History
Águilas, a place where the breeze tells stories and the horizon never ends
Águilas, a city with a history spanning millennia, was founded in the late 18th century during the Illustrated Reformism. Its roots go back to prehistoric times, with discoveries of Neolithic tools and cave paintings in Cabo Cope. It was inhabited by Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, leaving a rich archaeological heritage, especially from the Roman era, when it was known as Urci, an important commercial and production center for delicacies such as garum.
Later, the Arabs occupied these lands, leaving traces of their presence in the area. The modern city began to take shape in the 16th and 18th centuries, with the construction of defensive towers and the Castle of San Juan de las Águilas. In 1766, thanks to the initiative of the Count of Aranda, Águilas was officially founded as an independent municipality, growing rapidly thanks to its port, agriculture, and maritime trade.
In the 19th century, mining boosted its economy, with the extraction of minerals and the development of railways and ports. This boom also brought a cultural resurgence, with theaters, societies, and publications that marked its identity. Today, Águilas combines its ancient history with a vibrant cultural and natural heritage, a destination full of history and charm!
Discovering Águilas is entering a corner of the Mediterranean where the sun shines more than 300 days a year and the sea whispers ancient stories among hidden coves and golden sandy beaches. This jewel of the Murcian coast combines nature, history, and tradition with a vibrant energy that invites you to explore it without haste.
From the imposing Castle of San Juan de las Águilas, which watches the horizon from above, to the lively Paseo de Parra, each step reveals a different wonder. Nature lovers can get lost among the trails of the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park, while those who prefer the sea have more than 30 beaches to choose from, some wild, others family-friendly, but all magical.
Águilas is also color and celebration: its Carnival, declared of International Tourist Interest, is an explosion of joy that transforms the city. The local gastronomy—with its fishing tradition, arroz a banda, and typical sweets—conquers every palate with the authentic flavor of the south.
Whether you come to cycle by the sea, immerse yourself in its crystalline waters, or simply let yourself be carried away by the tranquility of the landscape, Águilas always has something to offer you.
A destination with soul, where each sunrise is a promise of new emotions.
