[EN] Tourism, truffles and new businesses: this town in Teruel is looking for entrepreneurs

Changing the city for a small town does not have to mean being left without a school, doctor, pharmacy or internet connection. Martín del Río, in the heart of the region of the Cuencas Mineras de Teruel, has these services and seeks to attract people willing to undertake and start a new life project in rural areas. And here the possibilities go through sectors as different as active tourism, hospitality, traditional trades or even truffles.

The town is part of Holapueblo, the project that connects rural municipalities with people who want to move and develop a business idea. Therefore, those who are interested must register and make arrangements through Holapueblo. It is not a direct call from the City Council of Martín del Río, although the Consistory does offer support to new entrepreneurs and can put them in contact with other resources available in the territory.

Martín del Río has 372 inhabitants, is located at an altitude of 909 metres and is located 82 kilometres from Teruel. The municipality has traditionally been linked to mining, although after the reconversion of the sector, agri-food activities and tourism have gained weight. Cereal agriculture, sheep and pig farming, industry, construction and services complete its economic activity.

UN PUEBLO CON COLEGIO, MÉDICO, FARMACIA Y FIBRA ÓPTICA

One of the attractions for those who value settling in Martín del Río is its level of services despite its small size. The municipality has fiber optics and 5G coverage, while the N-211 connects with the lands of Jiloca and the Cuenca Minera. The A-222 is another of the main communication routes to the north of the province and Zaragoza.

The town has a doctor’s office from Monday to Friday and a pharmacy with service from Monday to Saturday. For health emergencies, the health center with 24-hour attention is in Utrillas, 8.8 kilometers away. In terms of education, the CRA Martín del Río offers Early Childhood and Primary Education, while students continue Secondary, Baccalaureate or training cycles in Utrillas.

There is also a supermarket, bakery, residence and day centre for the elderly, a library and a telematic centre. In addition to this, there are facilities such as a gym, camping and municipal swimming pool with bar during the summer. Martín del Río also has the Valdelaguas Adventure Circuit and possibilities for fishing.

The environment can be another of the great arguments for those who want to develop a project related to tourism. Among its main attractions are the hocinos of La Rambla de Martín and El Pajazo, two canyons formed by the action of water on the limestone walls and in which waterfalls, ponds and natural passages appear. Hiking and sports tourism have increased their presence in recent years.

TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, TRADES AND TRUFFLE AMONG THE OPPORTUNITIES

Holapueblo identifies several possibilities for those who are thinking of starting a business in Martín del Río. One of them is related to the management of tourist establishments, especially in hotels and restaurants, together with the creation of higher quality accommodation. The growth of hiking and active tourism also opens up options directly linked to the natural environment.

The tourist exploitation of existing resources also appears among the areas of opportunity. Holapueblo points out initiatives linked to trails, water activities, the necropolis or stargazing, as well as projects related to the improvement of spaces for active tourism.

Not everything revolves around visitors. Martín del Río also has room to expand certain local services. Among the activities indicated are bakery, carpentry and blacksmithing, three trades that could find possibilities for development in the municipality.

A particularly striking opportunity is related to truffles, whose management and exploitation are expressly listed among the areas of entrepreneurship detected. Holapueblo’s information also includes possibilities related to the maintenance of the mining area and future jobs related to new business activities.

The town also has municipal land available for sale. In addition to this, the support that can be provided by the Utrillas Rural Action Development Group, in charge of managing Leader funds and offering business advice.