“New history” revealed in this year’s Isla del Fraile dig in Águilas

Confirmation of a Byzantine settlement on the Águilas island in the 6^th century

This year’s archaeological dig on the Isla del Fraile in Águilas has now ended with significant progress having been achieved in the excavation of “new” evidence of the historical development of human settlement on the tiny island.

This seventh annual dig was overseen by Alejandro Quevedo of the SCIC institute and Juan de Dios Hernández García (the director of the Museo Arqueológico de Águilas) and focussed on the phases of occupation related to the Roman Republic in the 1^st century BC and the “maqbara” or burial site of Moorish times, as well as various eras which came in between. These include evidence of severe destruction in the 5^th century AD, and at the same time it has been possible to confirm the existence of a Byzantine period in the 6^th century AD, due to the discovery of a room which dates from the time of the Emperor Justinian as he was trying to reconstitute the former Roman Empire.

Another facet of the investigations this year was the underwater work coordinated by CSIC expert Javier Rodríguez Pandozi, concentrating on the wreck of the Nido del Cuervo. This was a Roman vessel which sank in the bay of El Hornillo in the mid-1^st century BC.

Participants included Sabine Panzram, Professor in Ancient History at the Unversity of Hamburg, who is returning to Murcia in November to take part in a symposium entitled “Monsasterium in insulam” in Águilas and Cartagena.

The full results of this year’s campaign will be made public in the autumn.

For more local events, news and visiting information, contact the tourist office of Águilas (telephone 968 493285) or go to the home page of Águilas Today.

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Tourist Information Office, Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, s/n. 30880-Aguilas

Tel: 968 493 285

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Oficina de Turismo de Águilas

Águilas boasts 28 kilometres of coastline, with many fine, sandy beaches, sheltered coves and unspoilt natural beaches. It is a great summer favourite with Spanish holidaymakers, so always has a superb programme of concerts and activities throughout the summer, as well as the biggest carnival in the Region of Murcia, 40 days before Semana Santa (Easter.)

Throughout the year it also has a number of museums and historical attractions, a castle with fabulous views overlooking the bay and several other points of interest, all of which make it an good place to visit for days out. Throughout the year the tourist office runs monthly guided tours and the route of the railways, which explores the railway history of the town.

The tourist information office is located in the Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, just a short walk from the sea front and Plaza de España, a cool, shaded space in which to enjoy a coffee.

More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY

Tourist Information Office opening times (as of 16th September 2025)

• Monday to Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
• Sundays & bank holidays: 10.00 to 14.00

Águilas tourist information office contact details:

• Telephone: +34 968 493285  /  +34 968 493173
• WhatsApp: +34 660 474477
• Email: turismo@aguilas.es