April 14 Rural walk and gastronomic tasting in Almendricos in the Lorca countryside
The first in a series of events exploring the countryside of the vast municipality of Lorca
During the spring of 2024 the Town Hall of Lorca and the local hostelries association Hostelor a promoting a series of weekend country walks which incorporate food and drink as part of the program, visiting various of the outlying villages and districts in the huge municipality.
Registration for all of the events is through the Hostelor website here and places are limited: book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
The first event is being held on Sunday April 14 in the area of Almendricos, beginning at 9.00 at the local railway station (see map). The participation fee is 5 euros (to be paid at the start of the walk) and includes a tasting of various local products, including wine from Bodegas Contreras, Insania craft beer, homemade cheeses from El Roano and La Zarcillera, Reverte pork products and “crespillos” provided by Dealcazar.
The route is approximately 12 kilometres long and of course a cap, drinking water and sun cream are thoroughly recommended at this time of year.
Walkers will follow a greenway around the edge of the Sierra de Enmedio and across numerous ramblas (floodwater channels) into the municipality of Huércal-Overa at El Medrano. There follows a visit to an old sandstone quarry and on the way back there is a short detour to see the ruins of an old evangelical chapel.
At the end of the walk there is a tasting of typical Lorca produce at the Tahití in Almendricos (Calle La Paz nº 7 – those who wish to reserve lunch there can do so on 629 312475.
When visiting Lorca one of your first ports of call should be the tourist office in Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es).
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 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.
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 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 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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today