Calm-water canoeing on the Júcar, from Alcalá

Two hours in a double canoe on the Júcar without leaving Alcalá del Júcar, on a calm stretch, with the village and the castle rock seen from below. Multiaventura Los Olivos sets off from the river in the village itself, with an instructor.

What the activity is like

It is an outing designed for families: always on calm water, in the Júcar canyon, in double canoes. No experience is needed; the instructor accompanies the whole route and, according to the company, suggests games and tells stories and legends of the area. From the water the village looks different: the rock with its hanging houses, the caves in the stone and the castle above. It lasts about two hours and at the end there is a small picnic of fruit, sweets and juices.

Who it is for and how much it costs

The recommended minimum age is 2, so small children can go in a double canoe. The price is the same for everyone: €15 per person, child or adult. There is no minimum group. What sets it apart from other activities is that you can bring a pet: the company advertises it as a family plan, "pets included".

There are two sessions: in the morning at 11:00 and in the afternoon at 17:30. In high summer, the afternoon one avoids the hottest hours.

What is included and what to bring

The company provides the double canoes, helmet and life jacket, a specialist instructor, photos during the activity, the picnic and civil liability and accident insurance. Transport is not included, though it is not needed, as everything is done without leaving Alcalá. You bring swimwear, a towel and water shoes; flip-flops will not do. A dry change of clothes for afterwards is a good idea.

Booking and season

Book on the Multiaventura Los Olivos website, choosing the date and the number of adults and children, or by phone on 967 11 01 90 or 687 44 48 02. Right now, in November, the website marks the activity as unavailable: it is a water-season activity, so if you go outside summer, call beforehand to find out whether it runs. The company's base is next to the town centre of Alcalá, an hour from Albacete via the N-322 and an hour and a half from Valencia.

What to combine it with

If the children are 11 or older and you want something more strenuous, the same company organises rafting in the Cabriel gorges. After the river, go up to the castle or into the Devil's Caves, which also admit dogs. For a meal or a bed nearby, the Hotel & Spa Eliá, at Finca Los Olivos, has a landing stage on the Júcar.