Aguilas is a coastal town about 30 miles from our base at Los Madriles. In common with most of the settlements around the Med., Aguilas has a long history. Starting with prehistoric remains, it was settled by the Romans, the Carthaginians and the Iberians. Then, in the 8th century, came the Arab occupation that lasted until the catholic reconquest in 1253 by Ferdinand and Isabella.
There were further setbacks in the 18th century
when a burst dam killed 600 residents, and then an earthquake. The main
industry, mining, flourished until tourism started in the 1970’s. Today it’s
patronised by largely Spanish tourists in the part of the town developed for
that purpose.
The old town still looks very Arab in appearance although none of the buildings would date back to the Moorish occupation.
Although an interesting town to visit, our reason for coming
was to spend the day with Ray and Diane, our next-door neighbours when we lived
in Alconbury. They moved to Spain two years ago and have a house near Valencia
and a park home a few miles inland from Aguilas.
Our friends suggested we visit the castle, an imposing
fortress overlooking the town and the sea.
Unfortunately, the castle itself was closing as we reached
the top but we had great views like this one of the harbour.
Ray pointed out some rock shapes that were supposed to have
given the town its name: Aguilas means eagles. Couldn’t really make it out –
maybe upside-down eagles?
Plenty of café tables in the square, so we sat a while over café con leche, taking in the scenery and passers-by. This enormous ficus plant was worthy of a photo, with Jane and Diane in front for scale.
After lunch we followed Ray and Diane 5 miles back inland to
their park home. The plot was large and well laid out, and the other dwellings
were of different designs giving a pleasant appearance to the park.
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