HOME > MURCIA NORTH & NORTH WEST > CALASPARRA
Calasparra tourist information
Calasparra is a municipality of around 10,500 inhabitants which is part of the Comarca del Noroeste, in the north-west of the Region of Murcia, sharing its boundaries with Moratalla, Cieza, Mula, Cehegín and the province of Albacete.
Calasparra owes its rich history to its geography. criss-crossed by the rivers Segura, Argos and Quípar. These rivers created fertile riverside agricultural zones, a landscape of rocky outcrops and deep gorges such as the Cañon de los Almadenes, the Cueva 
de los Monigotes, the Cueva del Puerto.
The mountains in the Sierras of San Miguel and San José are surrounded by vast plains of dry crop landscapes, where wheat, olives, carobs and almonds grow amidst the vineyards.
Closer to the water's edge, apricots, peaches, pears, apples and cherries enjoy the benefits of the warm southern Spanish climate and irrigation, two factors which also combine to make Calasparra a nationally renowned rice growing area.
These rich natural resources have attracted inhabitants for thousands of years: the Abrigo del Pozo rock paintings is testament to a prehistoric presence, the Villa Vieja is an abandoned Moorish settlement, the Castle of San Juan a reminder of medieval Calasparra, and the Palacio de la Encomienda de la Orden de San Juan de Jerusalén the seat of 
the religious knights who owned Calasparra for 600 years.
Close by is the sanctuary of La Esperanza, cut out of the rock face and set in riverside gardens, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people every year and the home of the Virgen de la Esperanza.
The sanctuary is the centre of one of the most important religious occasions in Calasparra every year, the Romería de la Esperanza, although the Fiestas held in honour of the town's patrons, the Fiestas patronales de San Abdón and San Senén, also attract vast crowds due to the encierros or bull runs which form a central part of the events. The autumn Feria is dedicated to rice and bullfighting, while the Semana Santa and Flamenco festival are also important cultural activities in Calasparra.
Agriculture, especially fruit production and canning as well as rice production, remains the most important industry, although rural tourism is also an important element of the local economy, allied with residential tourism, which has attracted various expat residents to make Calasparra their home on two urbanisations built within the municipality. The combination of culture, landscape and tourist activity combine to make Calasparra an attractive municipality which retains the true essence of Murcia and a good base from which to explore the north-west of the Region of Murcia.
Cartagena faces Easter 2025 without beach barsMost beach bar owners in Cartagena agree there’s no way they can be ready for Holy Week Although the weather forecast sadly isn’t great for Easter 2025, Cartagena’s beaches are still expected to be packed with holidaymakers. However.. 09/04/2025
New Mercadona confirmed for Cabo de Palos – opening summer 2026!A brand-new store is set to open, bringing more choice for shoppers and a boost for local businesses Shoppers in Cabo de Palos can look forward to a brand-new Mercadona, as the supermarket chain has officially gotten the thumbs-up and secured.. 25/03/2025
Sabores del Camino gastronomy route in Caravaca de la CruzLocal restaurants in and around Caravaca join forces to promote their mouth-watering specialities! A new initiative launched by the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has gained the support of 30 local bars and restaurants, all keen to promote their culinary..
7 hidden gems in the countryside of Murcia!Natural rural treasures in Murcia where you can hear the silent call of Nature this winter! As we tread the same paths and visit the same places day by day the Region of Murcia becomes ever more familiar to us, but do you realize how easy it is to stray.. 30/01/2025
Discover the natural paradise of the River Argos in north-western MurciaHiking, kayaking, birdwatching and the simple joy of the countryside in Caravaca, Cehegín and Calasparra Source: ITREM The River Argos is far from being a major waterway but it is one of the natural jewels of the north-west of the Region of Murcia..
April 24 to May 5 Fiestas of the Santísima y Vera Cruz and the Running of the Wine Horses 2025 in CaravacaThe Running of the Wine Horses takes place every year on May 2 The Running of the Wine Horses is one of the most exciting and unique fiesta activities in the Region of Murcia and takes place every year on 2nd May. However, this one event, which enjoys International..
April 24 The arrival of the Tío de la Pita heralds the start of the annual fiestas in Caravaca de la CruzThe highlight of the fiestas in Caravaca is the Running of the Wine Horses on May 2 One of the sure signs that the annual fiestas in Caravaca de la Cruz, which include the Running of the Wine Horses, are about to begin, is the arrival in the city of the T&..
Spectacular cave visits in the Region of MurciaAdventure for all the family in unique chambers where geology and history combine to provide unique experiences The summer tourist season is drawing to a close in The Region of Murcia and throughout Europe but fortunately in the Costa Cálida there are..
May 31 Desafío Achilasis Iron Man challenge and obstacle race in ArchivelThe Caravaca countryside hosts its annual test of strength and resilience alongside the popular obstacle race The details have been confirmed for this year’s “Desafío Arcilasis” event in the village of Archivel, where competitors will..
5 great destinations in the north-west of Murcia during the Holy Jubilee Year of 2024 in CaravacaCaravaca and its neighbours Cehegín, Bullas, Calasparra and Bullas all offer a fascinating range of experiences to visitors The city of Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only 5 to have been awarded the status of “Holy Cities” by the Vatican..
10 unique natural wonders in the Region of Murcia!Icy cold springs, moonscapes, badlands and enchanted natural cities in the Costa Cálida! Far from being simply a stretch of coastline in the western Mediterranean, the Region of Murcia has a fantastically varied landscape, and the following selection.. 23/10/2023
Six great family days out in the Region of Murcia this summer!Half a dozen plans for a day away from the beach in the Costa Cálida! School’s almost out for summer, and thousands of families will be heading from all over Europe to the Costa Cálida for their annual dose of sun, sea and sand, but of..
Cañaverosa tourist information point at the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Esperanza in CalasparraA 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..
The rice fields of Calasparra, a unique day out in the Region of Murcia!Calasparra is one of only three areas in Spain with Denomination of Origin status for locally grown rice Despite rice being one of the commonest foods on the planet it is a relatively rare sight to see the product being cultivated in Europe, but in Calasparra..
Understanding the Funeral Process in SpainIn Spain, it is the norm to plan ahead for your funeral. It’s all part of making things easier for the family and loved ones The cost of a funeral in Spain continues to rise and most Spanish families take out some kind of funeral plan to cover the..
Rafting on the River Segura and a chance to sample dishes made with Calasparra riceHealthy exercise on the river followed by a delicious lunch or dinner in Calasparra For many people summer in the Costa Cálida is limited to soaking up the rays on the beach and enjoying sundowners in a seafront restaurant or chiringuito, but a great..
