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The Cueva del Puerto in Calasparra has been recognised by the Region of Murcia as one of its tourism success stories, with officials highlighting the cave's combination of natural heritage, sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

 

The popular attraction has been included in the regional government's "One Success Story, Everyone's Success" campaign, which showcases tourism projects that stand out for quality, innovation, accessibility and environmental responsibility.

 

During a visit to the cave on Wednesday June 17, Tourism Minister Carmen Conesa said its inclusion in the campaign was recognition of one of the north-west's most important visitor attractions. She described it as a leading example of nature tourism in the Region of Murcia, pointing to its unique geology and the improvements introduced in recent years that have made it "an example of sustainable tourism management".

 

Located in the mountains near Calasparra, Cueva del Puerto is considered one of the finest hydrothermal caves in Europe. Formed around 15 million years ago, it features an intricate network of chambers and passageways filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other striking rock formations that have developed over millions of years.

 

One of the latest upgrades is a complete WiFi network running throughout the visitor route, making it the first tourist cave in Spain to offer wireless connectivity across the entire accessible section. The system allows staff inside and outside the cave to stay in constant contact, helping improve both communication and visitor safety.

 

The network also supports a sophisticated monitoring system that keeps track of conditions inside the cave in real time. Carbon dioxide levels, radon concentrations, temperature and humidity are all measured continuously, allowing staff to react quickly if any changes could affect the delicate underground environment.

 

Regional officials said these improvements demonstrate how technology can help protect natural heritage while enhancing the visitor experience.

 

Ms Conesa also stressed the wider importance of attractions such as Cueva del Puerto, explaining that projects like this help generate jobs, attract visitors and strengthen the tourism offer in inland areas of the Region.

 

She added that the cave shows how "the conservation of natural heritage and innovation can become drivers of development for inland municipalities" while continuing to attract thousands of visitors every year.

 

Image: Cueva del Puerto