Budget-Friendly Bliss: Best 2 Days in Cartagena

Discover the charm of Cartagena without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Visiting Cartagena, Spain on a limited budget can still be an incredible experience. With affordable hostels and delicious local cuisine, travelers can immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture. From exploring the ancient Roman theater to relaxing on the beach, there's something for everyone in this beautiful Mediterranean city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Get to know Cartagena

  • Stay at Hotel Sercotel Alfonso XIII for basic, clean accommodations. Start your day with a coffee and croissant at Café del Mar. Then, explore the Roman Theatre and the Punic Wall Museum. Enjoy lunch at La Marquesita, a local seafood restaurant. Take a stroll through the Old City and enjoy the charming streets and colourful buildings. Finish your day with an Andalusian wine at El Querubin.
Day 2

Experience the coast

  • After breakfast at your hotel, hire a bike and cycle along El Portus. Take a dip in the sea and soak up the sun. Take a boat ride to Cabo de Palos and witness the lighthouse and rugged cliffs. Enjoy lunch at El Arco, a beachfront restaurant where fresh seafood dishes are cooked up in front of you. Visit the The Naval Museum of Cartagena and explore the history of the port city. End your day with a drink at La Tartana, a bar known for its quirky decor and excellent mojitos.
  • Cartagena is a city full of history, culture, and coastal beauty. A perfect spot for a short getaway on a budget.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cartagena, Spain by plane is to fly into Murcia-San Javier Airport and take a bus, taxi or car to Cartagena

Car

The best way to get to Cartagena, Spain by car is to take the A-7 highway from Malaga or the AP-7 from Barcelona. The journey should take approximately 5 hours from Malaga and 7 hours from Barcelona

Train

Although there is no direct train to Cartagena, you can take a high-speed train from Madrid to Murcia and then take a bus, taxi or car to Cartagena

Boat

Although there are no direct boats to Cartagena, you can take a ferry from Algeria to the nearby city of Almeria and then take a bus, taxi, or car to Cartagena.

Bus

You can take a bus from Madrid, Malaga, or Alicante to Cartagena. The bus station in Cartagena is Estacion de Autobuses de Cartagena

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