Cartagena

An ancient port city with a 3,000-year history, home to a striking Roman theatre and modernist architecture. Explore its layered past from Carthaginian founders to naval fortresses.

Things to do

• Roman Theatre and Museum — Wander the restored 1st-century BC theatre, unearthed beneath the old town and connected by an underground walk to its excellent museum.
• Castillo de la Concepción — Climb to this hilltop fortress for panoramic views over the port and city, with a lift and interpretation centre on Cartagena's history.
• ARQUA National Museum of Underwater Archaeology — See recovered shipwreck treasures and Phoenician-Roman artefacts in this striking modern museum on the harbourfront.
• Modernist walk along Calle Mayor — Admire early 20th-century mining-boom architecture like Casa Cervantes and the Gran Hotel while strolling the pedestrian main street.
• Punic Wall Museum — Explore remains of the 3rd-century BC defensive wall built when Cartagena was the Carthaginian capital of Iberia.
• Naval Museum and Isaac Peral Submarine — Learn about Cartagena's centuries as a key naval base and see the pioneering 19th-century submarine moored by the port.
• Cartagena Cathedral ruins — Visit the bombed-out old cathedral perched above the Roman theatre, layered with medieval and Roman remains.

Food to try

• Caldero — A rich rice dish cooked in fish broth with local catch, traditionally prepared by fishermen and served with garlicky alioli.
• Marinera — Cartagena's beloved tapa: a crispy fried pastry tube topped with tuna salad, olives, and a swirl of mayonnaise.
• Michirones — Slow-cooked dried broad beans in a spicy paprika broth, often enjoyed as a hearty bar snack with beer.
• Asiático coffee — A regional specialty coffee layered with condensed milk, brandy, cinnamon, and lemon rind, served in a glass.
• Zarangollo — A simple, savory scramble of courgette, onion, and egg typical of Murcian home cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Semana Santa processions — Cartagena's Holy Week is renowned for its dramatic Marrajos and Californios brotherhood processions through the old town.
• Midday closures — Many small shops and some sights close for a few hours in early afternoon, so plan visits around siesta time.
• Tapas etiquette — Ordering a marinera or other tapa with a drink is customary in local bars, especially along Calle Mayor and near the port.
• Respect naval heritage sites — As an active naval base, some port areas have restricted access, so stick to marked visitor routes near military installations.