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Calasparra
Calasparra is a quaint town in Murcia that needs to be explored, and has kept it's Spanish identity. There are breathtaking mountain views to be enjoyed and it is ideally situated to be the base for exploring the surrounding areas. The river Segura is close by, providing the ability for water rafting and fishing.
There are many good cafes and restaurants in Calasparra that offer a great variety of tapas, meals and beverages. Most bars will serve a "menu del día" which normally includes a drink and are very good value meals. Calasparra has an English bar, The Calasparra Arms, which serves traditional English food, aswell as sought-after English beers. There are numerous fiestas throughout the year and you will find the streets filled with tables, chairs and many people!!! The town really does come alive and is buzzing until the early hours of the morning.
Every Friday is market day where local fresh produce can be purchased. On top of food, there is a variety of stalls selling items such as clothes, linens, footwear and leather goods.
The main annual fiesta in Calasparra occurs in the 1st week of September, where Calasparra turns one huge party. There are a number of colourful processions and traditional bull runs twice daily. Throughout the fiesta there are a number of little stalls set up in the streets, selling anything from beer & food, to jewellery and leather goods.
Sanctuary of "Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza"
2008 was the jubilee year for the sanctuary, which is based around a beautiful church embedded in the side of a mountain. The 1st records of the sanctuary date back to the 17th centuary and it is the 3rd most visited place in Spain. There is a souvenir shop, restaurant, children's play area and a bbq area set alongside the banks of the river Segura. On the road to the Sanctuary is a viewing point, from which you can see a panoramic view across Calasparra and it's many rice fields.
Cave of Monigotes & caves of El Puerto
Just a small drive outside of Calasparra will take you to the caves and they are well worth a visit. The cave of Monigotes is very spectacular with it's own lake, cave paintings & huge stalagmites and stalactites. Guided tours are available in some of the caves and you should contact Tourist Information for more details (Tel: 968 745 325 or email tourismo@calasparra.org).
Calasparra Rice
The rice fields surrounding the town produce the renowned "bomba" rice from Calasparra. Pure local mountain water is fed directly into the fields using traditional irrigation systems inherited from the Moors. Farmers have been growing rice in Calasparra since 1634 and the Calasparra rice has been given the coveted "Denominacion de Origen", a sign of great quaility. It can be found in many local supermarkets, and is sold in small cloth sacks.
Calasparra is a place where many sports can be enjoyed, including river rafting, rock climbing, hiking, cycling and fishing.
Golf
There are also many quality golf courses within easy travelling distance of Calasparra. Please visit www.clubmurcia.com for more information on the golfing opportunities in the area.
Valentin
Just 3kms on from Calasparra is the charming village of Valentin. The square in Valentin is overlooked by the beautiful church of San Juan Bautista where the locals meet of an evening and is the centre for it's fiesta , which starts on 24th June. There are 3 bars, which offer typically Spanish fare of the highest quality.
Caravaca De La Cruz
20 mins from Calasparra is the historical town of Caravaca De La Cruz. In may it holds it's world famous horse parade and race up to the castle. The town is the 5th most visited place in Spain. The pope is due to visit in 2010 and the town is busy making preperations for the occasion.
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