Free walking tours in Mula and what to see

Must-sees

Mula is in north-west Murcia, half an hour from the city. Its old town, a protected historic ensemble, climbs the hillside to the castle of the Vélez, a 16th-century fortress built on an earlier Moorish structure. Along the way you'll find churches such as San Miguel and Santo Domingo, the Monastery of La Encarnación and several palatial houses, including the Casa Pintada, with its sgraffito façade, which now houses work by the artist Cristóbal Gabarrón.

The other big museum is the El Cigarralejo Museum of Iberian Art, in an 18th-century palace, with finds from a nearby Iberian necropolis. On the outskirts are the Roman remains of Los Villaricos and the Fuente Caputa, a string of pools reached on foot. Mula is famous for its drums: at Easter, the Night of the Drums fills the streets with drumrolls until dawn.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Mula, but the town council organises guided walks of the historic centre throughout the year, some free of charge. On Civitatis you'll find an adventure activity: the Ciervo via ferrata, in the hills next to the town. It's a good way to see Mula from above if you don't mind heights.

How long to spend

The old town, the castle and the museums can be seen in an unhurried day. If you want to do the via ferrata or walk to the Fuente Caputa, set aside another half day. With a weekend you can add Baños de Mula, a hamlet with hot springs, and a hike in the hills. At Easter there's a great atmosphere, but also big crowds.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Mula is limited, mostly in the old town, but from the centre you can do everything on foot. Baños de Mula, a few kilometres away, has accommodation linked to the spa and is a quiet option. If you can't find a room, Murcia is about forty kilometres away and has far more choice.