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@ TravelTelly
2025-03-24 21:47:31Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, Cartagena is a city rich in history, maritime heritage, and stunning Mediterranean views. With over 3,000 years of history, it boasts Roman ruins, modernist architecture, and a vibrant port, making it one of Spain’s most underrated travel destinations.
🏛️ Top Things to See & Do in Cartagena
1️⃣ Roman Theatre of Cartagena 🎭
- The star attraction, dating back to the 1st century BC.
- One of Spain’s best-preserved Roman theatres, discovered in 1988 beneath the city.
- Visit the museum to learn about its history before exploring the impressive ruins.
2️⃣ Concepción Castle & Panoramic Lift 🏰
- A 14th-century fortress on a hill offering spectacular views of the city and harbor.
- Take the glass elevator for a scenic ride to the top.
- The museum inside explains Cartagena’s rich military and naval history.
3️⃣ Calle Mayor & Modernist Architecture 🏛️
- The city’s main pedestrian street, lined with elegant buildings, shops, and cafés.
- Admire Casa Cervantes, Gran Hotel, and the Casino, examples of Cartagena’s modernist style.
4️⃣ National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA) ⚓
- Learn about sunken treasures, ancient shipwrecks, and underwater archaeology.
- Features artifacts from Phoenician, Roman, and medieval maritime history.
5️⃣ Naval Museum & the Peral Submarine 🚢
- Discover Cartagena’s naval history, including models of warships and maritime artifacts.
- See the Peral Submarine, the first-ever electric-powered submarine, invented in 1888.
6️⃣ Playa de Cala Cortina 🏖️
- A beautiful urban beach, just a few minutes from the city center.
- Great for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with clear Mediterranean waters.
7️⃣ Batería de Castillitos 🏰
- A dramatic cliffside fortress with fairy-tale turrets and massive coastal cannons.
- Located 30 minutes from Cartagena, offering panoramic sea views.
🍽️ What to Eat in Cartagena
- Caldero del Mar Menor – A local seafood rice dish, similar to paella 🍚🐟
- Michirones – A hearty bean stew with chorizo and ham 🥘
- Marineras – A Russian salad tapa served on a breadstick with an anchovy 🥖🐟
- Tarta de la abuela – A delicious layered biscuit and chocolate cake 🍰
- Asiático Coffee – A signature Cartagena coffee with condensed milk, brandy, and cinnamon ☕🍸
🚗 How to Get to Cartagena
🚆 By Train: Direct trains from Madrid (4 hrs), Murcia (45 min), and Alicante (1.5 hrs)
🚘 By Car: ~30 min from Murcia, 1.5 hrs from Alicante, 3.5 hrs from Madrid
✈️ By Air: Nearest airport is Murcia-Corvera Airport (RMU) (~30 min away)
🚢 By Cruise Ship: Cartagena is a popular Mediterranean cruise stop
💡 Tips for Visiting Cartagena
✅ Best time to visit? Spring & Autumn – warm but not too hot 🌞
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Many streets and attractions involve walking on cobblestones 👟
✅ Visit during the Roman Festival (Carthaginians & Romans, September) for a unique cultural experience 🎭🏛️
✅ Try a sunset drink at a rooftop bar near the port for incredible views 🍹🌅