8 Best Things To Do In Cartagena, Spain!

things to do in cartagena spain
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 4 min read

There is nothing that is not beautiful when we talk about Spain. The cities are gorgeous, the people are good looking, the language sounds sexy, the food is delicious. Talking about Spain, some of the cities that may come to people’s minds are usually Barcelona and Madrid. Yes, Barcelona and Madrid are arguably the two most popular destinations in Spain. But, it does not mean that you should visit only these two cities. Every city in Spain is beautiful, including Cartagena. Located in the region of Murcia, the city is attractive in many ways. The city of Cartagena has been inhabited for more than two millennia and it was heavily influenced by the Romans. When you are in Cartagena, you will be able to see many Roman ruins spread all over the city. Looking forward to traveling to Cartagena? Here are the 8 best things you can do in the exotic city.

1. Visit the Archaeological Museum and study the history of Cartagena

Museo Arqueologico Cartagena
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nanosanchez

If you are interested in the history of cities around the world, especially Cartagena, or if you are simply curious and want to know a little bit more about Cartagena, which is located on the southeastern corner of Spain, then the Archaeological Museum is the right place for you. You can trace the history of the city right on this site. You will gain some insight about the civilizations that colonized Cartagena in its 2000 years of history and you can also see displays of prehistoric tools, Greek ceramics and much more.

Archaeological Museum

Address: San Miguel, 8. 30201 Cartagena, Spain

Website: Archaeological Museum

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2. Wonder at Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena

Palacio consistorial de Cartagena
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robert Bovington used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most stunning buildings, which is also an impressive modernist wonder, in Cartagena is called the Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena. Standing elegantly on Plaza del Ayuntamiento for over 100 years, the historical site is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in the city. The unique thing about the building is its triangular shaped floor with rounded corners. Built entirely with white marble and topped with domes, the palace looks impressive from far and even more impressive when you are standing exactly in front of the building. If you pay close attention to the building, you will be able to see some bullet holes from the Civil War.

Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena

Address: Plaza Ayuntamiento, 1, 30202 Cartagena, Spain

Website: Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena

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3. Explore the Museum of The Roman Theatre of Cartagena

Teatro Romano de Cartagena 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DaniRJ

Another jewel in the heart of Cartagena that you have to explore is the Museum of The Roman Theatre of Cartagena, one of the most impressive historical sites in the city. The museum boasts a beautiful structure, an amazing restored Roman Theatre and some archaeological items. If you wish to see an example of Roman architecture from about 2,000 years ago, the theatre is an excellent example.

Museum of The Roman Theatre of Cartagena

Address: Plaza Ayuntamiento, s/n, 30202 Cartagena, Spain

Website: Museum of The Roman Theatre of Cartagena

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4. Enjoy a beautiful landscape from Bateria de Castillitos

Batería de Castillitos
Source: Photo by Flickr user Pablo Cabezos used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views offered by Cartagena, you should go to the Bateria de Castillitos. Visiting the site is a must, even though to get to the Bateria de Castillitos you have to be on dirt roads for approximately 30 minutes. No pain, no gain, right? You’ll forget the winding roads soon after you arrive. The Bateria de Castillitos is going to take your breath away, with a view of one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. It is not only the castle that will wow you, but also the surrounding area with panoramic views of the mountains and lake. What is more, you can see sinister artillery guns that appear to be menacing from a very close distance. If you want to explore the tunnels in the fortified area, you can use your phone as a torch. In conclusion, you will not regret visiting the Bateria de Castillitos because the spectacular views you are going to enjoy are beyond compare.

Bateria de Castillitos

Address: La Muela-Cabo Tiñoso, 30868 Cartagena, Spain

Website: Bateria de Castillitos

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5. Take a stroll at Calle Mayor

Calle Mayor2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Murcianboy used under CC BY-SA 3.0

To have a real taste of Cartagena, you have to take a stroll at the Calle Mayor. The Calle Mayor, or in English known as the Town Hall, is a pedestrian street adorned beautifully with striking blue marble tiles. Here at the Calle Mayor, you will have the best views of the city’s impressive modernist buildings. After taking a stroll at the Calle Mayor, your mind be persuaded to never leave Cartagena.

Calle Mayor

Address: Calle Mayor, 30300 Cartagena, Spain

Website:

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6. Unwind at Cala Cortina Beach

Cala Cortina
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Beatriz90 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You may be a little exhausted after exploring Cartagena, and there is nothing better than heading to a beach to unwind. Spend some time relaxing at the Cala Cortina Beach, the only beach you can find in the city. Touch the sand, play in the water, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you need some refreshments, you can dine in one of the restaurants, have some drinks in one of the beach bars or have a picnic in the picnic area.

Cala Cortina Beach

Address: 30202 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

Website: Cala Cortina Beach

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7. Coasteering in Isla Plana

things to do in cartagena spain | coasteering in isla plana

Isla Plana has become a major adventure destination and a playground for adrenaline lovers, owing to its fifteen-kilometres (9.3 miles) stretch of overhanging cliffs and hidden beaches. This hybrid sport is a combination of scaling towering rocks, jumping cliffs, exploring sea caves and leaping into the cerulean blue waters below. Gear up for this exhilarating adventure with a warm wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid and embark on a journey which brings you face-to-face with Murcia’s unique geography. At the initial stage, coasteering may seem intimidating, but you might surprise yourself with types of daring jumps you are willing to try.

Coasteering in Isla Plana

From: 57.61 USD per person

Starting time: 9 am

Duration: 4 hours

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8. Kayaking and snorkel excursion in Mazarron Bay

things to do in cartagena spain | kayaking and snorkel excursion in mazarron bay

Diverse marine life and distinctive landscapes are the highlights of Cartagena, which offers travellers a memorable experience both out of and in the water. Take a quick paddle around Mazarron Bay and the natural areas of Cabo Tiñoso. Explore its quiet beaches, steep cliffs and treacherous ravines that you wouldn’t be able to reach on a hike. Alternatively, don on your mask and snorkel, then fill your lungs with as much air as possible, before diving beneath the waves to discover a captivating natural travel trove. Isla Plana is home to moray eels, a school of squids, hundreds of bright-hued fishes darting between the vibrantly coloured corals, anemones and sea urchins as well as massive white clams with purple interiors sprawled between the gaps of the diverse reef.

Kayaking and snorkel excursion in Mazarron Bay

From: 35.45 USD per person

Starting time: 9 am

Duration: 4 hours

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Collect moments in Cartagena, Spain

You can say that you are truly rich in this life when you have a lot of beautiful memories. Therefore, you should fill your life with stories to tell and share with other people. Travel to as many destinations as you possibly can and create unforgettable memories. Cartagena of Spain can help you do that.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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