Walking in the Lorca countryside, the Las Atalayas route around the village of Coy

A 14-kilometre route in Lorca which reaches 1,100 metres above sea level

Walking in the Lorca countryside, the Las Atalayas route around the village of Coy This 4-hour walking route is based in the village of Coy, one of the furthest north in the huge municipality of Lorca, about 850 metres above sea level on the southern slopes of the Sierra de la Lavia next to the source of a natural spring (although the route rises to 1,100 metres above sea level). This is an area of deep-rooted traditions including the creation of brightly coloured “jarapa” rugs and carpets and various meat products.

The walk begins in the Plaza de Casa Granda in the village, alongside the hostel of the same name, and follows Calle Noguera Bana before heading off left to a recreational area and passing through small crop fields: take care with the various crossroads along the way! Cross a tarmacked path after 2.5 km and the route goes up the Collado de los Venenos among pine and almond trees: after rounding the hill and leaving the pines behind you reach the Cortijo de las Atalaya at 7.2 km, where there is one of the most spectacular trees in the Region of Murcia. This is the “Carrasca de la Atalaya”, some 400 years old and measuring 14.35 metres in height and 5 metres around.

Walking in the Lorca countryside, the Las Atalayas route around the village of Coy At kilometre 8.3 leave this path and take another one to the right for just 100 metres, taking you to another path which leads to the Umbría de las Lomas and the Cañada del Espejo on the way back to the village, passing the artificial Riverside beach of Coy. This has been created alongside the natural spring water and there is also a shaded rest area with tables and benches.

For more local information including news and what’s on go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, Lorca

Tel: 968 441914

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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, 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 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office 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 Tourist Office 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!

Lorca Tourist Office 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.