The 10 best holiday homes in Riópar

Riópar is not a big town, so most holiday homes are concentrated in the town centre or in the surrounding area, especially in the zone that climbs up towards the sierra del Calar del Mundo. If what you're looking for is to walk out to buy bread or have dinner without taking the car, choose a house in the centre, near the plaza or the calle Mayor. If you prefer absolute silence and waking up with views of the valley, look at the options in the surrounding area, such as those on the carretera de la fuente de los Tubos or on the slopes facing the reservoir. The difference between them is usually in the size, the garden or the fireplace, but also in the isolation: those in the old town are more authentic, with stone walls and low ceilings, while those on the outskirts tend to be more modern and with a private plot.

As for the price, don't expect big deals in July and August, because that's when demand is highest. If you can, look at weekends from October to May, or weekdays at any time of year: that's when the houses drop in price and you can find one for the 108 euros per night that marks the minimum. The average is around 207 euros, so if you see something below that figure and with a good rating, don't let it get away. The average category of the accommodations is 3.6 stars, which translates into decent houses, clean and with the basics, but without great luxuries. Don't expect room service or a spa; expect an equipped kitchen, heating and, with luck, a barbecue.

To get there, the most comfortable way is to go by car. From Albacete it takes a little over an hour along the CM-3203 road, and from Madrid about three hours along the A-3 to Almansa and then along regional roads. The bus arrives from Albacete, but with few frequencies, so if you don't have your own vehicle, getting around the area will be complicated: the hiking routes to the nacimiento del río Mundo or to the Chorro start on the outskirts and there is no public transport. Before booking, check whether the house has wood or electric heating, because in winter the nights are cold, and confirm whether the hot water is enough for the number of people you are. It is also worth asking whether they allow pets, because many rural houses allow them but with a supplement, and whether the final cleaning is included or paid separately. Lastly, look at the photos in the reviews, not those in the listing: they usually give a more real idea of the state of the house. Among the accommodations you will see in the listing, Patio de las Flores is in the heart of the historic centre, Casas el Calar del Rio Mundo and Casas rurales El Arbol de la Vida are more oriented towards groups and families, and Casa Rural Los Pinos n5 de Riópar is a small and quiet option. With 28 houses available, as well as apartments and guest houses, you have room to compare without stressing out.