Aguilas is a minuscule town in southern Spain that you will probably not outright book to see. If you are traveling by rental car around the country as I have, it will likely be a town that you might pass on your way to a larger city such as Alicante, which is only an hour away. It is such a pity, as the town sits in the prime location of being directly on the Mediterranean Sea.
So, if you are doing a tour of Spain, I urge you stay just one night at the tiny Calypso Hotel if you have the chance. It is ridiculously cheap for a night’s stay–just $60 US bucks! And most importantly, be adamant about asking for a room facing the water. The rooms are large and spare, with Spanish tile underfoot and whitewashed walls. Those facing the sea have large terraces that provide a gentle breeze coming off the water and you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. It doesn’t get better than this.
The Calypso has a marvelous restaurant downstairs with tables and chairs that are right on the beach. You can have an romantic dinner looking up at the mountainous village of Aguilas (which translates to “eagles” in English) and marvel at the fact that the Mediterranean is just a feet away. There’s nothing fancy here, just a variety of tapas and simple Spanish meals such as paella and mariscada (a seafood stew). Ask for a glass of vino tinto, por favor (a red house wine, please) which is inexpensive and tasty. You are brought a lovely plate of complimentary hors d’oeuvres of items such as sardinas (sardines), manchego cheese, morcilla (blood sausage) and chorizo (pimento sausage). Just sit back and rest your soul as the tiny candles flicker on each table and reflect the froth from the sea. Beautiful.
Scuba divers will enjoy Aguilas as there is much to see beneath the sea here, and some days can be fun for surfers, too. If you are into either sport, then the Calypso Hotel might be the ideal spot for you to stay as you follow your passion.
Aguilas is a good stop if you want to get away from the bustle of big town traffic and crowds, or even on your way to some other magical place in Spain, and I can assure you that you will not forget your dinner by the sea.