BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA SPAIN
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA SPAIN
Cartagena is a beautiful city located on the Mediterranean coast about an hour’s drive south of Alicante. This is a port city with a beautiful harbor area and ringed by mountains, the city is a major tourist destination in this corner of Spain. This post will help highlight for you some of the Best Things To Do in Cartagena Spain. Having lived in the area over the last 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit this beautiful city dozens of times and it never gets old.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA SPAIN?
I live about 20km up the coast from the city and before moving here, I had never heard of it, except as the port where Hannibal transported his war elephants from Africa to Europe before his failed attack on Rome several hundred years ago. When you visit the city you can find ancient ruins everywhere and in the center of the city overlooking the harbor you will even find an ancient Roman amphitheater. When friends come to visit, Cartagena is the first place I take them.
The city is always alive with activity and bustling with tourists and there is a good reason that thousands of tourists make their way to this city. If you’re planning a trip to Spain and will be in this area, then Cartagena should definitely be added to your list. To help you decide what to see or do in Cartagena, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best things to do in this city. Please keep in mind that this is based on my own experience and even after 10 years, I’m sure there are some things, I still haven’t seen. But I’m getting to it!
(For helpful tips and ideas see our related posts: Mediterranean Travel Guide and Mediterranean Coast of Spain)
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA SPAIN??
With the exception of the amphitheater (my top pic), the list that follows is in no particular order:
Roman Amphitheatre: Visit the remarkably preserved ancient Roman theater and its museum, showcasing artifacts from the Roman era. This was built during the Roman Empire around the 1st century BC. It was rediscovered in the late 20th century during some urban construction in the city. It has since been restored and measures taken to preserve the theater.
Concepción Castle: Visit this hilltop fortress for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The castle also houses a museum. It was built in the 13th century and has been a crucial strategic stronghold for the city for centuries.
Bateria de Castillitos: This fortification built between 1926 and 1933, was built on one of the hills overlooking the city and the harbor. The views from this fortress are incredible and show the strategic importance of this fort in defending the city and its harbor.
Cala Cortina Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean at this picturesque beach, known for its clear waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento: This area of the city is a great place to sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. The plaza is surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.
Puerto de Cartagena: The port area is a must-see spot where you can see ships coming and going on the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
The City Walls: You can walk along the top of these ancient walls which provide a great way to see the city, the surrounding hills, and the harbor.
El Faro de Navidad: Visit this historic lighthouse, which has guided ships into this Mediterranean harbor since the 19th century.
Calblanque: If you are here in the summer then this is definitely worth the drive. Escape the crowds and relax on the secluded shores of this beautiful beach, surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. (see this related post about Hiking in Calblanque Regional Park, Spain)
Hiking in Sierra de la Muela: Explore the natural beauty of the Sierra de la Muela mountain range, which offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the countryside and coastline.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So as you can see, there are a lot of things to do and see in this city. From wandering through its ancient streets to admiring the beautiful views from its castle walls, and relaxing on its sunny beaches, this city has a lot to offer.
Although it does get hot in the summer (This is the Costa Calida after all), the Mediterranean sea offers a cooling breeze that keeps the temperatures about 10C cooler than even 20km inland, averaging somewhere in the range of about 30C. If this is still too hot, you may want to consider coming in late spring or early fall, where the temperature is still beautiful but not as hot, and as an added bonus you’ll be met with fewer crowds.
Regardless of when you come, Cartagena promises an unforgettable experience.
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.
