Cartagena — History, Culture and the Mediterranean

Located on the Costa Cálida, around an 45 minutes from Orihuela Costa, Cartagena is a historic Mediterranean city with a fascinating mix of ancient history, beautiful architecture, museums and a lively port.

If you want to see a different side of the region, Cartagena is a great place to spend a day.

Located on the Costa Cálida, around an hour from Orihuela Costa, Cartagena is a historic Mediterranean city with a fascinating mix of ancient history, beautiful architecture, museums and a lively port.

It is a city where you can walk through Roman ruins in the morning, have lunch by the marina and finish the day exploring the old streets.

A City With Thousands of Years of History

Cartagena has been an important Mediterranean port for more than 2,000 years.

The city was founded by the Carthaginians and later became an important Roman city known as Carthago Nova. Over the centuries, different cultures have left their mark on Cartagena, creating the city you can explore today.

You don’t need to be a history expert to enjoy it.

The old centre is easy to explore on foot, with historic buildings, squares, narrow streets and archaeological sites appearing as you walk through the city.

The Roman Theatre

One of the highlights of Cartagena is the Roman Theatre.

Hidden beneath the modern city for centuries, the theatre was built during the Roman period and is now one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cartagena.

The visit also includes a museum explaining the history of the theatre and the ancient city around it.

Close by, you can also discover the Roman Forum, ancient streets, baths and other remains of Carthago Nova.

Together, these sites give you a real feeling of what the city was like almost 2,000 years ago.

The Port and the Old City

Cartagena has always been connected to the sea, and the port is still an important part of the city.

A walk around the marina is a great way to take a break from sightseeing. You can stop for lunch, have a coffee or simply enjoy the views before continuing into the historic centre.

The city also has a strong naval connection. Cartagena was the birthplace of Isaac Peral, the inventor of one of the world’s first electrically powered submarines, and his story is part of the city’s maritime heritage.

How Long Do You Need?

For a first visit, allow around 4–6 hours.

This gives you enough time to explore the Roman Theatre, walk through the historic centre, visit the port and stop for lunch or coffee.

If you want to visit several museums and archaeological sites, you can easily spend a full day in Cartagena.

A Great Day Trip From Orihuela Costa

Cartagena is close enough to make an easy day trip from Orihuela Costa, but it feels completely different from the coastal resorts.

There are no beaches at the centre of the experience here. Instead, you get history, architecture, the Mediterranean, great food and a city with a character all of its own.

If you are staying on the Costa Blanca and want to discover something beyond the beaches, put Cartagena on your list.

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