We very nearly moved here, well went to view a stunning house down at Águilas in Murcia, sadly the owner/seller seemed very vague on a lot of details, yes it was a private seller.
Aguilas in Murcia is located at an altitude of 16 metres above sea level, or 52ish feet, if you’re old school like me. This makes sense given that it’s a coastal town situated directly by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the southernmost town in Murcia too!
So, Águilas, and I’m not talking about the birds, although you’ll see why that’s absolutely brilliant in a minute. This place is hands down one of Spain’s most underrated coastal gems, and after spending proper time here, I can confidently say it’s the kind of destination that’ll have you questioning why you’ve been wasting your holidays anywhere else.
Perched at the very bottom of the Murcia region, Águilas stretches along the captivating Costa Cálida like nature’s own masterpiece. We’re talking about a town of around 35,000 lovely locals who’ve got their hands on 28 kilometres of absolutely pristine coastline – and trust me, every single metre of it is worth your attention.
Why It’s Called Águilas (And Why You’ll Love This Story)
Here’s something that’ll make you appreciate Spanish geography even more than you already do. The town sits between two stunning bays – Bahía de Levante and Bahía del Hornillo – separated by a rocky landscape crowned by the magnificent Castillo de San Juan. Now, get this: when you look at it on a map, those two bays spread out like wings, forming a perfect eagle shape. Águila means eagle in Spanish, and those clever Romans knew exactly what they were doing when they named this place.
It’s like Mother Nature decided to have a bit of fun with coastal design and created the perfect eagle silhouette right there on the Mediterranean. Absolutely brilliant, if you ask me.
A Bit of History That’ll Make You Appreciate Your Sangria Even More
Don’t go thinking this is just some modern resort town thrown up for the tourists. Oh no, Águilas has more history than a dusty university library. The Romans established this as a proper fishing port – because of course they did, those ancient empire builders had exceptional taste in waterfront real estate.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. In 1785, this sleepy fishing village transformed into a commercial powerhouse, becoming the main port for shipping out all the incredible produce from Murcia’s fertile inland fields. Picture ships loaded with the finest Spanish goods setting sail from these very waters – it’s enough to make any history buff weak at the knees.
The 19th century brought mining fever, and Aguilas in Murcia became a major mining enclave. Iron, lead, and silver from the nearby mountains were hauled down to the port, creating an industrial boom that’s still visible today. The proof? The Hornillo jetty – an impressive iron pier built by the British South Eastern Railway Company. It’s like a piece of Victorian engineering brilliance plonked right there on the Spanish coast, and it’s absolutely fascinating to explore.
Your Essential Aguilas in Murcia Adventure Plan
One Day in Paradise (Yes, Really)
If you’ve only got one day – and honestly, that’s criminal but sometimes life happens – here’s how to make every minute count:
Morning: Start at the Carnival Museum because nowhere else in Spain will you find such a colourful celebration of pure joy. The Águilas Carnival has earned International Tourist Interest status, and after seeing the elaborate costumes and learning about the traditions, you’ll understand why.
Mid-morning: Head to Plaza de España, the absolute heart of this town. Grab a proper Spanish coffee and watch the locals go about their business – it’s like getting a masterclass in authentic Spanish life.
Afternoon: The Castle of San Juan is non-negotiable. This 18th-century fortress doesn’t just offer incredible panoramic views over the harbour and Mediterranean – it’s a proper piece of Spanish defensive architecture with stories to tell.
Late afternoon: Cuatro Calas time. These four pristine coves (La Calarreona, La Higuerica, La Carolina, and Los Cocedores) are protected for good reason. The natural beauty and crystal-clear waters are absolutely mental – in the best possible way.
Evening: The Paseo Marítimo for sunset dinner. Fresh seafood with Mediterranean views? Yes, please.
Night: End with a stroll along Playa de Poniente, listening to the waves and feeling that sea breeze. Perfect end to a perfect day.
Weekend Warriors (The Proper Way to Do It)
Day 1 – Town Exploration: Follow the one-day plan but take your time. Add the Church of San José and explore those charming old streets properly. The local architecture tells stories that’ll have you snapping photos left and right.
