What to do and see in Águilas? Explore its spectacular beaches and the natural surroundings of Isla del Fraile

Águilas stretches along the captivating Murcian coast, a true oasis of calm that offers much more than sun and sand. From its majestic castle overlooking the blue waters, to quiet coves and golden sandy beaches, to the natural environment of Isla del Fraile. To discover what to see in Águilas is to embark on a journey full of unexpected charms.

The homes in Águilas invite its inhabitants to squeeze out every day. In fact, to live in Águilas is to opt for a perfect combination: the peace of a coastal retreat together with the opulence of fully equipped modern residences. This makes Aguilas one of the most outstanding jewels of the Region of Murcia for foreigners.

If you’re thinking of making Águilas your new home or simply want to explore this magnificent destination, read on at Quadratia. We will discover 5 essential activities for you to fall in love with this town. Don’t think twice, your next great adventure starts here!

Águilas, the life you deserve by the sea on the Costa Cálida of Murcia

Águilas, whose growing popularity is due to the peace and quiet and natural beauty of its surroundings, is a coastal enclave located on Murcia‘s glittering Costa Cálida. This municipality is distinguished by its stunning fine sandy beaches, such as Playa de Poniente, and its secluded coves such as Calabardina, perfect for enjoying sunny days and crystal clear waters.

Murcian gastronomy in Águilas is a vibrant reflection of its maritime heritage. The restaurants in the area offer an exquisite selection of fresh seafood and fish. Dishes such as arroz al caldero and zarangollo are just a sample of the culinary delights to be enjoyed in this Mediterranean gem.

Águilas is also an ideal destination for those looking for a change in lifestyle. The quality of its services, the quietness of its surroundings and the friendliness of its people make this town an exceptional place to live or to spend the summer.

For all these reasons, Águilas has emerged as a charming place for those who wish to experience new adventures on the spectacular Costa Cálida. Would you like to get to know it?

The municipality of Águilas is home to 4,385 people of 78 different nationalities, representing 12.2% of its total population, which underlines the cultural diversity of the town.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

Essential itinerary to discover Águilas in just a few days

Are you on a quick visit and want to see the best of Águilas? If you only have a day or perhaps a weekend, we suggest this essential tour so you can make the most of your stay.

Explore the most emblematic places in Águilas!

What to see in Águilas in one day?

1. Carnaval Museum: Start your day by immersing yourself in the colourful history of the Águilas Carnaval at its dedicated museum. Here, you’ll experience up close the splendour and traditions of one of the region’s most vibrant festivities.
2. Plaza de España: After the museum, head to the Plaza de España, the beating heart of Águilas. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere in this urban hub, ideal for observing local life and relaxing in one of its cosy cafés.
3. Castle of San Juan de Águilas: Next, visit the Castle of San Juan, a historic landmark offering panoramic views over Águilas and the Mediterranean Sea.
4. Cuatro Calas: Spend the afternoon relaxing in Cuatro Calas, a set of pristine coves known for their natural beauty and crystal clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim or simply to enjoy in a quiet environment.
5. Paseo Marítimo: At sunset, stroll along the Paseo Marítimo of Águilas. It is the ideal place for a dinner overlooking the sea, where you can taste the freshness of the seafood dishes offered by the local gastronomy.
6. Poniente Beach: End your visit with an evening stroll along the Poniente Beach, enjoying the sound of the waves and the sea breeze, a perfect end to a day full of discoveries.

Things to do and see in Águilas in 1 weekend

• Day 1: Getting to know the town
  • Morning: Start the day exploring the colourful history of the famous Carnaval of Águilas in its museum.
  • Midday: Enjoy the history and magnificent views of the Castle of San Juan de las Águilas which overlooks the town’s bay.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the old streets, visit the Church of San José and enjoy the Plaza de España and the local architecture.
  • Night: Taste the local gastronomy while marvelling at the sea views offered by the Parra promenade. We recommend you to try dishes such as arroz al caldero (rice stew) or fresh seafood.

• Day 2: Nature and relaxation
  • Morning: Nothing better than contemplating the first rays of sun on the Poniente Beach. Wake up your body by doing water sports such as paddle surfing or kayaking, or simply enjoy the sun and the sea.
  • Midday: Visit the Isla del Fraile. This small island not only offers a rich history marked by archaeological remains from its Roman past, but it is also an ideal place to observe marine fauna.
  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the protected Natural Park of the Cuatro Calas or head to the vía verde del embarcadero del Hornillo and take the opportunity to immortalise one of the best sunsets on the Costa Cálida.
  • Night: Conclude your weekend in Águilas with a stroll around the port, enjoying the best flavours of Murcia in a local bar.

Tourism in Águilas (Murcia): Beaches, heritage and nature

Before your first visit to Águilas, we recommend you start your exploration at the tourist office, located in the Plaza Antonio Cortijos. Here, you will find a professional and multilingual team ready to offer you all the information you need to discover the town.

You will receive valuable recommendations, fascinating details and guidance on the city’s main attractions, ensuring that your stay in this municipality in the Region of Murcia will be unforgettable.

However, for those who prefer instant information, Quadratia has put together a detailed guide highlighting the main points of interest in Águilas. Our online guide is designed to help you easily identify the most interesting places in the town, which will allow you to plan your visit more quickly and easily.

Interested? Here we go!

La Isla del Fraile: Biodiversity and attraction of Costa Calida

Firstly, nothing better than discovering the hidden charm of Isla del Fraile in Águilas, a small paradise of biodiversity and historical richness that sits majestically in the waters of the Costa Calida. This natural treasure not only stands out for its stunning natural surroundings, but also for its fascinating historical legacy dating back to Roman times. Here the ancient ruins tell stories of a glorious past.

