Cartagena, Spain: A 4-Day Adventure Guide

Experience the beauty and culture of Cartagena without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

For budget travelers, Cartagena in Spain is a city waiting to be discovered. With plenty of affordable lodging options, charming streets, and historic sites to explore, you'll never run out of things to do. Don't forget to indulge in local cuisine and visit the beautiful beaches in the area.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Cartagena's Historic District

  • Start the day with a guided walking tour of the city's oldest district.
  • Visit the Roman Theater, one of Cartagena's most significant ancient monuments.
  • Head to the Naval Museum to learn about Spain's maritime history.
  • Stop for lunch at Barrio de San Roque, a quaint neighborhood with scenic views.
  • Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic views of the city.
  • Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar of NH Cartagena Hotel.
  • Hotel recommendation: NH Cartagena Hotel affordable rates, centrally located, rooftop bar with stunning views.
Day 2

Sun and Sea in La Manga

  • Take a day trip to La Manga, a narrow strip of land that separates the Mediterranean from the Mar Menor lagoon.
  • Hit the beach at Mar de Cristal for crystal clear waters and golden sands.
  • Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, or kitesurfing at nearby Playa Paraiso.
  • Enjoy lunch at a beachside chiringuito for fresh seafood and paella.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the Calblanque Natural Park and its stunning beaches.
  • End the day with a sunset dinner at El Zagalico, a traditional Spanish tavern in Cartagena.
Day 3

Murcia Wine Country Tour

  • Take a day trip to the wine country of Murcia.
  • Visit Bodegas Luzon, a winery known for producing award-winning monastrell wines.
  • Take a scenic drive through the vineyards of Bullas and Yecla.
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Stop at the Sanctuary of La Fuensanta, a popular pilgrimage site with breathtaking views of the valley.
  • End the day with a tapas crawl in the lively El Corte Inglés district.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventure in Sierra Espuña

  • Head to the Sierra Espuña Natural Park for a day of outdoor adventure.
  • Take a guided hike to the summit of Morrón de Alhama for panoramic views of the park.
  • Go cycling or horseback riding on one of the park's many trails.
  • Have a picnic lunch at the Mirador del Collado Bermejo, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the park.
  • Visit the Holy City of Caravaca de la Cruz, a UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrimage destination.
  • End the day with a dinner at El Paladar de las Especias, a cozy fusion restaurant in Cartagena.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Los Habaneros budget-friendly rates, central location, and comfortable rooms.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

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