Besides being surrounded by nature and famed for its rice fields, the town of Calasparra in Spain’s Murcia region is also a fantastic place to live. With affordable housing prices and all the amenities you could possibly need, it’s definitely worth exploring as an option if you’re considering moving to Spain. Here’s all you need to know about living in Calasparra Spain!
Where Is Calasparra, Spain?
Calasparra is a town and municipality located in Spain’s Murcia region which is in the southeastern part of Spain. It lies along the Segura river in quite a mountainous area, roughly northwest of Murcia city and is known for its fertile terraced ricefields along the riverbanks. The towns it borders are Cieza, Mula, Cehegín and Moratalla as well as the Albacete province.
How Far Is Calasparra from the Sea?
Calasparra is not too far from the sea at all, it’s about 90 to 100 kilometers (55-65 miles) from the Mediterranean coast which means it should take you about 1 hour 15 minutes / an hour and a half to reach the nearest coastal areas e.g. the the Costa Cálida or the beaches near Torrevieja.
What Is Living in Calasparra Spain Like?
First and foremost, living in Calasparra means being able to enjoy lots and lots of sun with the region typically having over 300 sunny days per year and getting very hot in summer (frequently reaching about 35°C!) with sunny and mild winters. You won’t experience too much rain there as the region doesn’t often see more than 375mm rainfall per year and most of this is concentrated in a few months (mostly September and October).
In terms of housing prices, you’ll find the town is noticeably cheaper when it comes to properties than the coast (thanks to its inland location) and is not as intensely tourist focused which is great if you’re looking for that ‘real Spain experience’ but also for affordability. The region is also known for lower costs of living when it comes to groceries, utilities, eating out, etc.
You’ll find all modern conveniences in this little town that might be necessary including supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants with the cuisine being a particular focus, especially the famous local rice which is of exceptional quality and holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1986. There are multiple sites and attractions here too, both cultural (e.g. the Archaeological Museum and Museo del Arroz, also known as the Rice Museum) and natural e.g. the Santuario Virgen de la Esperanza, Cueva del Puerto and the Segura River.
There’s good access to healthcare here and you’ll have both public/state-funded options as well as private care and the town has its own local health centre, Centro de Salud, for primary care, GP appointments, nurses, etc and non-emergency care in general.
While being a great fit particularly for retirees, expats working from home / self employed individuals, living in Calasparra does offer certain work opportunities albeit specialised and somewhat limited. Most openings are in agriculture and farming and in the tourism sector, although there might be opportunities in local trades e.g. construction, electrical work, etc.
Public transport is functional and affordable and primarily centred around connecting the town with the city of Murcia. There are roughly six daily buses to/from Murcia (approx. 1h 20m) as well as some rail services, although buses are considered the fastest option.
The Pace and Lifestyle of Calasparra Life
Calasparra life is defined by a very traditional cultural experience and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect if you’re looking to experience the ‘real Spain’ life. The community is mainly made up of locals although there is a small expat population as well which is perfect if you’d like an authentic feel but would also like an easier transition into the lifestyle which an active expatriate community can assist.
While nestled inland and being quiet and relaxed the town is not far from Murcia city meaning if you ever find yourself in the mood for something a bit different, that’s just an hour’s drive away. So while offering that traditional small Spanish town charm, living in Calasparra won’t feel isolating as you can enjoy a serene and rural life while having easy access to more amenities and shopping.
Things to Do in Calasparra
This traditional town might be small but has no shortage of exciting and fun things to do, places to explore, food to try and natural attractions to visit. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Calasparra:
- Visit the Santuario de la Virgen de la Esperanza: This is a religious site that serves as the town’s patron saint sanctuary, located in a cave alongside the Segura River
- Try the Local Rice: Obviously, giving the famous local rice a try is an absolute must in the town where it’s cultivated
- Walk the Town Centre: You can visit the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) and have a stroll around the local streets
- Learn More About Local History: The Abrigos del Ponzo and the Cueva de Los Monitegos for example have cave paintings that date back all the way to the Eneolithic and Bronze Age
- Raft in Cañón de Almadenes: This canyon is thrilling and lovely if you’re looking for a bit of adventure but is also family-friendly and has lots of interesting flora and fauna to explore as well as UNESCO-recognised cave art
Finding Property for Sale in Calasparra
If living in Calasparra is something you’re considering, you’re likely interested in the types of properties available in this area and what might be a good fit for you and/or your family. Luckily, the area offers a wide range of property types, at Welcome Estates for example we list a variety of those including modern villas and stunning new-build properties.
In addition, the region the town’s located in makes it an especially attractive place to invest in. If you’re still looking at the wider area, feel free to read our guide on whether Murcia is a good place to buy property to help inform your decision!
Discover Your Dream Calasparra Property with Welcome Estates
If you’re ready to find the perfect Calasparra property, our team at Welcome Estates is here to make this process as easy as possible for you. We can organise an inspection trip for you that is completely personalised to your preferences and will let you browse stunning properties for sale in Calasparra while making the most of the opportunity to experience this town’s atmosphere first-hand. Get in touch with our team today and let’s find your new dream home together!
