Rafting on the Segura river: the Cieza to Blanca stretch, prices and when to go

Most weekends from spring to autumn, the first yellow and blue rafts push off under the iron bridge in Cieza while the air still smells of river. A few hours later they come out at Blanca, soaked, having floated through the most beautiful stretch of the Ricote Valley.

Abarán sits right in the middle of that stretch, and so do we. This guide explains how the trip works, what you will see, what it costs, the best months and what to bring, and where to sleep the night before so you are not driving two hours to the put-in.

What to know before you book

Why raft the Segura?

The Segura in the Ricote Valley is a river with plenty of water but easy to navigate: enough rapids to get you wet and laughing, without the danger of a true white-water river. That is why it works both for families with children and for groups looking for a bit of adrenaline.

And then there is the scenery. The stretch runs through the Ricote Valley, a ribbon of palm trees and citrus groves that the Arabs called Wadi Riqut and that was the last Morisco enclave in Spain. From the water there are moments when you forget you are in south-east Spain at all.

The stretch, kilometre by kilometre

The classic descent starts by the iron bridge in Cieza and ends in Blanca, passing through Abarán halfway. Distances vary a little between companies, but this is the shape of the day:

1. StartCieza11 min from Áureo

   The guides explain how to paddle, how to take the rapids and what to do if you fall in. The first stretch is calm water to build confidence, with the Atalaya hill, the castle and the Medina Siyâsa ruins above the town.

2. First rapidsEl Menjú

   This is where it gets interesting: the old El Menjú estate and weir, a spot you can only really see from the river, followed by the liveliest rapids of the trip.

3. HalfwayAbarán and El Jarral

   Through Abarán, where many companies stop around El Jarral, the village's river beach, for a break, a swim and something to eat.

4. FinishBlanca13 min from Áureo

   The last stretch is the calmest: slow water, reed beds on both sides and Blanca appearing ahead with its castle on the hill.

Segura river rafting prices in 2026

Several companies run the stretch and their prices are similar. These are the ranges in 2026 listings; always confirm with the company what is included:

If you are coming as a group, our rural houses for groups let you sleep everyone in neighbouring lodges and raft the same weekend.

When to go: choosing the month

• Spring (April and May): more water in the river and the rapids at their best. The water is still cool, so a wetsuit helps, and there are fewer people.
• June: the sweet spot. The water warms up and it feels like summer without the fierce heat. Weekends fill up early.
• July and August: high summer and the busiest months. Book well ahead for weekends and choose a morning slot to avoid the midday heat.
• September: our favourite. The water is still warm, the valley has shaken off the August heat and the river is quieter. In the second half of the month Abarán holds its patron saint festivities, with the main day on 27 September.
• October: the last chance, depending on the company and the weather.

Out of season, the valley does not close: from November the plan becomes walking, the spa and the Cieza blossom in February and March.

What to bring

Segura river rafting FAQs

Is rafting on the Segura dangerous?

With a licensed company and a qualified guide, it is a gentle descent rather than extreme white water. You always wear a life jacket and helmet, and a guide is in every raft.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You wear a life jacket throughout, but companies ask you to be comfortable in water; tell your guide before you start if you are not a confident swimmer. Rafting is not recommended during pregnancy.

What is the minimum age?

Usually 6 years old for classic rafting with most companies. Banana boats and some kayak options have a higher minimum age.

When is the Segura rafting season?

Roughly from spring to autumn, busiest in July and August. September is our favourite month: warm water and fewer people.

Where can I stay near the Segura rafting?

In Abarán, in the middle of the stretch: Áureo Natura is 11 minutes from the start in Cieza and 13 from the finish in Blanca, with wooden lodges (minimum two nights), pitches with no minimum stay, a pool from June to September and a restaurant.

More to do in the valley

If you stay for the weekend, our Ricote Valley guide has the villages, viewpoints and walks, all about 20 minutes from Abarán.

Book your rafting weekend