Local Information - Calasparra and District
The region of Murcia is full of contrasts,reservoirs, mountains,Calasparra rice fields & vineyards at Jumilla. To the north extends the plains of La Mancha,where Don Quixote fought against the windmills.To the south the popular beaches of the Costa Calida & to the west the city of Granada.
Traditional Rural Calasparra
The history of Calasparra stretches back to the Palaeolithic era. Cave paintings and Roman aqueducts on the outskirts of the town can still be seen. 3K from the town centre is the 'Sanctuary of Esperanza'.This is a shrine and a Church in a cave carved out of the rocks by the River Segura.The shrine is the 4th most popular place of pilgrimage for the Spanish people. Adjacent to the Sanctuary and next to the River Segura are facilities for BBQ's, picnics or just lazing in the sun. The Esperanza Restaurant,in the grounds of the Sanctuary,is highly recommended for it's paella dishes and is the 10th most famous restaurant in the region of Murcia.
Calasparra is protected by mountains on every side:-the Sierra de San Miguel,El Puerto and El Molino.The river Segura and its tributaries,The Argos,Quipar and Benamor irrigate a wide, rich plain where the regions famous rice fields can be seen.
The beauty of this quiet countryside is enhanced by its lakes and reservoirs,such as the Cenajo,Alfonso X111 and Almadenes.
Calasparra today is a bustling rural town. Most of it's activities centre on the town square (Plaza de la Corredera) where there are a variety of cafes, bars and restaurants providing a 4 course lunch called a 'Menu del Dia' which costs approx 10 euros per head (and this includes a drink).There is also an open air cinema,theatre, museum of rice and archaeological museum. The bull run of Calasparra takes place in the first week of September during the most important fiesta of the year.-see photo gallery
Things to do in and around Calasparra
Fishing at Embalse Argos and the River Segura
Horse riding at Moratalla
Quad Biking in the Sierra de Espuna
Photography at the Sierra de Espuna.
Thermal Spa at Archena
Cycling
Walking -there is a long distance route of 48K called the Ruta Verde del Noreste de Murcia. (Arrangements can be made to drop and pick up along this route and return to apartment if required)
Canoeing and rafting on the River Segura
Jumilla Bullas and Yecla Wine Route - Murcia Wine Club
Club de Golf Altorreal
Tourist Information Calasparra
Caravaca de la Cruz.
This town is about 15 miles (20Km) from Calasparra. There are 5 Holy Cities in the world, Jerusalem and Rome are well known, but Caravaca de la Cruz is also a Holy CIty. For 8 centuries pilgrims have been travelling to Caravaca de la Cruz to venerate the 'Vera Cruz' a piece of wood belonging to the cross on which Christ was crucified. The Vera Cruz can be found in the church of El Salvador. In 1988 the Pope awarded Caravaca de a Cruz the 'Jubilee Year'. This means that every 7 years the Jubilee Year is celebrated. 2010 will be the next Jubilee Year and the main celebrations will take place in the month of May. There will be many visitors and pilgrims, so accommodation in and around the area will be scarce. www.turacruz.com
Caravaca life revloves around the city's medieval quarters, where at the centre is the castle and church. The main fiesta is in May where the famous wine horses of Caravaca draped in stunning embroided cloths are paraded through the streets. see photo gallery
Murcia City
Within an approximately 40 minute drive of Calasparra lies the municipal capital of the region, the city of Murcia with its famous 14th centuary cathedral. There are many fine shops, restaurants and plazas where you can have a coffee and watch the world go by.
Attractions near Calasparra.
The Costa Calida with its sandy beaches and resorts is only about 1 hours drive from Calasparra.
The ancient mountain city of Granada with its magnificent hilltop fortress and palace the Alhambra as well as great shops and restaurants is only a 2 hour drive from Calasparra.
