Fewer than 4,000 residents make Espera their home. The town is small and cosy, but the local natural reserve draws in many hikers. Espera cherishes its history. Buildings and historical sites are preserved with care and are usually in immaculate condition. For this reason, history lovers will enjoy visiting this charming town.

 

Espera is an enchanting land full of archaeological sites and quaint boutiques. Photographers of all levels will find many breathtaking images worth capturing.

When the Moors entered the area now called Espera, they built an elaborate castle to defend their borders. They spent many centuries in the area, eventually losing control in the 13th century. Catholic control reigned until the 1800s when the French briefly captured the area. 

 

Espera is a town who see the benefit of their antique fortresses and churches. The sites are well tended and remain in great condition.

Espera is home to the Espera Natural Reserve. The reserve is home to three large lakes that accommodate many species of waterfowl (including the rare red-knobbed coot and white-headed duck) and native vegetation (reed mace), trees (wild olives), and flowers. Try to hit the Espera Natural Reserve during migration for the chance to see flamingos in the wild. Every September, Fiestas Patronales Santo Cristo de la Antigua occurs.  This festival is a celebration of Santo Cristo.  An image of the Saint is brought down the mountainside and delivered to an area church.  This festival is considered a national event.

 

Casa de la Cilla o Molino de los Diezmos (Mill of the Tithes) was built in the 18th century. The building was used to collect tithes from the citizens of Espera. The archeological structure of the Casa de la Cilla is an amazing sight.

 

Two area churches offer impressive views into the area’s religious history. Ermita de Santiago was built in the fifteenth century and offers impressive architectural detail. Iglesio Parroquial de Santa María de Gracia was built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The church is impressive and well cared for.

Thanks to the warm climate and fertile soils, agriculture is the prime industry in Espera’s economy. The land is prime for growing many crops, but farmers focus on beets, cotton, and grains (oat, wheat, and barley.) 

 

The Espera Natural Reserve brings in many hikers and nature lovers year round. This brings some income into the town’s economy, though Espera is not considered a major tourist destination.

 

A handful of local craftsmen specialize in handcrafted leather boots. When in Espera, it is worth your time to check out their exquisite footwear.

Local fare and regional dishes are based on many locally grown products. Entrees range greatly. Rich dishes of pumpkin and chickpeas called Alboronía are spiced with garlic, bay leaves, and tomato. Fresh cod is baked with garlic and tomato. Chickpeas and kidney beans are cooked with chunks of sausage in a rich tomato broth.

 

For dessert, fried pieces of dough flavoured with lemon and anise called Pestiño are served with honey. Torrijas, a dish much like bread pudding, is also popular.

 

There are few restaurant options in the area of Espera. You can travel south to neighbouring towns where many dining options can be found.

Because of its small size, Espera really does not offer much in the way of a nightlife. It is best to head south to some of the area’s larger cities.

 

While you might find local pubs, be warned that the clientele is going to speak Spanish making it hard for those not comfortable with the language to get their message across when ordering.

With so much in today’s world demanding your attention, why not choose to vacation in a land that time forgot? Enjoy the serene atmosphere and pick Espera for your upcoming vacation. Relax in a quiet countryside that demands little of humans but lots from the environment.