It's got great beaches, proper local tapas bars, and a relaxed atmosphere. You won't find huge resorts or international chains here.
What Águilas is really about
Águilas (pronounced AH-gee-las) is Murcia's southernmost coastal town, right on the border with Andalusia. It's about an hour's drive from Murcia city.
This isn't the Costa Blanca with its high-rise hotels. Águilas has kept its fishing port character while developing some decent tourism infrastructure. The locals are friendly, the beaches are clean, and the food is authentic.
People come here for a proper Spanish beach holiday without the crowds you get further north. It's popular with Spanish families and Murcianos who want to escape the city heat in summer.
What to actually do in Águilas
The beaches
Águilas has over 30 beaches and coves. You've got options.
Playa de la Colonia is the main town beach. It's wide, sandy, and has all facilities. Good for families.
Playa de la Carolina is my favourite. Smaller, with clear water and a couple of decent chiringuitos (beach bars). Gets busy in August.
Cala de la Cueva de las Palomas is a small cove you reach by walking down steps. More secluded, good for snorkelling.
The food scene
Águilas is a fishing port, so seafood is the star. Look for caldero (rice cooked in fish broth), gambas rojas (red prawns), and fresh grilled fish.
Bar El Puerto
€€Right by the port. Their fried fish platter is excellent. No frills, just good food. Gets crowded at lunchtime.
Tasca El Pescador
€In the old town. Order a drink, get a free tapa. Their patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) are better than most.
The town itself
The old town (casco antiguo) is worth a wander. Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and the 19th-century Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas on the hill.
The promenade (paseo marítimo) stretches for kilometres. Good for an evening stroll when it's cooler.
Events
The Carnival in February is huge here. One of the biggest in Spain. If you're visiting then, book accommodation early.
In summer, there are concerts and cultural events most weekends. Check the tourist office for what's on.
Practical information
- Getting there: By car from Murcia city takes about an hour. There's a train station with connections to Murcia and Lorca.
- Parking: Free parking along the seafront outside summer. In July/August, arrive early or use the paid car parks.
- Best time: May-June and September-October. July-August is VERY hot and crowded.
- Tourist office: On the main square (Plaza de España). Helpful staff who speak English.
Local tips for visiting
In summer, get to the beach before 11am to get a good spot. Spaniards arrive later and stay into the evening, but as a visitor you'll want shade during the hottest hours (2-5pm).
The whole of Spain goes on holiday in August. Águilas gets packed, prices go up, and you need reservations for everything. If you can, visit in June or September instead.
Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner 9-11pm. Many restaurants close between meals. If you're hungry at 6pm, head to a tapas bar rather than expecting a full meal.