AGUILAS - MURCIA -
SPAIN
Situated in Southeastern Spain, 103 kms. from Murcia, Aguilas convers a surface area of 253,7 kms2. The town is bathed by the Mediterranean sea along 28 kms. of lovely coastline, and it is crossed inland by high mountain ranges that create a very abrupt and uneven terrain.
With a rich, clean natural environment, Aguilas has an exceptional climate of its own, with an average annual temperature of 25 centigrade., making it a wonderful place for winter tourism.
The visitors will be captivated by its clear blue skies, incomparable climate and natural beauty, as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants and its unspoilt secluded beaches. The people themselves are as warm and friendly as their climate; hospitable and affectionate
Aguilas offers a good variety of outdoor activities, from climbing or hiking through areas of splendid beauty, to diving in warm waters replete with magnificent fish and vegetation. On the cultural scene, Aguilas offers art exhibits, conferences, concerts, artisan demonstrations, theatre, and much more. Aguilas is also home to the Universidad del Mar (University of the Sea). The Carnival de Aguilas (Carnival of Aguilas), which has been celebrated for the past 200 years, offers ingenious costumes of all shapes and colours. The entire town is out on the streets and offers one of the largest shows in the country.
A modern and well planned town, it is located on a site whose history dates back thousands of years, the ancient Urci, which was designed and built in a straight line, as is the case nowadays with many modern seaside resorts by the town planners of Carlos III, in the XVIIIth century. The view from the impressive promontory of the castle San Juan de las Águilas, which was used by Greeks, Romans and the Moors, is truly marvellous. The town with its ample harbour, its walkways along the sea and the serenity of its bays of Levante and Poniente, at the foot of the hill.
The local cuisine is based "on fish" and the most famous dishes are "Moraga de sardinas y caramel", "Caldo pescao", "Arroz a banda", shellfish, picked sardines, prawns, lobsters,...
NATURALLY
Surrounded by agricultural lands and bathed by the Mediterranean, Aguilas offers the opportunity to enjoy a real holiday, especially in winter, in a place where the natural heritage has been preserved.
Aguilas is a land full of contrasts. Along its 28 kilometres of coast we witness the rising of the intensely blue sea, rocky mountains with steep valleys, dotted with the serenity of white sand beaches and transparent waters. Moving inland we find a semi-arid landscape of ochre-coloured soil with little vegetation, but numerous marine fossils and volcanic minerals. Not far to the north the scenery changes to the impressive dark green of an aromatic pine forest. It must be noted that Aguilas has two protected natural areas: the Parque Regional Costero-Litoral de Cabo Cope-Calnegre, and the Paisaje Natural de Cuatro Calas.
These characteristics offer a great range of possibilities for nature lovers, avid sports enthusiasts, or visitors who simply want to leave their hectic schedules and responsibilities behind to lose themselves on an isolated beach, accompanied only by the seagulls.
The choices are many: from mountain climbing or hiking through magnificent natural scenery were one can observe abundant wildlife, to diving in warm waters rich with aquatic life. There is a rich variety of outdoor activity with appropriate services available for all of them.
Aguilas is, for diving lovers, a unique paradise with unique conditions for all aquatic sports. With a varied coastline and beautiful sea bed in an area with a privileged climate, diving is a true pleasure at any time of the year. Clear and translucent waters protected by an abundance of flora and fauna guarantee each dive to be an unforgettable experience.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Castle of St. John of the Eagles
I
mpressive ruins dating from the 18th century. A climb to the top will be rewarded by an incredible panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. Plans for the restoration of the castle are in hand and work will shortly begin. Access is easy by way of a recently constructed footpath; approach from Calle Murillo opposite Plaza Robles near the harbour.Cope Tower
Recently restored ruins of a 16th century watch-tower. Torre de Cope has been destroyed and rebuilt many times during its long history. A silent witness to numerous sea battles, it suffered relentless attacks from the North African coast. Situated in Bahia de Cope,just past the town of Calabardina, some 9 Kms. from the centre of Aguilas.
Hornillo Pier
A most interesting iron pier built by the British South Eastern Railway Company at the end of the 19th century; this ingenious construction, used to load ships with iron ore, commenced operation in the year 1903 and is similar to those already in ecistence at that time in Huelva and Bilbao. No longer in use but well worth a visit, it can easily be reached being situated at the eastern end of the town in Bahia del Hornillo.
The Dovecot
An 18th century Dovecot built in the style of an impressive tower and the only remaining evidence of the Casa Grande, within those protective walls the inhabitants of Aguilas sought refuge during the many attacks upon the town. Its interior is in ruins but the exterior has survived remarkably well despite the lack of maintenance. It can be easily seen whilst driving along the ring road on the western side of town.
The Railway Monument
An old steam locomotive, built in Glasgow, in Scotland, and one of the first to be used in Aguilas by the South Eastern Railway Company; it now stands as a tribute to the railway and its contribution to the economic development of the town.
Fraile Island
A small island with a fascinating story. Inhabited since Roman times, though now deserted, ruins of that period can still be seen. Amphoras and plates of the 4th century have been found there together with fragments of Sigillata Gris, a variety of pottery. Garum, a drink much enjoyed by the early inhabitants of the region, was once made here in large quantities.
Glorieta de la Plaza de España
Originally laid down in 1874 this most beautiful of Spanish Plazas boasts a wonderful collection of rare plants and shrubs all growing in the shade of tall palms and other trees. In the centre is the fountain known locally as "Pava de la Balsa" (Turkey in the Pool) an unusual name for what appears to be goose! The Plaza is surrounded by a variety of buildings most of which have beautiful early 19th century facades; perhaps the most notable is that of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), which is in the Neomudejar style.
Fortified Towers of Tebar and Chuecos
Two watch-towers, both now almost completely in ruin completed the system of defence for the town; from both could be seen any marauders approaching from an inland rection. They are situated atop very high hills to the north of the town and can only be reached after an arduous climb.
January
5th, Three Kings Cavalcade procession through the town.
6th, Fiesta in El Garrobillo with presentation of the Three King’s car.
Weekend closest to san Anton. Fiesta in Tebar from 1 2.00 hrs.
February
Aguilas Carnival, declared to be of National Tourist Interest,with large and impressive street processions and important competitions. (The Carnival takes place approximately forty days before Easter).
March-April
Tribute to the Virgen de los Dolores, the patron saint of Aguilas, with processions. Holy Weekend with processions on Monday, Thursday and Good Friday.
May
Sunday closest to the Saint’s Day of San Isidro, Fiesta in Los Arejos.
July
The begining of the summer season with open-air celebrations including a fair, theatre and sports competitions, etc.
16th, tribute to the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of the sea.
August
The whole month is a fiesta in Aguilas, with a fair, various competitions, regattas, sports tournaments, games, cultural events, theatre and exhibitions, etc.
First Sunday of the month, is Tourist Day.
Second Sunday of the month "Encuentro de Cuadrillas".
14th, 10 p.m. Firework Display over the Levante Bay with view from the Port.
15th, the highlight of the season with a celebration of the"Asuncion de la Virgen" (Assumption of the Virgin).
December
8th, Fiesta in El Garrobillo from 12,00hrs, to comemorate the Inmaculate Concepcion
25th, Traditional Christmas Fiesta in La Cuesta de Gos from 12,00hrs
28th, Fiesta in El Garrobillo from 12,00hrs to comemorate the day of "Los Inocentes"
For further information:
Tourism Office
Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, s/n . 30880. Águilas (Murcia)
Telephone: 34 68 41 33 03
Fax: 34 68 44 60 82
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