Built on the site of Lorca Castle, this Parador de Turismo offers visitors the chance to embark on a journey through time, from the archaeological site located under the hotel and completely integrated into the building, to the magnificent designer facilities, indoor swimming pool and modern spa.
Remnants of the past include a 15th-century synagogue, Muslim cistern, Almohad walls and castle citadel known as the Fortaleza del Sol (Fortress of the Sun), which has been converted into a themed cultural and entertainment space with exhibitions, living history reenactments, workshops, children’s areas, and more.
Lorca has many beautiful places to discover: medieval walls, Christian towers which proudly guard the city, Jewish quarters, cisterns, synagogues, orange groves and vineyards. This assortment is the legacy of three civilizations: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. On every corner you will find façades bearing coats of arms, noble heraldry, palaces, churches and guildhalls. As you stroll through the streets of Lorca, you will discover why it is known as the “City of One Hundred Blazons”. Its noble past and many baroque buildings will explain the reason for this sobriquet by their presence alone.
Lorca’s Holy Week celebrations exude sentiment, tradition and spectacular beauty. And the city’s natural surroundings, with almost virgin coastal beaches, are the ideal place to relax. One example of paradise is secluded Ciscar Beach, whose golden sands and crystalline waters are located in a protected area.
The city stands at the feet of the Parador de Lorca, an ideal place to discover the culture, history and tradition of this beautiful part of the Region of Murcia.
Restaurante Helios is located on the third floor of the Parador, where magnificent views of the city await. The menu features classic products from the region, traditional charcuterie and cheeses, and dishes such as rice stew and roast shoulder of lamb. And for dessert: dessert sampler and tortada lorquina (layered sponge cake covered with meringue). All dishes can be accompanied by the excellent fruity, smooth wines of Coy and Avilés, or the Yecla and Jumilla designations of origin. You will truly enjoy sampling them.
From the farms of Lorca come the fruits and vegetables you will find in many of therecipes. From the coast come the fish and seafood used to prepare such dishes as soups and fried breadcrumbs with fish.
Accompany these delicious meals with the comprehensive wine list. If you like, you can also enjoy the children’s menu and gluten-free, diabetic and vegetarian offerings.
