3 Days of Adventure in Budget-Friendly Cartagena

Discover the treasures of Cartagena without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Cartagena, Spain on a limited budget can be a great experience, as it offers many affordable activities and sights. Walking the cobbled streets of Cartagena's historic center is a must-see, admiring its ancient roman theatre and its many museums. Eating at local markets and enjoying free public beaches can help travelers save money.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Walk the walls of the Old Town for stunning views of the sea and the city
  • Visit the Roman Theatre and the Punic Wall to learn about the city's history
  • Wind your way through the narrow streets of the El Barrio neighborhood to admire colorful houses
  • Stop by the Plaza de San Francisco for a cup of coffee at Café del Marques
  • Have a traditional Spanish dinner at Restaurante Catedral, where you can try the local specialty, Arroz Caldoso (Soupy Rice)
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Cartagonova, a modern hotel located in the city center, with comfortable rooms at budget prices.
Day 2

A Day Trip to La Manga

  • Take a boat trip to La Manga, a narrow strip of land that separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor
  • Spend the day lounging on one of the beaches, such as Playa del Galúa or Playa de las Gaviotas
  • Have lunch at one of the beachside restaurants that serve fresh seafood, such as El Parador or La Saltarin
  • Enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling
  • Watch the sunset and enjoy a relaxing evening before returning to Cartagena
Day 3

Discovering the Naval Base

  • Visit the Naval Museum in Cartagena to learn about the Spanish Navy's history
  • Take a guided tour of the Arsenal of Cartagena, an active military base that dates back to the 18th century
  • Visit the submarine Peral, a replica of the world's first electric submarine named after its inventor, Isaac Peral
  • Have lunch at La Catedral, a popular restaurant that offers an extensive menu of tapas and typical Spanish dishes
  • Walk along the seafront promenade and watch the sunset over the harbor
  • Overall, Cartagena is a vibrant city that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its affordable accommodations, delicious food, and exciting activities, it's the perfect destination for travelers on a budget who want to experience Spain's charm.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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

Destination

Cartagena

Welcome to a city where the colors are so vibrant, even the buildings seem to be in a permanent state of celebration. Get ready to dance, eat and explore your way through this sunny paradise.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Cartagena on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

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