Lorca Today

Introduction to Lorca

Lorca has the largest surface area of any municipality in the Region of Murcia and the second largest in the whole of Spain (1,676 km²), with a population of around 98,000 (Padrón 2024).

The city itself lies in the Guadalentín Valley in the area known as the Comarca del Alto Guadalentín, an area of rich, flat, agricultural plains, Lorca (the name "Guadalentín" comes from the Arabic for mud) which have been cultivated by mankind since pre-history, and still are today. Agriculture and livestock farming are still the backbone of Lorca economic activity although tanning, tourism and service industries are other important components, the opening of a Parador hotel in 2012 adding an additional tourism impetus.

The city has played an important part in the history of Murcia, with continuous habitation from the Neolithic era. It was a major Argaric settlement, and played a strategic role during the period of Moorish occupation, before becoming an important border town during the process of the Christian Reconquist in the 13^th century.

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, 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, Teatro Guerra etc.

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 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 via rough country tracks.

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 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, a Feria and has a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.

Where is Lorca?

Lorca Lorca is in the south-west of the Region of Murciaand borders with the province of Almería. Within the Region of Murcia it shares boundaries with the municipalities of Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín to the North, Mula, Aledo, Totana and Mazarrón to the east, Águilas to the south and Pulpí, Puerto Lumbreras, Huércal-Overa, Vélez Rubio and Vélez Blanco on its western flank. The main connection to Murcia is via the A-7 motorway (70 km) and the city of Lorca is 70k m from the Region of Murcia International Airport in Corvera.

Among the minor population centres in the municipality are La Paca, Palm Zarcilla, Avilés, Coy, Doña Inés, La Canaleja and Zarzadilla de Totana.

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What's on Lorca Fiestas Lorca Lorca news Food & Drink Lorca Lorca Accommodation Lorca Special Visit Offers Tourist Info and what to visit Parking in Lorca Public Transport Monuments and Historical Buildings Historical background Semana Santa Lorca Cultural venues and public spaces Religious Lorca Police, Town Hall, Useful Numbers Street map and orientation Shopping and markets Parking in Lorca

Restoration work ready to start at the old church of San Juan in LorcaThe church is one of the oldest in Lorca and dates from the 15th century Following the awarding of the works contract, all is now ready for the restoration of the church of San Juan in Lorca to begin, this being one of the last monuments in the city to.. 12/09/2025

Lorca asks for public opinion on new rules for balconies and building facadesThe updated rules would ban items like laundry, gas bottles and mattresses from homes that can be seen from the street The mayor of Lorca has announced the start of a public consultation to update the town’s rules on coexistence and antisocial.. 12/09/2025

Lorca's medieval museum delayed until late 2026 amid funding shortfall€500,000 needed to complete ambitious exhibition featuring advanced 14th-century gallery Ambitious plans for the Ciufront Medieval Museum in Lorca have hit a major delay, with organisers confirming that the much-loved museum will not be ready to.. 11/09/2025

Lorca makes buses free as Saharan dust pushes air quality to alert levelMeasures rolled out to shield residents as PM10 particles spike in city The city of Lorca is offering free urban transport and parking on ORA-regulated spaces in La Alberca and Los Ángeles, with the town now sitting at air quality alert level 3.. 10/09/2025

Opposition to Mazarrón Biogas plant escalates to legal actionAn open meeting is planned to address the legal option aimed at halting biogas plant proposed near numerous residential areas What started as a wave of signatures on a petition against the planned biogas plant in Mazarrón is now moving toward.. 10/09/2025

Until December 8 Exhibition of sketches used in the design of Semana Santa embroidery in LorcaDrafts and design ideas which resulted in Lorca holding some of the most spectacular Easter parades in Spain The MASS museum in Lorca, which is owned and run by the Paso Azul, one of the most important of the groups which take part in the spectacular Semana..

Lorca enjoys a successful summer for domestic and international tourismA notable increase in non-Spanish visitors contributed to the popularity of Lorca during July and August Figures released by the Town Hall of Lorca show that the number of tourists visiting the city during the summer, as measured by enquiries at the tourist.. 08/09/2025

Crumbling buildings in Lorca's Old Town to be replaced by new homesLorca City Council has ordered the owners to rebuild or give up their land The historic heart of Lorca is about to see another major step forward in its long road to recovery. At the start of the new political year, Mayor Fulgencio Gil has confirmed.. 08/09/2025

September holidays and festivals bring renewed joy to the Region of MurciaMurcia Fair, Carthaginians and Romans, and numerous local patron saint celebrations brighten the month As September arrives, many in the Region of Murcia find it a fresh start - a chance to ease back into routines after the summer break while continuing.. 05/09/2025

Jumilla calls for later bus to Yecla as Lorca revives key rural routesResidents demand extended evening bus service to Yecla while Lorca reinstates historic line to northern districts Residents of Jumilla are renewing calls for an extension to the bus timetable connecting their town with Yecla in the evenings. Currently.. 04/09/2025

Lorca lifeguards deliver safe summer despite unpredictable seas and shark sightingEighty-three successful interventions highlight teamwork amid challenging beach conditions This summer’s rescue and surveillance plan on Lorca’s beaches wrapped up with a total of 83 lifeguard interventions between Saturday June 21 and Saturday.. 03/09/2025

Never too late to learn: Caser Residencial brings digital skills to older adultsInnovative Applícate project helps residents in Lorca and Murcia gain confidence with technology Technology isn’t only for the young. It can be a powerful way to connect, learn and feel empowered at any stage of life. Last .. 12/08/2025

New desalination plants planned for Águilas and Torrevieja to increase water supply in Murcia and AlicanteThese major infrastructure projects aim to ease groundwater pressure and provide more fresh water for the area Two large desalination projects are moving forward in Águilas and Torrevieja, with the Confederación Hydrográfica del.. 30/07/2025

9 natural swimming pools in inland Murcia!Northern Murcia is dotted with heavenly locations in water ranging from jacuzzi temperature to icy cold! We are now in the middle of the “dog days” of summer, the month from mid-July to mid-August when the heat is relentless, the beaches are more..

Sign the petition to oppose the planned biogas plant between Camposol and Condado de AlhamaCamposol businesses and residents respond with petition against the proposal to build a biomethane and biofertiliser plant on the urbanisation’s doorstep The proposed biomethane and biofertiliser plant in Mazarrón, plans for which were.. 28/07/2025

The best snorkelling sites in the Region of Murcia!Crystalline Mediterranean waters and spectacular scenery and marine life make for great snorkelling beaches in the Costa Cálida Now that the heat of summer has reached the Costa Cálida there is no better way to cool down than with a dip in the..

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Lorca Today

Introduction to Lorca

Where is Lorca?

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