Town of Aguilas
Aguilas is a delightful port city located 100km from Murcia, on the Costa Calida. Its tradition of seafaring, combined with today's wide range of tourist facilities, help to make the most of one of its main attractions, the extensive coastline and beaches.
Aguilas was first established as a Roman fishing port. During the time of Enlightenment, in 1785, it began to operate as an exit port for the produce of Murcia's fertile fields. In the 19th century it became a major mining enclave, the remainder of which is still visible today, the Hornillo jetty, where iron, lead and silver from nearby mines were exported onto ships.
While in Aguilas town centre it's worth visiting Plaza de Espana's beautiful gardens which is full of rubber plants. Also the 19th century City Hall, and the parish church of San Jose where the effigy of the patron saint is kept. Overlooking the old town is the castle fortress of San Juan de Aguilas which was built in 1579. The view from the castle looks over the Aguilas town and the port, with its black and white striped lighthouse, which has been in operation since the mid 19th century. The town's food market and the railway monument are other places of interest.
This seafaring town offers an extensive coastline which stretches for 28 kms. When combined with an enviable all year average temperature, it makes Aguilas one of the main tourist destinations in the Murcia region. You can find solitary coves and beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as La Higuerica, La Carolina or Calabardina, or urban beaches, such as Las Delicias. The Aguilas' coast offers one of the best areas for scuba diving, thanks to some excellent rocky sea beds, and above all on Fraile island, and in the area around the rock of Cape Cope.
The area around Aguilas has many more places of striking beauty, such as the Cuatro Calas, a protected area. Throughout the year festivals are held in Aguilas, most notably the Aguilas Carnival, which has been declared a National Tourist Interest.