| AGUILAS - MURCIA ... 
Aguilas is situated in South-eastern Spain, 103 kms. from Murcia,
Aguilas covers 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 25degrees C
making it a wonderful place for winter tourism.
Visitors are 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. There is a
beautiful fishing harbour, where it is pleasant to sit and watch the
world go by.
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,...
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.
The choices are many: from mountain climbing or hiking through
magnificent natural scenery where 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.
Ancient Monuments and Places of Interest
Castle of St. John of the Eagles
Impressive 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 ruction. They are situated atop very high
hills to the north of the town and can only be reached after an arduous
climb.
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.
Fair and Fiestas in Aguilas
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 beginning 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"
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