Bathers flock to the inland beach of Coy on the high ground of northern Lorca
Lifeguards are on duty as people flock to cool down at the freshwater beach in Coy!
The high, dry ground of the north of the enormous municipality of Lorca might seem a long way from a refreshing dip in the water to cool off in the summer heat, but in fact the inland beach on the banks of the river in Coy are close at hand and have proved hugely popular this summer.
Surrounded by nature in the open countryside of the “Tierras Altas” plateau between Lorca and Caravaca, it is reported that the beach is especially popular at weekends although with the school holidays still ongoing there are visitors all week long. Responding to this popularity, two public toilets have been installed and a series of maintenance projects have been carried out in the area, including repairs to the railing and general gardening and cleaning.
Sunshades have also bee provided and more picnic tables have been added alongside new benches, and the lifeguard service remains in place until the end of the month between 13.00 and 19.00. In addition, a security guard is on duty to ensure the water does not become too crowded and that the family atmosphere is not ruined by unruly teenagers.
Lorca does have its own short stretch of Mediterranean coastline, with beaches at Puntas de Calnegre and coves along the rocky shoreline, but this is an unusual freshwater variation on a day out at the beach in the Region of Murcia!
Images: ITREM, Ayuntamiento de Lorca
For more local news, events 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