Lorca unveils spectacular new rural walking route in Zarzadilla de Totana

Magnificent views over the countryside in the north of the municipality of Lorca

Lorca unveils spectacular new rural walking route in Zarzadilla de Totana The Town Hall of Lorca has unveiled a new and spectacular fully signposted walking route in the north of the vast municipality (the second largest in Spain), leading from the village of Zarzadilla de Totana to the cave known as the Cueva del Compadre in the mountains of the Sierra de Pedro Ponce.

On the one hand this reflects the council’s commitment to promoting healthy outdoor living and physical exercise, while on the other it gives a boost to the profile of an area which is infrequently visited despite its wonderful landscape and the variety of wildlife to which it is home. Around Zarzadilla de Totana are numerous species of birds of prey, including the booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), the short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and the common buzzard (Buteo buteo).

Lorca unveils spectacular new rural walking route in Zarzadilla de Totana The 3.3-kilometre return route begins at the small parish church of Zarzadilla de Totana and includes a climb of 218 metres up to the Cueva del Compadre, from where the views are breathtaking. It is appropriate for all ages and most fitness levels, with the exception of the very young and the elderly.

At the top of the climb is an information board explaining which geographical features can be seen from this privileged spot.

Lorca unveils spectacular new rural walking route in Zarzadilla de Totana For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Plaza de Espana, 30800 Lorca

Tel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, Lorca Tourist Office Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.

Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.

Lorca Tourist Office The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.

Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Lorca Tourist Office Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.

However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a Lorca Tourist Office series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.