Aguilas is very much a Mediterranean town; the Mediterranean sea has throughout the centuries been of enormous influence to the town of Águilas. Almost its entire historical heritage is bonded in some way or another to its coast, given that it was through the coast that the dangers, ideas and economy arrived.

Águilas was created to be a modern town, and stemmed from the idea illustrated by Charles the third along with his ministers Aranda and Floridablanca. During that period of time Lorca needed a port in which fruit and vegetables produced in the valley could be exported, and therefore Águilas was seen as the region’s most natural area in which to transport these products. The earl of Floridablanca, Aranda, and Villanueva amongst others all got to work, and subsequently in 1785 Águilas was created as a square straight port city, in search of the comfortableness and efficiency illustrated earlier.

The Muslim, Roman, Phoenicia, Argaric, and Palaeolithic eras had all now gone, leaving us behind a number of archaeological remains, particularly Roman ones dated from the 1st and 4th centuries. Those which stand out more are the Roman baths giving way to a number of theories and even legends, quoting that Águilas is an ancient south eastern Roman settlement thus sparking off discussions between intellectuals unsure as to where Águilas is exactly located.   

It was during the Roman era that Águilas was known as «Aquilae» and later «Aquila» belonging to «Bastetania» and then to «Tarraconense». It came under the power of Alanos, Suebi, and then under the Visigoths and owned by Carthago Espartaria until its invasion by the Arabs. After forming part of the Caliphate of Cordoba and then the Valencian reign governed by the Almoravid dynasty. It wasn’t until the 18th century that it finally formed part of the reign of Murcia.   

Due to the important investments carried out by the British capital, Murcia finally became restored. The railway line between Lorca, Baza, and Aguilas was laid, in order to easily export minerals produced within the region, and this constituted the region as being one of the Mediterranean’s main porting towns. During this era the wharf «El Hornillo» was built, regarded as being a fine architectural building of its era, constructed using steel and concrete. During the second half of the 19th century a large British colony was established, which gradually moved away to the countryside driven on by the mineral and plant exportation carried out. It is therefore quite evident the number of cultures that have left their mark in Águilas, enriching not only the historical and monumental facet of Águilas, but as well has also  left an enriching affect, given that the people of Águilas most highly noted trait is their abundant and peculiar lexicon.  

The town of Águilas enjoys a constant activity all year round thanks to its agricultural and touristical resources, which help to maintain stable the population. The town’s principal livelihood is based on the exportation of fruits and vegetables all produced within the region’s rural setting. At the same time, the region’s weather conditions make Murcia a perfect tourist destination.