Costa Cálida
SMC750857
Living and Buying Property in Águilas, Costa Cálida: Golf, Coastal Life and What to Expect
Águilas is one of those coastal towns people often discover after looking at the more established parts of southern Spain.
It sits at the southern tip of the Costa Cálida, close to the Andalusian border, with a dramatic coastline, mountain backdrops and a noticeably more relaxed pace than many larger resort areas.
For golf lifestyle buyers, second-home seekers and retirees, the question is not just “Can I buy here?” but “Would I genuinely enjoy living here, even part of the year?”
This guide explores what Águilas is really like, who it suits best, and what you should know before browsing properties.
Where Is Águilas and What Is the Setting Like?
Águilas is located in the Region of Murcia, at the southern end of the Costa Cálida. It is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Murcia International Airport and under 2 hours from Alicante Airport.
The town is framed by:
More than 30 beaches and coves
A working marina and fishing port
The historic Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas overlooking the bay
Low-rise neighbourhoods rather than high-density towers
Compared to parts of the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, Águilas feels more Spanish and less commercial. Development exists, but it has not overwhelmed the landscape.
For buyers looking for coastal access without heavy tourism pressure, this balance is often part of the appeal.
What Is It Like to Live in Águilas Year Round?
One of the strongest advantages of the Costa Cálida is its climate.
Águilas enjoys:
Over 300 days of sunshine per year
Mild winters compared to northern Europe
Warm but generally dry summer
Winter livability matters for retirees and second-home owners who want to spend extended periods in Spain. Águilas remains active outside the peak summer months. It is a functioning Spanish town, not just a seasonal resort.
You will find:
Open restaurants and cafés year round
Local markets
A strong sense of community
Traditional festivals such as the Águilas Carnival
For many buyers, that authenticity makes a difference.
The Golf Lifestyle Near Águilas
Golf lifestyle buyers will be particularly interested in Aguilón Golf, located just a short drive from the town centre.
Aguilón Golf is known for:
A dramatic desert-style layout
Mountain views
Wide fairways and large greens
A modern clubhouse
It is not a large gated resort community in the traditional sense. Instead, it appeals to players who enjoy scenic courses and a quieter environment.
Within driving distance, there are also additional courses in the wider Costa Cálida region, giving regular players variety without needing to relocate.
For second-home owners who prioritise golf access but do not want to live in a fully resort-based setting, Águilas offers a hybrid option: real Spanish town life with nearby golf.
Expat Community and International Presence
Águilas has a smaller international community compared to areas such as Torrevieja or parts of the Costa del Sol.
That can be seen as either a positive or a drawback, depending on what you are looking for.
There is:
A visible British and Northern European presence
International property buyers, especially in newer developments
English-speaking services in key sectors
However, Spanish remains the dominant language in daily life. Many retirees and long-term residents appreciate this balance, as it encourages integration while still offering some support networks.
If your goal is to live in Spain rather than in an international enclave, Águilas may feel more aligned with that intention.
What Types of Property Are Available in Águilas?
Property in Águilas spans mixed budgets and styles.
You will typically find:
Beachfront apartments with sea views
Town apartments close to the marina
Villas in residential areas slightly outside the centre
New-build developments near the coastline or golf
Prices vary depending on:
Sea views versus inland location
Walking distance to the beach
New build versus resale
Proximity to golf
Compared to more established coastal hotspots, Águilas often offers more space for the same budget. That is part of why second-home buyers exploring southern Spain begin to consider it seriously.
If you are curious about what is currently available, you can browse properties for sale in Águilas to get a sense of price ranges and styles.
Is Águilas a Good Choice for Retirees?
For retirees, the key considerations are usually:
Climate
Healthcare access
Pace of life
Cost of living
Community
Águilas scores well on climate and lifestyle. It is walkable in the town centre, flat near the promenade and easy to navigate by car for those living in surrounding areas.
The atmosphere is relaxed without feeling isolated. Even in winter, there is enough activity to avoid the feeling of being in a closed resort.
It may not suit those who want large-scale expat clubs or a highly international social scene. It is better suited to people who value calm, coastal scenery and a Spanish rhythm of life.
Is There Rental Potential?
While Águilas is not positioned as a high-yield investment hotspot, there is seasonal rental interest, particularly during summer months.
Beachfront apartments and well-presented properties near the marina tend to attract holidaymakers.
However, most buyers here are lifestyle-driven rather than purely investment-focused. Rental potential is often seen as a way to offset costs rather than as a primary strategy.
Who Águilas Suits Best
Águilas tends to appeal most to:
Golf lifestyle buyers who want nearby courses without full resort living
Second-home owners looking for authenticity over mass tourism
Retirees seeking sun and stability
Buyers who prefer car-based living and quieter surroundings
It may not suit:
Those seeking vibrant nightlife year round
Buyers who want a large international enclave
People who prefer fully gated golf resort communities
Understanding this distinction helps clarify whether it aligns with your expectations.
Final Thoughts: Is Águilas Worth Exploring Further?
Águilas is not always the first name people search when looking at Spanish coastal property.
That is partly why it attracts attention from buyers who value space, views and a slower pace of life.
For golf lifestyle buyers, retirees and second-home seekers, it offers:
Access to quality golf
A genuine Spanish town atmosphere
Strong year-round climate
Coastal scenery without intense overdevelopment
If it sounds like the kind of place you could see yourself returning to regularly, the next logical step is simply to explore what properties are currently on the market.
You can browse current listings in Águilas to see what styles and price levels are available now. Even if you are still researching, seeing real properties often helps clarify whether an area feels right.
And if Águilas is one of several Costa Cálida towns on your shortlist, comparing it with nearby areas may give you even clearer direction.
Take your time. The right location usually becomes obvious once you understand how it fits your lifestyle.
