Annual archaeological dig begins on Isla del Fraile in Aguilas

Evidence has been found in recent years that Isla del Fraile was home to Bronze Age settlers before the Romans and the Moors

The arrival of September sees the departure of the peak season holidaymakers from Águilas but also heralds the arrival of an international team of archaeologists who are taking part in the 6th annual dig on the islet of Isla del Fraile, just couple of kilometres to the east of the town.

The dig began earlier than usual this year, on Monday 26^th August, and lasts for two weeks, with many of the participants coming from the University of Murcia and others from those of Alicante, Cádiz, Barcelona, Complutense de Madrid, Aix-Marseille, Jaén and Oxford. All of them are overseen by Alejandro Quevedo (CSIC) and Juan de Dios Hernández García (the Museo Arqueológico of Águilas).

One of the aims in the 2025 dig is to collect artefacts for an exhibition next year at the ARQUA underwater archaeology museum in Cartagena, while on land the search is on for more evidence concerning the earliest known settlement on the island: this is currently thought to date from the time of the Roman Republic, between the 2^nd and 1^st century BC.

However, there are unproven theories that even before the Romans and the Moors settled on the island there were settlements of other cultures, and since 2023 the artifacts found have suggested a possible population going back to the Bronze Age. The main areas of investigation this year are once again three sectors close to the beach, once of which contains a series of Roman water tanks probably connected with the production of “garum” sauce and other fish-based foodstuffs.

At the same time divers from the Instituto Balear de Estudios en Arqueología Marítima (IBEAM) and the University of Cádiz will be investigating the Bay of Hornillo in collaboration with the national ARQVA museum in Cartagena, searching for wrecks and artifacts in areas where boats and ships were moored, while experts in Roman painting and architecture are joining from the universities of Córdoba and Murcia.

It is anticipated that the results of the 2024 dig will be published in international specialist magazines before the end of the year.

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Águilas Today.

Address

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

Tel: 968 493 285

Enquiry*

Contact Us by Email

* indicates a required field

View Website

View Google Map

Loading

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