Cañaverosa tourist information point at the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza in Calasparra
A green oasis of nature and wildlife in Calasparra in northern Murcia
The tourist information point of Cañaverosa in the municipality of Calasparra is located at the entrance to the astonishing Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza, alongside the River Segura. It provides information regarding the nature reserve of "Sotos y Bosques de Ribera de Cañaverosa” including wildlife protection, protected areas and landscapes and walking routes in the area.
The reserve, which was created in 1992, occupies an area of approximately 225 hectares in the far north-west of the Region, straddling the municipal boundary between Moratalla and Calasparra and following the course of the River Segura. Very soon after it was declared official it was badly affected by the forest fire which broke out in 1994, but since then the riverbank flora and fauna have recovered well alongside the upper reaches of the River Segura, where the tributaries of the Río Mundo and the Río Alhárabe meet.
This is a lush, green environment made all the more attractive by its sharp contrast with many other parts of the Region of Murcia, and the leafy canopy is provided by a variety of trees including willows, elms, poplars and shelters plants such as oleanders, dewberries, salt cedars and reeds. The vegetation also makes it the perfect home for numerous animal species, including otters, herons, bats, orioles and Spanish pond turtles, and although the area has also been home to human settlements over the millennia – prehistoric rock art has been found in the Abrigo de los Pozos – the reserve is practically untarnished by the hand of Man.
As well as the wildlife, visitors will appreciate the spectacular landscape, where over the millions of years the river has carved canyons up to 60 metres deep.
Staff are also happy to advise on the cultural and historical heritage of Calasparra and the nature reserve as well as pointing out picnic and recreation areas and other interesting locations. There are also scheduled guided walks throughout the year.
Those with hearing disorders can also be provided with help, and the building in which the tourist information point is located ids fully accessible alongside public parking, toilets, benches and tables, a children's play area, a restaurant and a hostel.
For most of the year the information point is staffed only at weekends: telephone 968 847510 for further information.
Click here for map link.
Oficina de Turismo de Calasparra
The Calasparra tourist information office is located in the Casa Granero, a former rice mill and storehouse, as well as a residential property.
For enquiries about accommodation, restaurants etc, please contact the Tourist Office.
Oficina de Turismo de Calasparra
Edificio Casa Granero, Calle Mayor 14
30420 Calasparra
Tel: 968 745 325
Fax: 968 745 325
Click for map, Calle Mayor 14, Calasparra
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday : 9.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00 h.
Saturdays 11.00 to 13.00 h.
Tourist route of Calasparra
The tourist office has a street map which includes a walking route around the most interesting historical sites of the town. This can take a good 2-3 hours if visitors start with the rice museum next door, stop off at the archaeological museum and walk up to the castle as well. It´s an interesting way to start a day in Calasparra, and can occupy the morning, followed by a good lunch with the mandatory rice dish of local Calasparra rice, followed by a visit to the Sanctuary of La Esperanza after lunch when there are less visitors around.
Calasparra Rice Museum
In the same building as the Calasparra tourist office is the Rice Museum, dedicated to the history of rice growing in the Calasparra area, as well as the cultivation and processing of rice, an important agricultural activity which has taken place here for around 600 years. Calasparra rice is famed throughout Spain for it's culinary qualities and is considered to be a gastronomic rice rather than a standard table rice. Buying a canvas bag of this gastronomic rice is a mandatory part of visiting Calasparra. Click for more info Calasparra rice.
Calasparra Archaeological Museum
This is located in one of the most historic buildings in Calasparra, the former headquarters of the Encomienda of the Order of San Juan de Jerusalén, the religious military order to which Calasparra belonged for 600 years. The Museum houses a collection of items uncovered on archaeological sites locally and also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Click for Opening Times, Archaeological Museum Calasparra
Calasparra Castle.
Not a lot remains of the Castle built after the Reconquist of the area by the Christians, although it does offer superb views of the surrounding area. The castle is the site of a new outdoor auditorium, which is used for cultural activities during the summer months. Click Calasparra Castle.
The Sanctuary of La Esperanza.
Calasparra's most emblematic structure, this sanctuary is cut from the rock-face and is located in a tranquil riverside setting. En-route to the sanctuary are the rice fields of Calasparra, with a view point ( mirador) being a popular stop-off point for visitors.
Click for more information, Sanctuary of La Esperanza, Calasparra
Calasparra natural beauty.
Calasparra is located in a zone of great natural beauty, cut by rivers and deep rocky gorges, yet surrounded by rolling plains and agricultural areas. There are many options for walking and enjoying the outdoors in Calasparra, with walks organised by the tourist office around the municipality, as well as privately run enterprises such as the opportunities offered by the river sports. Regular updates about activities in the area are posted in the dedicated Calasparra section of the Murcia Today site, accesed via the bottom of every page on the site.
To see more information about the History of Calasparra, Click History of Calasparra
For more information about the Fiestas and traditions of Calasparra, Click Fiestas and Traditions, Calasparra.
View Calasparra Murcia in a larger map
