Cartagena (Spain)
Country: Spain · Region: Western Mediterranean · Currency: Euro
Cartagena is the main seaport of the Murcia region with 214,000 inhabitants and serves as a frequent cruise disembarkation point. The city concentrates nearly three millennia of Spanish history with numerous monuments, archaeological sites, and outstanding historical buildings alongside the charm of a working port city.
Top sights
Roman Theatre, Cathedral ruins, Peral Submarine, ARQUA National Museum of Subacquatic Archaeology, Modernist houses, Christmas Fortress
Things to do
- Roman Theatre
- Brand-new Roman theatre with an associated museum showcasing ancient remains.
- Peral Submarine
- Famous submarine located near the harbour.
- ARQUA
- National Museum of Subacquatic Archaeology located near the harbour.
- Christmas Fortress
- Historic fortress accessible by tourist catamaran at the end of the harbour.
Beaches
- La Manga del Mar Menor
- Part of the famous holiday resort included in Cartagena's municipal territory.
- El Portus
- Naturist family beach approximately 12 km southwest of Cartagena with a family naturist camping site.
Where to eat
- La Mejillonera
- Seafood restaurant on Calle Mayor offering good fish dishes.
- Mare Nostrum
- Mediterranean restaurant located in the port.
Getting around
Municipal buses operated by ALSA serve the city, and a commuter rail operated by Renfe connects the city center to Los Nietos in the east.
What to eat
The city offers Mediterranean cuisine at restaurants like La Tartana and Mare Nostrum, seafood at La Mejillonera, and Italian dining at La Tagliatella near the Roman Theater.
Tips
Cruise passengers can be deposited at a dock on the edge of downtown, and a tourist catamaran route and tourist bus covering the old town are available for sightseeing.
Best for
History, archaeology, maritime heritage