Archaeological findings at the Isla del Fraile in Águilas “could help re-write the history of the Mediterranean”!
It is now confirmed that human activity continued on the small island well into the 6th century
The 2025 archaeological dig at the Isla del Fraile, the small island just off the coast of Águilas in the south-west of Murcia, has resulted in the collection of new data which could help the site to “re-write the history of the Mediterranean”, in the words of the directors of the excavations, Alejandro Quevedo (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) and Juan de Dios Hernández García (Museo Arqueológico de Águilas).
Among the most important findings this year are items which confirm a phase of activity on the island during the Byzantine Era. Previously it was thought that human activity here ceased abruptly in the second half of the 5th century AD, the reasons for which are unknown, but new discoveries (of coins and ceramics) show that people were definitely active on Isla del Fraile in the 6th century, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Justinian I.
Similarly, the presence of a Late Roman oven or kiln shows that ceramics were actually produced here, rather than just being used. There are also numerous ceramic items from the areas of Tunisia, Italy and western Spain, showing the dynamism of connections between the Isla del Fraile and other parts of the Mediterranean.
This year also saw the unearthing of more graves at the Islamic “maqbara” (burial ground), which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries.
For more local events, news and visiting information, contact the tourist office of Águilas or go to the home page of Águilas Today.
Address
Tourist Information Office, Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, s/n. 30880-AguilasTel: 968 493 285
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
