Águilas – Unspoilt Beach and Guaranteed Sun 2026

Águilas is the southernmost coastal town on the Costa Cálida: 28 kilometres of Mediterranean coast, 35 beaches and coves, property prices from around 1,560 euros per square metre, and over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. The municipality in the Murcia region has around 36,400 inhabitants and lies at the border with the province of Almería. A two-bedroom apartment in central Águilas costs from 70,000 euros. That is 25 to 35 percent cheaper than comparable coastal locations on the Costa Blanca. The carnival has the status of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional, the same category as Tenerife and Cádiz, and attracts around 100,000 visitors each year to a town that is strikingly quiet for the rest of the year.

This guide is written for those considering buying property in Águilas. I go through what the area offers, what it costs, which beaches are best, and what you should consider, including the drawbacks.

Where is Águilas?

Águilas lies at the southernmost point of the Costa Cálida in the Murcia region, south-eastern Spain. The municipality borders Lorca to the north and the province of Almería to the south. The coastline stretches 28 kilometres with wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, and sheltered bathing lagoons alternating throughout. Behind the coast the terrain is mountainous and dry, with the Sierra del Águila as a backdrop.

The name Águilas means "the eagles", after the eagles that once nested on the cliffs above the harbour. Charles III formally founded the town in 1785, but people have lived here far longer. Off the coast, a Phoenician shipwreck from the 6th century BC has been discovered.

Useful distances:

• Murcia city: 105 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car
• Murcia international airport (RMU): 100 km, approximately 1 hour
• Almería airport (LEI): 130 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
• Alicante-Elche airport (ALC): 180 km, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Lorca: 40 km, 35 minutes
• Cartagena: 80 km, approximately 50 minutes
• Mazarrón: 65 km, approximately 45 minutes

There is a train station with connections to Lorca and Murcia city via Renfe Cercanías. That is more than most coastal towns on the Costa Cálida can boast. But the journey time to Murcia by train is long — almost 2 hours — so in practice you need a car.

What beaches are there in Águilas?

35 beaches and coves spread along 28 kilometres of coast. That is more per inhabitant than almost any other municipality in Murcia. The range extends from wide town beaches with sun loungers and lifeguards to isolated rocky coves accessible only on foot. Several have blue flags.

Playa de Poniente — the town beach

Poniente is Águilas' main beach, right in the centre with the promenade behind it. Wide sandy beach, shallow water, lifeguards in summer, showers, and beach service. Restaurants and shops are a stone's throw away. Good for families, but expect crowds in July and August.

Playa del Hornillo — by the historic pier

Hornillo lies east of the centre with views of the old loading pier. Fine white sand, calm water, and a feeling of being off the tourist trail despite the centre being just a short walk away. Behind the beach is mosaic artist Juan Martínez Casucos' work Rincón del Hornillo.

Calabardina — fishing village with bathing cove

Calabardina is a small fishing village 10 kilometres north of Águilas town centre. The beach is small but sheltered, with calm water and a handful of fish restaurants at the quay. Divers enjoy the spot for the clear water and the underwater rocks around Cabo Cope.

Cuatro Calas — four coves in a row

Cuatro Calas is Águilas' most famous beach area: four coves in a row south of the town, at the border with Almería. The four coves are named La Calarreona, La Higuerica, La Carolina, and Los Cocedores. La Higuerica and La Carolina have blue flags. There is no development here. No beach café. Just sand, rocks, and sea.

Playa de Cope — by the nature reserve

Cope lies at the foot of Cabo Cope, a protected coastal mountain rising 245 metres above sea level. The beach is small and stony. The snorkelling is among the best in Murcia. The Cabo Cope and Calnegre area is a regional nature reserve, so development will never be permitted here.

What does it cost to buy property in Águilas?

In short: it is cheap. Águilas is one of the most affordable coastal areas in Spain. Prices rose by 26 percent during 2025, but the level is still well below Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and the neighbouring town of Vera in Almería.

