This is one of the most well-known towns in the province of Albacete. A place worth staying to take a break from every day life and spend a few days to enjoy discovering the area, its possibilities, and the great tourist offer there is.
Riópar is a small town located at the south-west of the province, and where the autochthonous flora and fauna from the region of Sierra de Alcazar is very present.
There are historical records that mention this town dating from centuries ago, and which include the name of places like the Fábricas de San Juan de Alcaraz, which is how a group of very famous metallurgic factories were known back in the day.
The history of this town goes as far as the Roman times, and was later on was occupied by the visigoths and Arab respectively, which means that it has a very rich cultural, and historical heritage.
When talking about Riópar, we need to make a distinction between the two main areas it is divided into. On the one hand, a more modern part of the town which flourished thanks to the many factories that were built in this area by the time the town hall changed its location and, on the other hand, the old town of Riópar.
It is in the latter where most of the historical and artistic heritage of this area is found, and it is also the most attractive part of this town.
To begin with, you will find here the remains of a fortified castle of Muslim origin, from the 12th century. It is open to visitors, although there are only some parts left of what it used to be, but you will still have some spectacular views from there as it is located in the highest spot of the town, on top of a rock. In it, you will also be able to visit the graveyard and the some houses that have been left from the original town.
Another interesting place that we recommend visiting is the Iglesia Parroquial del Espíritu Santo which, unlike the castle, it has been restored and modified through the years, and where you will find some important fresco paintings from the Gothic period.
Amongst its natural heritage, nature lovers will find here many green spaces, some great views, and the chance to try out or do sports surrounded by the vast natural surroundings of Chorros del Río Mundo.
This unique, natural spot is located in the outskirts of Riópar, and it is the source of one of the most important rivers in this province; the river Mundo.
If you would like to truly get to know this place in its purest state, the best time to do so is during rainy season, since it is when all the accumulated water from the mountains create some impressive waterfalls that provide with some unique and spectacular views of this area. This particular climatological phenomenon is known as “el reventón”.
Another place of great natural interest, very close to the ones we have already mentioned, is Charco de las Truchas, where you will also have some great, beautiful, views.
The thing about this place is that it doesn't have many visitors since you can only access to it on foot, through a track that begins near the Chorros del río Mundo. What you will discover there, are the magical views of a lake surrounded by a great and diverse number of autochthonous trees.
Last, after a entire day doing tourism around this area, you will there is no better reward than to try and enjoy the local gastronomy, where pickled meats, as well as 'morcilla' and 'chorizo' stuffed pots, predominate.
