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The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana

A testing 17-kilometre walk in the mountains and valleys of the north Lorca countryside

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana Zarzadilla de Totana is a village in the “Tierras Altas” area of the vast municipality of Lorca, on the high ground between Lorca to the south and Bullas, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cehegín to the north. It nestles at the foot of the mountains of Sierra de Pedro Ponce, one of the most mountainous areas of Lorca, and takes its name from the abundant “zarza” plants (brambles) which characterize the local vegetation. However, it is also home to plenty of vines, pines and almond trees, and grapes and almonds are a staple of the modest local economy.

The Sierra de Pedro Ponce has been declared part of the Sierra de Burete a birdlife protection zone (ZEPA) and is home to species such as the golden eagle, the booted eagle, the short-toed snake eagle, the buzzard and the griffon vulture.

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana The walk begins by heading west out of Zarzarilla, leaving the tarmac after 800 metres to start a sharp climb, at the top of which a path on the left takes us to an altitude of 943 m after just 2 kilometres. The route then goes down towards the Rambla del Madroño and past the dwelling known as the Cortijo del Madroño Bajo (km 4.5), which stands next to a spring.

After 6.15 km the altitude rises to 987 metres above sea level, and turning right here walkers head towards El Frailecico, after which there is a steep 17% climb. After the descent a path leads towards El Nacimiento and then back into the village once more: probably a good moment for a rest and a bite to eat!

The Cejo Colorao hiking route around Zarzadilla de Totana The second (optional) part of the route heads out to the east and north-east, including the foothills of the Cabezo de la Cruz and then the Collado de las Burras before returning to Zarzadilla.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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 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 Tourist Office 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 Tourist Office 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!

Lorca Tourist Office 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.