The beaches of Lorca prepare for summer!
Beach cleaning and the preparation of facilities along the coast near Calnegre
The municipality of Lorca is the second largest in Spain, covering an area well in excess of 1,650 square kilometres, and while that includes the historic city itself and a vast expanse of mountains and high plateaux in the north, it is sometimes forgotten that to the south it borders on the Mediterranean.
On the short coastline of Lorca there is one main beach, accessible by road, and a series of attractive coves which can be reached along a track through the hills, the first three of them by motor vehicle. These furthest of these coves are rarely visited and are completely unserved by facilities for beachgoers, but at all of the others work is now under way to prepare for the influx of bathers who make their way here during the summer season.
The main concerns, of course, is for the bathers’ safety and the protection of the natural environment along this almost completely unspoilt stretch of the Mediterranean coast, which includes part of the regional park of Cabo Cope y Puntas de Calnegre, and the first task is to clear residues which may have washed ashore during the winter months. For the summer it is then important to ensure that adequate bins are in place and that they are emptied regularly.
This simmer there will be adapted bathing facilities for those of limited mobility at the beach of Puntas de Calnegre and the first cove (“Cala de Calengre”), along with shaded areas, while varying levels of facilities are also to be installed at Cala del Siscar and Cala del Baño de las Mujeres, the other two which can be reached by motor vehicle, These include foot showers, wooden walkways and chemical toilets, as well as lifeguard posts.
It is anticipated that these facilities will be in operation from June to September.
For more visiting information, local events and news contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
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, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt 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 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 along difficult tracks or by boat!
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 series of processions 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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
See what's on in Lorca:
