Rafting on the River Segura and a chance to sample dishes made with Calasparra rice

Healthy 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 alternative is to try a different kind of soaking by rafting down the River Segura as it winds its way through the countryside of Calasparra, in the north-west of the Region!

Some excellent rafting experiences are offered in this area, and among those that stand out is the one promoted by the regional tourist board, which combines a descent of the river with a hearty lunch featuring the famous Calasparra rice – this is highly prized among top restaurants and is considered one of the optimum varieties for making specialities such as paella.

The experience was awarded Certificates of Excellence in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and has also won a Traveller's Choice prize on TripAdvisor: the organizers boast a 5-star rating on all of the most important tourism portals. Part of the attraction can be attributed to the stunning setting in one of the most beautiful areas of the Region of Murcia, the protected area of the Almadenes Canyon, where guides explain the history and pre-history of the riverbanks and the surrounding area.

The trip even includes a visit to the Cueva de los Monigotes, where the pre-historic rock art on the walls of the cave are included as part of one of UNESCO’s World heritage Sites, and the Cueva de las Nutrias.

Aside from this evidence of early human settlement in the area, visitors also enjoy the wildlife along the river, where at least 150 species of flora and fauna thrive at the foot of the canyon walls, which reach heights of over 100 metres.

The trip downstream to the Alfonso XIII reservoir takes approximately three and a half hours (all morning or all afternoon) and can be adapted to suit all ages. All necessary material is included in the price, including the services of qualified guides, insurance, instruction, the cave visits and a photo report.

And after working up a healthy appetite, participants repair to a nearby restaurant to enjoy what is described by the locals as “the best rice in the world” – and while in their neighbourhood, the best advice is to agree with them!

Prices may vary, depending on the restaurant chosen, but the orientative figure is 45 euros for adults and 39 euros for children under 12.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE BOOKINGS or call 609 559939, specifying that English-speaking guides are needed if this is the case.

PLEASE NOTE: A minimum group size of 8 is required in order to ensure the visit can take place.

Sources include the Region of Murcia tourist board (www.turismoregiondemurcia.es).