Картахена

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with warm sunny weather. Summers are hot and humid, with water warm enough for swimming from June to October. Winters are mild and dry.

The Carthaginians and Romans festival in September recreates the city's ancient history with parades and camps. Holy Week is also a major event.

• Teatro Romano is a Roman theatre from the 1st century BC, found under the old town in 1988. The museum next to it explains the finds.
• The Roman Forum Quarter (Barrio del Foro Romano) has Roman streets and houses, with a mosaic and a harbor museum.
• Maqueta Submarino Peral is a model of the Peral submarine, an early electric submarine launched at Cartagena in 1888. The original is on display on the waterfront.
• The Concepción Castle sits on a hill above the old town, with a panoramic lift and views over the port.
• The Naval Museum and the ARQUA National Museum of Underwater Archaeology are both on the waterfront.
• The Civil War Refuge Museum is a shelter that was dug under the city to protect civilians from bombs.
• Calle Mayor has Modernist buildings, such as the Casino and the Gran Hotel.

• Walk through the Roman theatre and the Forum, and take the lift up to the castle.
• Take a boat trip around the harbor.
• Spend a day on the wild beaches of Calblanque or diving at Cabo de Palos.

• Cabo de Palos (about 25 km): a cape with a lighthouse, known for diving in the marine reserve.
• Calblanque (about 15 km): a regional park with wild beaches and dunes.
• La Manga (about 35 km): a narrow strip of land between the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean.
• Murcia (about 50 km, 45 minutes): a university city with a baroque cathedral.

Other places nearby:

• City: Murcia and Alicante.
• Coast: Benidorm.

• By air: The Región de Murcia airport (RMU) is about 25 km away and has limited flights. Alicante airport is about 100 km away and has many more.
• By train: Trains run to Murcia, with connections to Madrid and the Mediterranean coast. Book on Renfe.
• By bus: Coaches serve Murcia, Alicante, Madrid and Almería.

• On foot: The old town and the harbor are compact, and most sights are within a 15 to 20 minute walk. There are hills near the castle and the Roman theatre.
• Cycling: Cycling is practical along the waterfront and the flatter streets.
• Public transport: City buses cover the wider area.

• Is a car worth it?: Not for the old town. A car helps for the beaches and nearby parks.
• Parking: Use an underground car park near the harbor.
• Restrictions: Parts of the old town are pedestrian only.

Cartagena's food comes from the sea and the farms of Murcia. Caldero is a rice dish cooked in a fish stock, and seafood from the Mar Menor is common. Asiático is a local coffee with condensed milk, brandy, liqueur and cinnamon.

Vegetables and salads from the Murcia region are widely used.

Cartagena is a safe city. Summer heat and humidity are strong, so avoid the midday sun, drink water and wear sun protection. Take care on the rocky beaches, where currents can be strong.

Cartagena was founded as Qart Hadasht ("new city") by the Carthaginians in 227 BC. The Romans took it in 209 BC and made it a major port and mining center.

It was a Byzantine and Spanish naval base for centuries. In the 20th century it was the main base of the Spanish navy on the Mediterranean, and it was an important Republican stronghold during the Civil War.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: