Things To Do in Cartagena

Cartagena is a bustling port city in southeast Spain that was founded around 220 BC by Carthaginians. Cartagena boasts a rich history, gorgeous scenery and many ancient ruins.

Moors Castle / Torres Park

Situated on a hill facing the city, Castillo de los Morosstands is a reasonably well-preserved eighteenth century castle built in a French-influenced neoclassical style. The History Interpretation Center located within the castle is designed to help visitors understand the history of Cartagena. A well-tended garden covers the castle’s hill. To get there you can walk uphill from town or ride the panoramic lift from in calle Gisbert.

Roman Theatre

The Roman theatre exemplifies the rich history of Cartagena. Discovered in 1987 and rebuilt until 2003, this theatre was built between the 5th and 3rd century BC and used as such until the 3rd century AD, when a market replaced it. In 435 the entire city was destroyed by the Vandals. In the 13th century, after Byzantine, Visigoth and Muslim occupations, a cathedral was built onsite using stones from the theatre but was destroyed in the 16th century.
Today, a museum passes underneath a palace and a church before reaching the theatre at the end.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Cartagena is a city of street art, and Plaza del Ayuntamiento has plenty – from severed heads lying in the grass by the old town walls to a life size metal postman dragging his heavy sack toward Calle Mayor. On the walls, look for the mosaic and a tiled display of Cartagena’s history. Other Cartagena characters of steel sit on benches and contemplate the humans walking past.

Archaeological Route

Take a walk through ancient history in and around Cartagena’s oldest structures. From the Punic walls and rampart (built in 227 BC) to the Concepcion Castle (reconstructed in the 13th century), you’ll spend a day traveling back in time.

Mar Menor

Located at the south-east of the Murcian Community, the “Little Sea” is the largest salt water lagoon in Europe. The saline water is separated from the mediterranean by a sand bank with a length of 24 km of La Manga (The Strip). The area is known for its mineral-rich water that is thought to have therapeutic effects.

Northern Harbour

Stroll past a scenic display of nets on the quay and fishing boats moored in the northern harbor. Fishing plays an important part in the economy of Cartagena, and the markets are always well supplied with the freshest fish and sea food.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Cartagena.