Day 2 – Nature and Relaxation: Start with sunrise at Playa de Poniente – trust me on this one. Then head to Isla del Fraile, a small paradise of biodiversity that’s absolutely perfect for snorkelling. The archaeological remains from Roman times are just a bonus.
Afternoon calls for the Vía Verde del Embarcadero del Hornillo – a peaceful walking or cycling route along the old railway line that perfectly combines industrial heritage with natural beauty.
The Beaches That’ll Ruin You for Everywhere Else
Let’s be honest about the beaches – they’re absolutely spectacular. Playa de Poniente is your classic Spanish beach experience, close to town with all the amenities and those legendary sunset views. Playa de las Delicias has earned both Blue Flag and Q for Tourism Quality awards, which means it’s not just beautiful but properly well-maintained.
But the real treasures are those Cuatro Calas. These protected coves showcase impressive geological formations where volcanic strata have been sculpted by wind and sea into natural art. Each cove has its own personality, and you’ll find yourself coming back to different ones depending on your mood.
Isla del Fraile: Your Own Private Paradise
This little island is something special. Named after the monk seals that lived here until 1979 (the last one was spotted that year), it’s now a showcase of marine biodiversity perfect for underwater exploration. The rocky profile and crystal-clear waters make it an absolute dream for photographers and snorkellers alike.
The Roman ruins scattered around add that extra layer of historical magic. You’re literally swimming and exploring where ancient Romans once lived and worked. How’s that for a holiday story?
The Carnival That’ll Change Your Life
If you think you know Spanish festivals, wait until you experience the Carnaval of Águilas. Running from 27 February to 8 March, this isn’t just a party – it’s a complete transformation of the town into a stage of colour, music, and pure Spanish exuberance.
The elaborate costumes, parade floats, and comparsas competitions create an atmosphere that’s absolutely magical. It’s earned International Tourist Interest status for good reason, and locals will tell you it’s the highlight of their year.
The Food Scene That’ll Make You Weep with Joy
Águilas’ maritime heritage means the seafood is absolutely outstanding. Arroz al caldero (rice stew) and zarangollo are local specialities that’ll have you planning your return visit before you’ve finished eating.
The restaurants around the port area serve the freshest catch of the day, and dining with those Mediterranean views is an experience that never gets old. The fact that you’re eating where proper Spanish fishermen have been bringing in their catch for centuries just adds to the magic.
Getting There and Getting Settled
Águilas is perfectly positioned – about an hour from Murcia city through some absolutely stunning countryside. The nearest airport is Murcia though many people fly into Alicante (90 minutes away).
Either way, the journey is worth every minute. Should you need an airport transfer that is legal, look at GetTransfer, but book early in the busy seasons.
The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot, though you’ll want a car to discover those hidden coastal gems. The tourist office at Plaza Antonio Cortijos has a brilliant multilingual team ready to help with anything you need.
Why Águilas Should Be Your Next Spanish Adventure
Here’s what makes Aguilas in Murcia absolutely special: it’s got everything you want from a Spanish coastal destination, but it’s still authentically Spanish. The 4,385 foreign residents from 78 different nationalities (12.2% of the population) haven’t changed the essential character of the place – they’ve just added to its international charm.
You’ve got history dating back to Roman times, beaches that’ll make you never want to leave, a carnival that’s pure Spanish joy, and a pace of life that’ll remind you why you fell in love with Spain in the first place.
The combination of peace, natural beauty, cultural richness, and that unbeatable Mediterranean lifestyle makes Águilas the perfect place, whether you’re planning a holiday or thinking about a more permanent Spanish adventure.
So there you have it – Aguilas in Murcia, the eagle-shaped jewel of the Costa Cálida that’s been quietly waiting for you to discover it. Trust me, once you experience this place, you’ll understand why it’s called the eagle’s nest. It’s simply soaring above the rest, and your only problem will be explaining to everyone back home why you don’t want to leave.
Grab a menu del dia at one of the restaurants, sit back with a coffee to finish and watch the world go by. This is what living in Spain as an ex pat is all about. None of this wanting pie and chips with a pint of John Smiths in the Red Lion English pub, out here in Spain for me.
