Lorca tourist information office
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The tourist information office in Lorca can be found centrally located in one of the most important buildings of the city: the Palacio de Guevara.
This is just a short walk from the Plaza de España, where the former Collegiate Church of San Patricio is located, and equally close to the historic Town Hall building and the traditional palatial houses which belonged to some of the most important families in the Region of Murcia in previous centuries. Among those families were the owners (and builders) of the Palacio de Guevara itself, where the ground floor contains the Lorca tourist office.
At the same time, the most important monuments are within easy walking distance, as are the archaeological museum and the embroidery museums, as well as a host of attractive plazas and café bars.
The tourist office staff are able to book up visits to the city and arrange trips including all of the major museums and monuments, showing visitors the highlights of Lorca.
The office also contains a full range of leaflets and information about visiting the city and municipality.
There is underground carparking nearby, and it is also easy to park at the La Merced visitors' centre and walk to the tourist office.
Top tip! If paying the maximum for parking at the La Merced car park, go into the visitor centre and ask for a pass after paying: this permits a vehicle to remain parked all day for the same money!
Opening hours
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 may be extended during Semana Santa and on other special occasions.
Address: Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, Lorca
Telephone: 968 441914
Click for more information about visiting Lorca, including what's on, what to see and lots of useful information: 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. Among 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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 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 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.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
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