glasses and headphones. The virtual reality area is divided into two rooms, each with a capacity of up to 65 people, allowing up to 360 people to experience the tour per hour.

Additionally, the Cueva de Nerja foundation is developing an exclusive activity for visitors with reduced mobility or other health issues, which will be available from June. This activity will enable them to explore the galleries that are open to the public and experience the inside of the cave, which they might not be able to do physically.

The 360-degree immersive video offers an in-depth insight into how humans lived on Earth 35,000 years ago, and the cave paintings can be virtually ‘touched’. The Cueva de Nerja boasts the largest collection of prehistoric art in Europe, with over a thousand examples, many of which are not accessible to the public due to conservation reasons. However, through the use of technology, visitors can now get a glimpse of these valuable artifacts.

In conclusion, the new virtual reality room at the Cueva de Nerja offers a unique and immersive experience to visitors, allowing them to explore the cave's hidden areas and learn about the prehistoric art and culture that exists within it. With the addition of the new activity for visitors with reduced mobility or health issues, the Cueva de Nerja is working towards making this incredible attraction accessible to all.