Águilas Beaches

Overview

Águilas is a premier Spanish beach destination, boasting a remarkable 28-kilometer coastline with a beach for every preference. The region's shoreline is a diverse tapestry, offering everything from broad, family-friendly urban sands to wild, secluded coves tucked into the rugged landscape. Visitors will find the Mediterranean waters here are characteristically calm and crystal clear, making them ideal for swimming and enjoying the sea. This variety ensures that whether you seek convenience or natural solitude, you can find your perfect spot along the coast.

The town itself is framed by two magnificent urban beaches, including the easily accessible Playa de Levante, located right on the main promenade. Its popular counterpart, Playa de Poniente, is a long, sweeping bay of fine sand perfect for a classic beach day. For a more dramatic and scenic experience, a short drive leads to the protected Cuatro Calas area, home to the postcard-perfect Playa de la Carolina. This beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations.

For those seeking adventure, the coastline offers rewarding discoveries. An iconic day trip to Los Muertos Beach reveals one of Spain's most famous wild beaches, renowned for its brilliantly clear turquoise water. Beyond the well-known names, the coast toward Cabo de Cope is dotted with dozens of unspoiled coves waiting to be explored. To discover all 36 beaches, from the most popular to the most hidden, be sure to explore our complete guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Águilas a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Águilas is an excellent destination for a family beach holiday. The town offers numerous beaches with calm, shallow waters perfect for children, such as Playa de la Colonia and Calarreona Beach. Many of the urban beaches are awarded Blue Flags for their quality and provide services like lifeguards, play areas, and easy access to restaurants and facilities, making for a comfortable and safe family day out.

Playa de la Colonia

What are the beaches in Águilas like, are they sandy?

Águilas boasts a diverse 28-kilometer coastline with 36 beaches, ranging from wide, golden sandy urban beaches to secluded, pebbly coves. Popular spots like Playa de Poniente and Playa de la Colonia are long stretches of fine sand. In contrast, the protected area of Cuatro Calas and the coastline towards Cabo de Cope feature a mix of sandy beaches and wild, rocky coves with unique geological formations.

Playa de la Colonia

Can you swim in the sea in Águilas and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea in Águilas. The Mediterranean waters are known for being crystal clear and generally calm, especially in the numerous protected bays and coves. The water temperature is most comfortable for swimming from June to September. Many beaches, like those in the Cuatro Calas area, are praised for their calm bathing conditions.

What's the best time of year to visit the beaches in Águilas?

The best time to visit the beaches in Águilas is from June to September when the weather is warmest and ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, many locals and repeat visitors prefer the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (October) for pleasant weather, warm sea temperatures, and fewer crowds.

Are there hotels with direct beach access in Águilas?

Yes, there are several hotels and apartment complexes in Águilas situated directly on or just a few steps from the beach. Options like the Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel and Senator Águilas Hotel are located right by the Playa de Poniente, offering guests immediate access to the sand and sea, along with sea views from many rooms.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there quiet, hidden beaches in Águilas away from the crowds?

Absolutely. While Águilas has popular town beaches, its coastline is famous for its many unspoilt coves ('calas') and wild beaches, particularly towards Cabo de Cope and within the Cuatro Calas protected area. Beaches like Playa Amarilla, Playa del Pozo, and the various small coves around Calabardina offer a more secluded and natural experience away from the main tourist areas.

How do you get to the more remote beaches like Cuatro Calas?

The remote beaches, especially the popular Cuatro Calas (La Carolina, Los Cocedores, etc.), are best reached by car. They are located just off the main road (RM-333) towards Andalucía. While there is parking available, some of the wildest coves, particularly along the Cabo de Cope coastline, may require a short walk from the main track or road.

Are there any nudist beaches in Águilas?

Yes, Águilas has several beaches where naturism is common. Playa del Charco is a well-known nudist beach located in a natural, undeveloped setting. Other more secluded coves along the coast are also popular with naturists seeking tranquility.

People Also Ask

What's the difference between the main town beaches, Poniente and Levante?

Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante are the two main urban beaches of Águilas, separated by the castle headland. Playa de Poniente is a very popular, wide, sandy beach with a full range of services and a promenade. Playa de Levante, located between the port and the marina, is also a sandy, Blue Flag beach but is situated right alongside the main seafront road.

Playa de Levante

Is Águilas more for a quiet holiday or does it have nightlife?

Águilas offers a balance. It's primarily known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for a quiet holiday focused on beaches and nature. However, during the summer months, the town becomes more lively with beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants along the promenades offering a pleasant evening atmosphere, though it is not a major party destination like other Spanish resorts.

Are there dog-friendly beaches in Águilas?

Yes, Águilas has designated dog-friendly beaches. The main ones are Playa de la Cañada del Negro and Cala Mijo (also known as Cueva de las Palomas). These specific locations allow dogs to be off-leash and enjoy the sea, which is not permitted on most other beaches, especially during high season.

Which is better for beaches, Águilas or Mojácar?

Both Águilas and nearby Mojácar (in Almería) are excellent beach destinations, but they offer different experiences. Águilas is known for its sheer number and variety of beaches, from urban bays to 36 protected and wild coves, and generally has a more relaxed, traditionally Spanish feel. Mojácar has long, wide sandy beaches and is more developed in terms of international tourism, with a livelier nightlife scene.

What are the 'Cuatro Calas' I keep reading about?

The 'Cuatro Calas' (Four Coves) is a protected natural landscape on the border of Murcia and Andalucía, at the western end of Águilas. It includes the beaches of Calarreona, La Higuerica, La Carolina, and Los Cocedores. This area is famous for its stunning natural beauty, unique wind-sculpted rock formations, and fine sandy beaches with clear, calm water.

Cala Reona

Las Higuericas Beach

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