
Bullas
Situated next to the Mula River & has
a population of approx 9800 people. Famed for its wine produce – which is known
throughout Spain, this town has been producing quality red wine for over 400
years. The steep, stepped and narrow streets thread their way between the pretty
houses of the town, which has an interesting history as well as a modern feel
in some sections of the town.
Calasparra
Calasparra
is a traditional town situated 45kms north-west of Murcia and is aptly
known as the "paradise of the region" due to the stunning
landscapes and lush green fields and variety of colours surrounding
the countryside. A town where the 10,000 or so inhabitants enjoy a
real relaxed and typically Spanish way of life
Well renowned for its rice produce - Calasparra rice can be found all over Spain and is also shipped World-wide - also within this area - due to the landscapes and plentiful water supplies - many fruits & vegetables are grown locally and sold throughout the markets within the North West Murcia belt during the week - the market is held each Friday in Calasparra
Running through Calasparra - the Rio Segura is a favourite with locals for fishing and swimming (as the water is so clear) - and along the river white water rafting can be enjoyed (both rapids & slow)
One of the most amazing sites is the "Sanctuary de la Virgin de la Esperanza" - a church built into the side of a mountain by the river banks by hand as has been crafted beautifully for all to enjoy. During weekends and holiday times - most of the locals visit the Sanctuary not only for religious reasons - nut to enjoy the facilities offered there such as children's play area, restaurant (housing in excess of 200 people), gift shop, beautiful gardens and walkways - and of course the BBQ´s that are lined up on the river bank edges with washing and cleaning facilities so all can bring their food and enjoy being part of this community - preparing their food and swimming, talking and enjoying the wonderful surroundings - a licensed bar is nearby as well as other facilities to make this an enjoyable place to be all day
If you are more adventurous - there is so much to do here - white water rafting,horse-riding,paintballing, mountain climbing, cycling, fishing, shooting & caves which can be found with stalactites & stalagmites in beautiful underground caverns with cave drawings. A go-karting track is also nearby - so there is a plethora of activities waiting to be enjoyed
Education in Calasparra seems to be good - with the local schools offering English as part of the curriculum and a choice of 3 or 4 schools for the children to enjoy. If an international school is what you are looking for - Murcia city some 30 minutes or so away has one of the finest in Southern Spain
Within the town most things can be found easily - a 24 hour medical centre, a host of shops offering English newspapers and obviously a wide range of traditional Spanish fruit, vegetables & meats - and of course the usual facilities such as a vet, dentist, optician - everything required for day to day living
There is also another company now opened "Essential Services" which is an exclusive club where visitors from the UK can join - and the Bilingual staff will help you through the maze of living in real Spain until you are confident enough with your Spanish to cope single handedly
If you really wish to live in Spain - and not a tourist resort - Calasparra is definitely the place to be
municipalities
in the neighbouring provinces of Granada, Jaen and Albacete.This is an historic little town conveniently sited on the main road from Albacete to Murcia . Here the main attractions include prehistoric caves, castle ruins and two churches
Cehegin
Cehegin
is centrally situated in the Northwest region of Murcia about 600
meters above sea level providing its dry mountainous climate compared
to the humidity found on the coast. The town has approximately 14,000
inhabitants spread across the various villages.
Moratalla
is a town renowned for it's rural tourism as it is set in the side of
a mountain with stunning panoramic views. Moratalla is 681m above sea
level and is located approx 80kms from the cosmopolitan city of Murcia,
and has just over 8600 inhabitants. Jumilla
Jumilla
is located in the province of Murcia. The town has over 26,000 inhabitants
and has some stunning views across the valleys.