Free walking tours in Moratalla and what to see

Must-sees

Moratalla is in north-west Murcia, in the region's most mountainous municipality. Its old town climbs the hillside to the castle, a Christian fortress with a great keep that dominates the town and the valley. The steep streets, arches and whitewashed houses form one of the best-preserved historic ensembles in inland Murcia. The church of Santa María de la Asunción, at the top, is the other essential stop.

Beyond the town, the municipality is pure mountain. Here rises Revolcadores, the region's highest peak, and there are small hamlets such as Inazares or Benizar surrounded by pine forest. The area keeps rock shelters with prehistoric paintings, such as those of the Cañaica del Calar. In July, the Santísimo Cristo del Rayo fiestas, with bull runs through the streets, are the liveliest time of year, and at Easter the drumming stands out.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours or big-platform activities in Moratalla. The usual approach is to ask at the tourist office about guided visits to the castle and the old town, offered at certain times of year. For the mountains, guided hikes and nature outings are the best option. If you're staying in Caravaca de la Cruz, you can combine both towns in a single day.

How long to spend

The old town and the castle can be seen in an unhurried morning. With a full day you can add a drive through the mountains to the northern hamlets. If you enjoy hiking, allow a weekend for a longer route, such as the climb to Revolcadores. Bear in mind that mountain roads are slow and winding.

Where to stay

To see the town, the best option is to stay in Moratalla itself, in the old town or near the entrance, where there's a small hotel or two and apartments. If your plan is the mountains, the rural houses scattered across the hamlets and the sierra put you closer to the trails. If there isn't enough on offer, Caravaca de la Cruz, a few kilometres away, has many more beds.