The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana

A testing 17-kilometre walk in the mountains and valleys of the north Lorca countryside

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana Zarzadilla de Totana is a village in the “Tierras Altas” area of the vast municipality of Lorca, on the high ground between Lorca to the south and Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín to the north. It nestles at the foot of the mountains of Sierra de Pedro Ponce, one of the most mountainous areas of Lorca, and takes its name from the abundant “zarza” plants (brambles) which characterize the local vegetation. However, it is also home to plenty of vines, pines and almond trees, and grapes and almonds are a staple of the modest local economy.

The Sierra de Pedro Ponce has been declared part of the Sierra de Burete a birdlife protection zone (ZEPA) and is home to species such as the golden eagle, the booted eagle, the short-toed snake eagle, the buzzard and the griffon vulture.

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana The walk begins by heading west out of Zarzarilla, leaving the tarmac after 800 metres to start a sharp climb, at the top of which a path on the left takes us to an altitude of 943 m after just 2 kilometres. The route then goes down towards the Rambla del Madroño and past the dwelling known as the Cortijo del Madroño Bajo (km 4.5), which stands next to a spring.

After 6.15 km the altitude rises to 987 metres above sea level, and turning right here walkers head towards El Frailecico, after which there is a steep 17% climb. After the descent a path leads towards El Nacimiento and then back into the village once more: probably a good moment for a rest and a bite to eat!

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana The second (optional) part of the route heads out to the east and north-east, including the foothills of the Cabezo de la Cruz and then the Collado de las Burras before returning to Zarzadilla.

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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.