Current prices (2025/2026):

• Average price per sqm (villas): 1,400 euros
• Average price per sqm (apartments): 1,640 euros
• Average price per sqm (whole municipality): approximately 1,560 euros

Price overview by property type

Apartments:

• Budget apartment (needs renovation): 45,000 – 80,000 euros
• Two-bedroom apartment in good condition: 70,000 – 130,000 euros
• Three-bedroom apartment with sea view: 120,000 – 200,000 euros
• New build near the beach: 150,000 – 280,000 euros

Townhouses:

• Standard condition: 100,000 – 170,000 euros
• Renovated with pool: 150,000 – 250,000 euros

Villas:

• Older villa in good condition: 150,000 – 280,000 euros
• Modern villa with private pool: 250,000 – 400,000 euros
• Premium villa with sea view: 350,000 – 550,000+ euros

Price development:

| Year | Price change | Comment | |------|-------------|---------| | 2025 | +26.4% | Among Spain's highest price increases | | 2024 | +14% | Strong international demand | | 2023 | +9% | Broad rise across the Murcia region | | Peak Nov 2025 | 1,892 €/sqm | Historic price record |

What is the climate like in Águilas?

Águilas has a semi-arid steppe climate (BSk according to Köppen-Geiger). In practice this means: lots of sun, little rain. The mountain ranges to the north protect the coast and create a microclimate that keeps temperatures stable and blocks cold north winds.

Temperatures throughout the year:

• Winter (December–February): 16 degrees during the day on average, 7–9 degrees at night. Sunny days predominate. Frost never occurs at the coast.
• Spring (March–May): 20–26 degrees. Low rainfall, rising sea temperature. The best time to be outdoors.
• Summer (June–August): 30–32 degrees during the day, 22–24 degrees at night. Dry. Occasional heat waves can reach 38 degrees.
• Autumn (September–November): 24–28 degrees in September, falling to 17–19 degrees in November. Swimming in the sea possible until mid-October.

Key figures:

• Hours of sunshine per year: over 3,000 (up to 10.9 hours of sun per day in July)
• Annual rainfall: 287 mm — among Spain's lowest
• Rainy days per year: 30–35, mainly in September–November
• Sea temperature: 14°C in February to 26°C in August
• Average annual temperature: 17.7°C

Compared with Mazarrón (60 km to the north), the climate is essentially identical. The difference from the Costa Blanca (Torrevieja) is marginal — Águilas has slightly drier air and more sunshine hours during the winter months thanks to its sheltered location.

What makes the Águilas carnival so special?

Most Swedish buyers have never heard of the Águilas carnival, but it has the same official status as the carnivals in Tenerife and Cádiz. In 2015 it was designated Fiesta de Interés Turístico Internacional, only the third carnival in Spain with that classification. The Spanish state therefore regards it as international cultural heritage.

The celebrations last for ten days, usually in February or March depending on the date of Easter. The traditions have been documented since 1886, but the roots go back further.

Highlights:

• La Musa: The carnival queen, chosen through a spectacular gala with performances and extravagant costumes
• Don Carnal vs Doña Cuaresma: A theatrical battle between the spirit of carnival and the solemnity of Lent, where Don Carnal wins and gives permission for ten days of celebration
• Cascarones: Residents save eggshells for months, dry them, and fill them with confetti. During the festival thousands of confetti-filled eggs are thrown in a colourful battle
• Parades: Large parades with carnival groups (comparsas) competing for prizes for best costume, music, and dance

During carnival week, restaurant turnover increases tenfold. Hotels are fully booked weeks in advance. If you plan to visit during carnival — book accommodation at least two months ahead.

Who lives in Águilas?

The municipality of Águilas has around 36,400 registered inhabitants. Of these, approximately 12 percent are foreign nationals. Compare that with Torrevieja (40 percent) or Mazarrón (37 percent), and you understand why Águilas feels different. This is a Spanish town that happens to be by the sea, not a tourist destination adapted for northern Europeans.

Population breakdown (estimate):

• Spanish: 85–88 percent
• British, Belgian, French: 3–4 percent (largest European groups)
• North Africans (Morocco etc.): 4–5 percent (many in agriculture and fishing)
• Scandinavians: under 1 percent
• Latin Americans and others: 3–4 percent

Is there a Swedish community?

Short answer: no. The Swedish presence in Águilas is minimal. There is no Swedish association, no Swedish church, and no Scandinavian food shops. The nearest Swedish community of any size is in Torrevieja, 170 km to the north (almost 2 hours by car).

