Cartagena: Roman harbour city
- Driving time
- About 40 minutes by car
- Area
- Campo de Cartagena
- Town
Cartagena is an old harbour city with a Roman theatre in the centre, easy to explore on foot. It is about a 40 minute drive from Lago Rosa Apartment.
Allow a full day, as the city packs more than 2,500 years of history into a small area. The highlight is the Museo del Teatro Romano by architect Rafael Moneo. You start in the Palacio de Riquelme, walk under the street and under the old cathedral, and suddenly come out in the theatre, one of the largest in Roman Spain. Check current times at teatroromano.cartagena.es.
The Barrio del Foro Romano has more Roman remains, including a baths complex that lay underground for twenty centuries. Then take the panoramic lift from the harbour to the Castillo de la Concepción, with views over the city, Parque Torres and peacocks in the gardens. If you like the sea, go to ARQUA, the national museum of underwater archaeology with the treasure of the frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, or the naval museum with Isaac Peral's submarine.
For shopping, walk along Calle Mayor and past the Palacio Consistorial, the beautiful town hall. In a café, try an asiático, the local coffee with condensed milk, Licor 43 and cinnamon.
Boat trip
A tourist boat sails from the harbour past the fortifications in the bay.
Our tip: Licor 43
The famous liqueur comes from the factory just outside the city. There are guided tours with a tasting; book ahead with the factory.
Our tip: Batería de Castillitos
A turreted fort on the coast. Also from our guest book: the Baja Bikes tour through the city.
Swimming
Cala Cortina is the city's bay, reached through a tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need in Cartagena?
Plan a full day, as the theatre, Forum quarter, castle and ARQUA will keep you busy.
Who designed the Roman theatre museum?
The theatre itself is Roman; the museum around it is by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo.
Can you visit Licor 43?
Yes, the factory near Cartagena offers guided tours with a tasting, which you book ahead.
