Sierra Espuña and Valle de Guadalentín

Crowned by the impressive Castle of Los Vélez (16th century), the most important examples of the town's historical heritage include the Museum of Iberian Art of El Cigarralejo, the only museum of its kind, the Roman remains of "Los Villaricos" and the old quarter, where visitors should not miss the Plaza Mayor with its Clock Tower, the Church of San Miguel (16th century), the Royal Monastery of La Encarnación and the Church of Santo Domingo (16th century). In the surrounding areas, we can enjoy the delights of the Shrine of El Niño de Mula and the Reservoir of La Cierva.

Mula Baths (thermal baths). Mountain activities, trekking and climbing in the mountains that border the city. Guided canoeing activities on the Reservoir of La Cierva.

Pottery, jarapas (rugs made of strips of cloth), tools made of esparto grass and drums. Handicrafts Market of "Las Cuatro Plazas" (second Sunday of the month).

Visitors must see the Roman and Moorish archaeological remains of the Thermal Baths of Alhama, which lend their name to the town, as well as the Church of San Lázaro (16th century) and the remains of the Moorish Castle (12th century). A stroll through the old quarter, popularly known as Plaza Vieja, will enable us to admire the bright colouring of the façades of the town's stately homes.

Those who seek mountain climes and enjoy trekking or routes on horseback or by bicycle will love the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña. Visitors can also enjoy climbing in the Valley of Leiva and paragliding in the Sierra de la Muela. They might also scale the heights of the Morrón de Espuña (1,579 metres), featuring some magnificent views over the entire valley. Visit the protected landscape of "Barranco de Gebas" and Los Pozos de la Nieve, structures dating from the 16th century in which snow was preserved in order to be used subsequently throughout the summer. Easter Week and the 'Los Mayos' fiestas in Alhama are amongst the area's most interesting celebrations.

Local table wines, excellent citrus fruits, homemade cold meats, migas (fried breadcrumbs) and stews. Fried vegetable dishes, rices and salads are prominent in the local cuisine. As far as sweet dishes are concerned, we might highlight the confectionery typical of Christmas and oven-baked flat cakes that are typical during the Candlemas festivities.

Walking from the Town Hall, we will pass the Church of Santiago Apóstol (16th century, featuring a marvellous Mudejar coffered ceiling and Baroque altarpiece) and the Fountain of Juan de Uzeta (18th century) which, together with the San Pedro and "Las Ollerías" arches, are remnants of the emblematic La Carrasca aqueduct dating back to the 18th century when the city was supplied with water brought down from the mountains. 7 kilometres away, the hermitage of Santa Eulalia de Mérida (16th century) presents a Mudejar coffered ceiling and a Baroque altarpiece. This area, known as La Santa, also features an outdoor Via Crucis, with the 14 Stations of the Cross sculpted out of natural stone.

Those who seek mountain climes and enjoy trekking or routes on horseback or by bicycle will love the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña. Visitors can also enjoy climbing in the Valley of Leiva and paragliding in the Sierra de la Muela. They might also scale the heights of the Morrón de Espuña (1,579 metres), featuring some magnificent views over the entire valley. Visit the protected landscape of "Barranco de Gebas" and Los Pozos de la Nieve, structures dating from the 16th century in which snow was preserved in order to be used subsequently throughout the summer. Easter Week and the 'Los Mayos' fiestas in Alhama are amongst the area's most interesting celebrations.

Pottery items such as the "Cántara de Totana" or El Lebrillo, which are modeled on traditional wheels in many of the 14 25 pottery workshops throughout the town. Gastronomic products from the local area", such as the typical drink known as "mantellina" or confectionery known as "santiaguitos"

This walled Medieval town has been declared a site of historical-artistic interest. It is located on a hill and features a Moorish tower known as La Calahorra (11th century), the Baroque-style Church of Santa María (18th century) and La Picota, a Medieval construction and place of execution.

Those who seek mountain climes and enjoy trekking or routes on horseback or by bicycle will love the Regional Park of Sierra Espuña. Visitors can also enjoy climbing in the Valley of Leiva and paragliding in the Sierra de la Muela. They might also scale the heights of the Morrón de Espuña (1,579 metres), featuring some magnificent views over the entire valley. Visit the protected landscape of "Barranco de Gebas" and Los Pozos de la Nieve, structures dating from the 16th century in which snow was preserved in order to be used subsequently throughout the summer. Easter Week and the 'Los Mayos' fiestas in Alhama are amongst the area's most interesting celebrations.

Spice racks and Roman amphoras produced in the town's pottery workshops.

Declared a Site of Historical-Artistic Interest. The Visitor Centre is located in the former Convent of La Merced (16th century) and provides the starting-point for any visit. The Archaeological Museum offers us a historical tour through the civilizations that inhabited the town from the time of the Mid-Palaeolithic Period up until the Medieval Period. The old quarter of the town is replete with cobbled streets that run round the Medieval walled enclosure, dotted with numerous churches and convents (15th century-18th century). Among the highlights are the Plaza de España, the Collegiate Church of San Patricio, palaces and mansions featuring spectacular coats-of-arms, such as the Palace of Guevara (17th century), one of the most important examples of the Civil Baroque style throughout the entire Levant. Visitors must also see the Fortress (13th century), which has been converted into a thematic centre designed to help us understand the town's past through a series of exhibitions, interactive workshops and historical scenes acted out live. Neither should we forget to mention the various Embroidery Museums, where we can enjoy a rather different Holy Week throughout the entire year, featuring a series of veritable works of art embroidered in gold and silk.

Visitors can also gain an insight into the town's history, heritage, customs, traditions and cuisine through the numerous tourist-cultural resources that the Lorca Workshop of Time places at the disposal of its visitors: thematic itineraries, the visitors centre, museums and palaces, a castle featuring exhibitions, participatory workshops, live depictions of historical scenes, children's activities, etc. , as well as tourist transport for sightseeing in the old quarter. Enjoy the town's unique Biblical-Passion Processions during Holy Week. Enjoy the area's diverse landscapes, ranging from the Beaches of Calnegre to the "High Lands" of the North-East.

Handcrafted products such as jarapas (rugs made of strips of cloth) and woolen bedspreads, wrought-iron, pottery items and glazed and painted ceramics, such as the "Jarra de Novia" or finely-worked embroidery, all of which can be purchased in the Handicrafts Quarter or at the Handicrafts Centre.

Visitors will also be fascinated by the archaeological site and remains of the former Moorish fortress (12th century), as well as the cave-houses located nearby which are dotted along the slopes of a steep hill.

Visit the Natural Site of Cabezo de la Jara, of considerable environmental value, which features its own Environmental Centre, Astronomic Observatory and an entire network of Short Trails (P.R.). Stay at the Parador.

Handicrafts, cold meats and confectionery. Migas (fried breadcrumbs) and rice with turkey.