Águilas suits those who want to live in a Spanish society, not an expat bubble. You should have basic Spanish or be willing to learn it. Everyday life functions in Spanish — at the market, at the dentist, at the town hall.

What is there to eat in Águilas?

Food in Águilas is about the sea. The fishing harbour is still active, and the restaurants nearest the quay serve fish that was unloaded that same morning.

Caldero — the region's signature dish

Caldero is Costa Cálida's answer to paella: rice cooked in a broth of sea fish and ñora pepper, served with aioli on the side. In Águilas, caldero is made with locally caught mújol (mullet) or dorada. A portion costs 12 to 18 euros at most restaurants at the harbour.

Other local dishes

• Michirones: Broad beans cooked with chorizo, ham, and paprika — everyday food from the Murcia region
• Pastel de carne: Meat-filled pastry with Murcian spicing, common as tapas
• Zarangollo: Scrambled eggs with courgette and onion — simple, cheap, good
• Pulpo a la brasa: Grilled octopus with olive oil and sea salt, best at the harbour

Restaurants to try: La Venta del Puerto at the harbour for fish and caldero, Casa Federico in the centre for traditional Murcian food. Águilas also has restaurants with Soles Repsol distinctions, which is unusual for a town of this size.

Advantages and disadvantages of Águilas — honestly

Advantages:

• Among Spain's absolutely lowest property prices at the coast — 25 to 35 percent below Costa Blanca
• 35 beaches and coves, most unspoilt and without mass tourism
• Over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and only 287 mm of rain
• 88 percent Spanish, not an expat destination
• Carnival with international cultural status (one of three in Spain)
• Train station with connections to Lorca and Murcia
• The Cabo Cope-Calnegre nature reserve protects the coast from development
• Active fishing harbour with fresh fish every day

Disadvantages:

• No Scandinavian community. You are on your own. No Swedish association, no Scandinavian network. If community with fellow countrymen is important, choose Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa instead.
• Far from the airport. RMU is 100 km away (1 hour), Almería 130 km. Compared with Torrevieja (45 km to ALC) or Mazarrón (42 km to RMU) this is a significant disadvantage for regular travellers.
• Limited healthcare. Two health centres in town, but the nearest hospital is in Lorca (40 km). Specialist care requires a trip to Murcia city (105 km).
• A car is absolutely essential. The train exists but is slow. Bus connections are sparse. Without a car everyday life does not function.
• Summer heat. 30–32 degrees as standard, sometimes 38+. Air conditioning is necessary from June to September. Electricity bills can reach 120–150 euros per month during summer.
• Limited shopping and services. Águilas has Mercadona and Lidl, but for larger purchases you need to go to Lorca or Murcia. No large shopping centre.
• Water shortage. The Murcia region has a chronic water problem. Irrigation restrictions may occur during dry summers.
• Language barrier. Very little English is spoken compared with tourist destinations. Spanish is necessary for everyday life.

How does Águilas differ from Mazarrón and Vera?

If you are looking for affordable coastal property in south-eastern Spain, these three names come up frequently. Here is how they differ.

Águilas vs. Mazarrón: Mazarrón is 65 km to the north and has a similar profile: undeveloped coast, low prices, Spanish character. But Mazarrón has more international presence (37 percent foreigners vs Águilas' 12 percent), more expat facilities, and a much shorter distance to RMU airport (42 km vs 100 km). Águilas counters with lower prices and its carnival.

Águilas vs. Vera (Almería): Vera is 70 km to the south in the Almería province with Playa de Vera, one of Spain's most well-known beaches. But prices in Vera have shot up. The average is now around 2,850 euros per square metre for the coastal areas, almost double that of Águilas. Vera has more tourist infrastructure but is also more touristy, full stop.

| Factor | Águilas | Mazarrón | Vera (Almería) | |--------|---------|----------|----------------| | Price per sqm | 1,560 € | 1,770 € | 2,850 € (coast) | | Airport | RMU 100 km | RMU 42 km | LEI 100 km | | Foreign residents | 12% | 37% | ~20% | | Beaches | 35, unspoilt | 30, varied | 5–6, touristy | | Healthcare | Health centre | Health centre | Hospital Huércal-Overa | | Carnival | International status | Local | None of note |

Frequently asked questions about Águilas

Last updated: March 2026. Prices and regulations may change — contact us for current information.