Cartagena, Colombia, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on the Caribbean coast, this city enchants visitors with its well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful streets, and rich history.
The Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to wander through its charming alleys, bustling plazas, and historic landmarks like the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.Beyond the historic center, Cartagena boasts stunning beaches, offering a perfect escape for sun-seekers.
Savor the local cuisine, a fusion of Afro-Caribbean flavors, and fresh seafood, in its many excellent restaurants. The city’s lively nightlife, with salsa bars and rooftop lounges, promises unforgettable evenings.
Don’t miss exploring nearby islands like the Rosario Archipelago for pristine waters and coral reefs. Cartagena’s warm hospitality and captivating allure make it an unforgettable destination for every traveler.
Cartagena is the main seaport of the Murcia region. This city is full of monuments, with many archaeological sites and outstanding buildings. This city also offers you a wide variety of traditional dishes.
Here in this city you can explore the Roman history, shop at the marble streets, elevate to the top of Castillo and ride boats.
Things to do:
1. Palacio Consistorial:
This is one of the most picturesque buildings in Cartagena, Murcia. It was inspired by French architecture and was built between 1900 and 1907. The facade of this building is made up of marble imported from Macael and the quarry from Almeria.
The stained-glass window will catch your eye for sure. You will get the local guides who will take you inside, where you can explore ornate rooms and a magnificent staircase.
2. Castillo de la Concepcion:
From this spot, you can have the best views of the city. Castillo de la Concepcion is located at the highest point of Cartagena.
You can reach the top of the monument by a panoramic glass lift and then spend your time strolling around the gardens and learning about the history of the city.
3. Roman Theatre Museum:
This is a 2000-year-old theatre that makes it a must-visit spot in Cartagena. About two-thirds of the theatre’s building was still on-site which made it possible to do the detailed restoration that you can see at the site now.
In this museum, you can learn about the fantastic artifacts, the altar of Jupiter, a statue of Apollo, inscribed lentils, plaques, and also the Islamic ceramics that were discovered during the excavation.
4. Calle Mayor:
This pedestrian street links the Plaza de San Sabastian in the north with Cartagena’s town hall. Distinctive blue marble tiles pave this pedestrian street.
This is a perfect place to take a stroll with either your partner, family, or friends. This street is spotlessly clean and you will find many modernist buildings here.
In the daytime, you can shop here at the high-street shopping malls, and in the evening you can try delicious food at various restaurants and tapas bars.
Food to try:
1. Ensalada Murciana:
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Ensalada Murciana is a traditional Spanish salad that originates from Murcia.
It is made with tomatoes, onions, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and black coquille olives. Once mixed, olive oil is drizzled over the salad and lastly seasoned with a pinch of salt.
2. Arroz meloso:
This dish seems similar to Risotto, but it doesn’t have cheese and cream.
The flavor of this dish comes from fish-based stock. The dish is cooked with peppers and paprika in a bit of sweetness, and calm.
How to reach:
1. By flight:
The nearest airport to Cartagena city is Corvera (RMU) airport. This airport is about 25 km away from the city center of Cartagena.
This airport receives flights from Antwerp, Barcelona, Bilbao, Bristol, Brussels, and Dublin.
2. By bus:
Cartagena bus station is located about 5km from the city center. The most convenient bus route is from Alicante (ALC) to Cartagena which will take you through Murcia.
The journey will take about 2:30 hours. You can also get buses to reach Cartagena from Malaga, Murcia, Madrid, Barcelona, and much more.
3. By train:
The nearest railway station from Cartagena is Renfe station. It is located in Plaza de Mexico in Cartagena.
You can take trains from Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and Alicante terminals.