The town of Mula is located just a short drive inland from the city of Murcia. Depending on what you want to do in the area, a visit could range from a morning to a couple of days. There are actually four different parts to explore – the town, the puebla, the baths and the reservoir. Each has its own distinct reason to attract you.
The town of Mula
The town of Mula is pleasant enough to while away a few hours. Around the town hall square is a network of narrow winding streets. Keep an eye out for the clock tower. There has been one in town in some form or other since 1550 and it used to be used to regulated the distribution of irrigation waters. The delightful weekly street market is a haven for fresh produce lovers every Saturday morning. The town’s skyline is dominated by the Velez Castle. Unfortunately it is privately owned and not open to the public, but you can catch a glimpse on Youtube!
La Puebla de Mula
La Puebla de Mula is situated a few miles to the East of the town. Whilst the truth is that there isn’t much there, it is a fascinating insight into rural Spain. The small village centre is charming with its tight cobbled streets and there are a couple of cafes for refreshment. The views out over the local countryside are stunning, and once again a castle dominates the skyline. This time the Castillo de Alcalá is nothing but a ruin on top of a hill, but it looks great. The fortifications here were to defend and control the river and roads, as well as to keep a close eye on the local Moorish population just after the reconquista.
Los Baños de Mula
Los Baños de Mula are situated just over the RM-15 motorway from La Puebla. Don’t expect anything fancy like Archena. These thermal baths are a much smaller affair. There are a few options to choose from but clearly visible as you wander through this pretty little hamlet is Baños el Pozo. With its terrace restaurant to relax on after your bathing, it looks like the best option. For the record though, we didn’t have enough time in our schedule so we will definitely be back for a soak.
Embalsa de la Cierva
Just to the north of Mula are the sparkling blue waters of the Embalsa de la Cierva. It’s just about possible to walk all the way around the edge of this reservoir but at times you will be away from the water. The problem is that the dam itself has restricted access signs so we weren’t sure if you can actually do it! It is the perfect spot for a picnic though, even if the whole 3.8 mile circuit sounds too energetic for you. It also appears to be a good spot for fishing with some huge carp around that are not shy about letting you know they are there. A licence and permission would, of course, be required to do so.
What Else?
What else is there to do? Well, if all the above isn’t enough, you can extend your physical activity on the Via Verde walkway. Mula is only part of this 78km route though. It stretches from Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz. Wherever you are and whatever you do, have a look out for local life and wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a huge herd of goats and sheep on their transhumnce travels. Make sure you come back here and leave a comment about your day in Mula.
