Águilas

This town looks onto the Mediterranean Sea, with a port of exit for fruits and vegetables, esparto grass and minerals from the areas of Lorca and Baza. Romans called this lovely little town Aquilae, which later became Aquila. The town of Águilas, which in Spanish stands for "Eagle", was designed back in the 18^th century by Charles III, gaining its independence from the municipality of Lorca in the 19^th century. The different settlements of the civilizations dominating Águilas, have left behind numerous historical traces, among them the castle of San Juan de Águilas, which served as a defense tower. In the early 20^th century, a significant amount of British people settled in Águilas, leaving a strong mark in the development of this town. Some British-influenced works were the British Cemetery and El Hornillo pier. Some say that thanks to the Brits, Águilas was one of first places in Spain where football was played.

The Carnival of Águilas, which dates back to the late 1800s, is without a doubt the best known in the Region of Murcia. The most popular drink during the two carnival weeks is "la cuerva", a spirit drink mixing different types of fruit and alcohol.

The extensive maritime coast of Águilas, ideal for swimming, fishing or sailing, has 36 gorgeous beaches and coves, including  Calabardina, El Hornillo, Levante, La Colonia and Las Delicias, to name a few.

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