Now that the peak summer tourism season is under way in the Spanish Costas the Lorca beach of Cala de Calnegre is fully prepared, with the lifeguard service up and running and two special flags flying after they were awarded in recognition of the services and environmental sustainability of this stretch of the Costa Cálida.
The flags in question are the Blue Flag, which is awarded after taking into account factors such as water quality and beach services, and the “Ecoplayas” standard which reflects environmental considerations.
An effort has been made by Lorca Town Hall over the last two years to improve the resources at the disposal of lifeguards and the facilities at the beaches of the municipality, and particular attention has been paid to the environmental importance of the Cala de Calnegre and the protection of tortoises and turtles.
The beaches of Lorca
So large is the municipality of Lorca that it is sometimes forgotten that it reaches the Mediterranean coast, but the 8-kilometre shoreline is almost completely unspoilt and is punctuated by cliffs and small coves. Close to the boundary with Mazarrón, near Ramonete and Garrobillo, are long swathes of sand and pebbles, before the cliffs begin at Puntas de Calnegre and continue to the boundary with Águilas at Playa de la Galera.
Lorca also boasts a river beach in the inland village of Coy.
On duty at the beaches this year are ten lifeguards with various boats and jetskis at their disposal, the service being provided until August 31 between 11.30 and 19.30 on the coast and from 13.00 to 19.00 at the river beach of Coy.
In the summer of 2021 the lifeguards of Lorca dealt with a total of 153 incidents at Lorca beaches, 20 of them at Puntas de Calnegre, 16 in Coy and the remaining 117 at the Cala de Calnegre.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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