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.