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Over recent years there has been a significant return to the beaches of some parts of the Spanish Mediterranean coast of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), not only in terms of visits but also in terms of the females actually laying their eggs in mainland Spain after an absence of more than a century (the first instance in modern times was in Almería in 2001).
The cause of this may be a warming of the sea temperatures brought about by climate change, but although nesting in Spain is becoming more common there is still concern over the number of eggs which are left in peace and quiet to hatch successfully. For this reason, great efforts have been made to protect nesting sites from over-curious onlookers, and eggs are often removed to hatch in captivity.
One self-preservation feature of the loggerhead turtle is its preference for laying eggs in locations where there are not too many humans, and for this reason the relatively un-built-up beaches on the Lorca coastline in south-west Murcia are particularly attractive to the females, as a result of which the Town Hall is involved in an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the situation among beachgoers. This year the municipality is once again collaborating with the “Territorio Tortuga” and “Tortugas por el Mediterráneo” initiatves through the installation of placards and informative panels both at the beaches and in the city, reminding people that a couple of simple procedures are enormously helpful to protect the loggerheads.
For example;
- Anyone who finds a nest of turtle eggs, or tracks which may indicate that a turtle has nested on the beach (the eggs are buried under the sand), should immediately call the 112 emergency services line
- Keep a respectful distance from the site and ensure others do the same, remaining in situ until the specialists arrive at the scene
- Avoid the use of torches, flash photography and the like, so as not to distract the female while she lays and buries her eggs
Above all, remember that of course the months from June to September attract a large number of people to the sandy beaches of the Region of Murcia, but they are also attractive to female loggerhead turtles – who belong, unlike us, to an officially endangered species!
For more local information about Lorca, including news and what’s on, enquire at the tourist office (Palacio de Guevara, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es, or visit 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, 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 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
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 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!
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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
