Cartagena

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Destination Information

Cartagena is in the south of the Murcia region on the beautiful Costa Calida. This historic city was founded by the Carthaginians in 227 BC and it has a wealth of history and some beautiful architecture to explore. It has been a significant port for centuries with many defensive forts and castles on the hillside. Once a Roman city, the bullring was erected in 1854 on the site of a roman amphitheatre. The city is surrounded by five hills. The restored Concepcion Castle can be toured and gives great views of the city from its hilltop position. In the Torres Park below the castle colourful peacocks can be seen roaming free.

Cartagena has excellent shopping in the El Corte Ingles department store and in the nearby retail park. The city is continuously under renovation and there are some beautiful palaces, churches and government buildings which are worth visiting. The city also has many museums including the Municipal Archaeological Museum. The remaining city walls and Punic ramparts, the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Fortuna House with its painted walls are also worth visiting. Parks and squares provide welcome shade and seating and they are lined with bars and restaurants which come to life after dark.

The natural harbour at Cartagena includes the modern port which is home to a large naval base while the old port is used by the local fishing boats and pleasure craft. There is an excellent Maritime and Naval Museum on the waterfront near the Peral Submarine, the first ever submarine, which was developed in Cartagena in 1888. A trip around the harbour in the Tourist Catamaran provides a detailed commentary of the history of the port.

The hillside around Cartagena is scenic and hilly. It offers excellent hiking and cycling trails. Closer to home the seashore has sandy beaches, sailing, windsurfing and good diving in the area. From Cartagena the ancient city of Murcia, the resorts of Mazarron and Cabos de Palos can be visited and the warm waters and sandy beaches of the Mar Menor are just 20 minutes drive away.