Free walking tours in Totana and what to see

Must-sees

Totana lies in the Guadalentín valley, between Murcia and Lorca, at the foot of Sierra Espuña. In the town, the church of Santiago, with its Mudéjar coffered ceiling, is worth a visit, as is the Fuente de Juan de Uzeta, a Baroque fountain that is one of the town's symbols. Close by is the Las Ollerías quarter, where the potters worked. The tradition lives on and there are still workshops making Totana's typical earthenware jars and pieces.

About seven kilometres away, among pines, is the Santuario de Santa Eulalia, which everyone calls La Santa. Its interior is covered with early 17th-century murals and it has another Mudéjar coffered ceiling. The great discovery of recent years is La Bastida, an Argaric culture site with the remains of a fortified Bronze Age city. And behind the town rises Sierra Espuña, with pine forests, viewpoints and the old snow wells.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Totana. The closest things are guided visits to the La Bastida site and guided hikes in Sierra Espuña. For the town and the pottery workshops, it is best to ask at the tourist office which visits are scheduled. If you are staying in Murcia or on the coast, Totana fits well into a day trip inland.

How long to spend

A morning is enough for the centre, the church of Santiago and a walk around Las Ollerías. In the afternoon you can go up to La Santa and visit La Bastida, which are in the same area. If you want to walk in Sierra Espuña or climb to the snow wells, add a second day. The sierra is best in spring and autumn, when the heat is not so fierce.

Where to stay

Central Totana is the most practical option, with services and good access to the sierra and the motorway. If you are after nature, there are rural houses around Sierra Espuña and in neighbouring Aledo, a small hilltop village. Choice in the area is limited, so Lorca, Alhama de Murcia or Murcia itself are good nearby alternatives.