The Mula valley also embraces the town of Pliego, which lies between the Espuña and Ricote ranges. The river flows past the town and there are natural springs irrigating the wide plain, which affords the visitor the pleasant surprise of the blend of pinewood and fruit tree aromas.

Pliego was an important centre during the Argar period and has important archeological remains, such as that of Almolaya at the foot of Sierra Espuña. It also has Roman remains and was further developed during the Muslim era, which also gave rise to the village of La Mota with its 12th-century fortress still conserving 3 towers and the battlements of part of the town wall. The locality still holds something of the flavour of those times with steep narrow streets, climbing plants clambering over whitewashed walls and green-hued roofs and the lofty figures of date palms and fruit ripening in the sun.

After the acquisition of the area by the Order of St James in the 14th century other monuments were built, such as the Casa de la Tercia, and the Baroque-style Ermita de la Virgen de los Remedios.