For those interested in flora and fauna, the Isla del Fraile offers a spectacular showcase of marine biodiversity, ideal for snorkelling and underwater exploration. In addition, its distinctive rocky profile and crystal clear waters make it an unrivalled photogenic spot.

If you want to find out more about the history, nature and secrets of this jewel of Águilas, visit our full article about it, where we explore every detail and offer you a practical guide to make your visit unforgettable. Click here to continue reading about Isla del Fraile and get ready for an adventure that will capture both your heart and your camera.

The Isla del Fraile adopted this name because it was a monk seal colony until the last monk seal was sighted in 1979.

Isabel Soriano, Sales and Marketing Office Coordinator at Quadratia

Castle of San Juan de las Águilas: A historic balcony overlooking the Murcian coastline

The Castle of San Juan de las Águilas is one of the most emblematic monuments in the town. Built in the 18th century to protect the Murcian coast, this fortress is an essential stop to see in Águilas for lovers of history and architecture. During your visit, you can walk around its ancient walls and discover the strategic importance it had in the defence of the town.

What really sets the castle apart is its combination of historical relevance and the breathtaking views it provides. Strategically located on a hilltop, the castle allows visitors to enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the harbour, the adjacent beaches and the vast Mediterranean Sea.

From the roman baths to the Church of San José: Cultural highlights to see in Águilas

Are you passionate about travelling back in time? Then you must visit the roman baths of Águilas, a walk through the archaeological wealth that underlies the town. These ruins are not just vestiges of walls and mosaics, they are living narratives that tell the story of how the ancient Romans lived, bathed and socialised. Strategically located, these baths offer you the opportunity to understand the importance of Águilas as a commercial and social enclave in ancient times.

In contrast, Águilas celebrates its vibrant recent history at the Carnival Museum. This space is a colourful testament to the festive tradition that has been the lifeblood of the town for decades. Here, masks, costumes and photographs not only decorate the walls, but also revive the joy and community spirit that takes to the streets every February.

As you leave the museum, the Plaza de España awaits you with its architectural ensemble and bustling atmosphere. From the historic Casino to the serene Church of San José, every building has a story to tell. Not far away, the Auditorium and Conference Centre adds a modern dimension to our cultural offer with a full calendar of events, concerts and exhibitions.

And for those looking for a touch of adventure amidst the culture, the remains of the Spanish Civil War bunkers, accessible by trails along the coast, offer a unique insight into the town’s more turbulent history.

Vía verde of the Embarcadero del Hornillo

The vía verde of the Embarcadero del Hornillo is an essential route for industrial heritage enthusiasts. This path, which runs along the old railway line, offers a unique experience where the railway past and natural beauty come together harmoniously.

Start your tour at the historic Águilas station, where you can immerse yourself in the history of the railway that once connected this region with the rest of the country. Continuing along the route, you will reach the emblematic Embarcadero del Hornillo, an impressive structure that was used for loading minerals and which today stands as a witness to the mining boom in the area.

The path takes you through spectacular coastal scenery, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. The vía verde is perfect for an excursion on foot or by bike, providing a peaceful escape and a unique perspective of the Murcia coastline.

This walk is not only a rejuvenating exercise, but also a living history and ecology lesson to see and do in Águilas.

Beaches and coves of Águilas: an ideal setting for enjoying the Mediterranean

Finally, Águilas is an ideal destination for sea lovers. Among its beaches and natural coves are the Cuatro Calas: La Calarreona, La Higuerica, La Carolina, and Los Cocedores. This protected area shines for its impressive natural beauty and its unique geological formations, such as the volcanic strata moulded by the erosion of the wind and the sea.

Another treasure of Águilas is the Playa de Poniente, a magnificent stretch of coastline known for its quiet and spectacular sunset views. Located close to the town centre, this beach is easily accessible and is the ideal place for a relaxing day in the sun.

Not far away, Playa de las Delicias is a more urban alternative. This coastal enclave is appreciated for its excellent services and its commitment to the environment. This is demonstrated by its Blue Flag and Q for Tourism Quality awards.

Each of these locations in Águilas provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean coast, perfectly combining nature, leisure and sustainability.

Bonus Track: Carnaval, one of the things to see in Águilas

What would a town in Spain be without its fiestas? Nothing! That’s why we want to tell you about the Carnaval of Águilas, a festivity that has earned the title of Fiesta of International Tourist Interest thanks to its vibrant celebration. Every year, this charming coastal town is transformed into a stage full of colour, music and exuberance, attractive to both locals and visitors from all over the world.

To experience the Carnaval of Águilas is to immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and creativity, where the parades of floats, the elaborate costumes and the comparsas competitions create a magical atmosphere.

Find out why the Carnaval of Águilas is more than just a party and don’t miss the next installment scheduled for 27 February to 8 March.

Properties for sale in Águilas (Murcia) and the Costa Calida

Get to know Isea Calma and choose from a wide variety of luxury homes and flats in Águilas. This residential complex on the seafront and integrated into the beauty of the natural surroundings where it is located, makes the most of natural light and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The project, which has flats from 1 to 4 bedrooms, has large bright spaces and spectacular terraces of more than 20 m² in most of the flats. Download the brochure and the specifications!

However, if you think that Águilas and the Costa Calida do not meet your expectations, Quadratia analysed in a previous article which are the best cities to live in Spain as a foreigner. Find other cities like Alicante (Costa Blanca) or Malaga (Costa del Sol) that are waiting for you with open arms.

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