A Small Town on the Murcia Coast Has Been Named Europe's Best Destination for Boating

The small town of Águilas on the Murcia coast has been named the best European destination for boat trips and sailing. The finding comes from a study by CV Villas, published by the British newspaper The Mirror.

The ranking took into account wind speed, water temperature, sunshine hours, and the availability of boat trips. Águilas came out ahead of all other European destinations across these criteria.

The municipality is located in the south-west of Murcia on the Costa Cálida and has a population of around 38,000. The town is known for its large fishing port, from which excursion boats depart along the scenic coastline. Its white-sand beaches with turquoise water — including Playa de Poniente, Playa de las Delicias, Playa Amarilla, and Playa del Hornillo — form one of the most attractive stretches of coastline in southern Spain. From Playa de las Delicias, there are views of the sixteenth-century Castillo de San Juan de las Águilas and the peak of Pico de la Aguilica.

The old town is well worth a stroll, and the local cuisine is worth trying. Águilas can be reached from Murcia in around an hour via the A-7 motorway through the town of Lorca.

Top 20 Best European Destinations for Boating

1. Águilas (Spain)

2. Île de Porquerolles (France)

3. Biarritz (France)

4. Mazarrón (Spain)

5. Hvar (Croatia)

6. Mljet (Croatia)

7. Sozopol (Bulgaria)

8. Vis (Croatia)

9. Bermeo (Spain)

10. Cadaqués (Spain)

11. Ponza (Italy)

12. Piran (Slovenia)

13. Jávea (Spain)

14. Aeolian Islands (Italy)

15. Polignano a Mare (Italy)

16. Cornwall (United Kingdom)

17. Formentera (Spain)

18. Karpathos (Greece)

19. Cádiz (Spain)

20. Santorini (Greece)