The name Aigües comes from the Valencian word meaning water, the significance being the historic presence of heated spring water containing medicinal compounds. Reference to the name of Aigües dates back to the mid-13th century in the Almizra Treaty, the third in the series of three treaties between the crowns of Aragon and Castile. The purpose being to specifically define the borders of the Kingdom of Valencia. The town of Aigües was formally recognized centuries later as part of the province of Alicante. Property in and around Aigües was owned by members of nobility and much of those properties are still owned by those families today.
Aigües is built on an elevated portion of the Cabezon de Oro, meaning Golden Head, which provides fantastic vantage points and views of the Mediterranean Sea. The natural vegetation is pine forest. The climate in Aigües is generally very hot and sun-drenched. The summers are beautiful and hot with mild and bright winters.
The Moorish Tower, Church dome and the Balneario (Spa) currently not in operation, are important land marks in Aigües. The spa’s origins date back to 1816. It was constructed as a spa used by Aristocracy of the region. In 1936 the state took over the spa for treatment of children with tuberculosis. When the disease was finally defeated the spa in Aigües fell into disuse. The local festivities showcase the local culture such as the festival devoted to St Francis of Assisi, the Virgin of the Rosary as well as Christ of the Afflicted. These festivals are locally referred to as part of Schutzheiligenfest, celebrated yearly since the 19th century. Since the 1970s, processions of the Moors and Christians are performed during the last week of August / first weekend of September. Another festival worth noting is the Feast of the Virgin del Carmen in July when residents set off towards the shrine located in the pine forest where they hold a special mass and afterwards sit down to share a meal.
The location of Aigües is excellent for reasons of having easy access to the national road systems and public transportation while retaining unspoilt rural charm. There are three airports in the region to choose from. From Aigües, Alicante airport (L’Altet) to the south is the closest (approximately 37 kilometres / about half an hour’s drive). The next closest airport is San Javier Murcia also south of Aigües, which is approximately 120 km away (about one hour and 15-minute drive). The furthest airport in the region is Valencia airport to the north which is 185km away (approximately one hour and 50-minute drive). The rail system is very easily accessed through the hub of Alicante. The tram network for the Costa Blanca North coastline is best accessed in the coastal town of El Campello, a mere 15-minute drive from Aigües. The tram network system stretches as far as Denia to the north with its ferry links to the Balearic Islands and to Alicante City to the south.
The beauty of Aigües is that it is not situated in the hustle and bustle of the beach and city areas rather in a country setting with views of the Mediterranean coastline however the fantastic beaches are only a few kilometres away. Aigües with an altitude of nearly 400 meters enjoys a fresher climate than being at the beach, providing respite from the heat on the very hot days. The village offers bars, restaurants, bakery, pharmacy, supermarket, bank, postal service, church and doctor’s rooms.
For the more energetic guests, the immediate surrounds are perfect for cycling and walking or if preferred Aigües town is a mere stroll away in order to access the delights of a typical Spanish village. Venturing a little further provides access to the nearby centres for some retail therapy and entertainment.
The surrounding towns include Busot, Mutxamel, Xixona, Vilajoyosa, El Campello, Orxeta, Relleu, Torremanzanas and Sella.
