Cartagena

CARTAGENA
With a history stretching back over 3,000 years Cartegena is one of the world’s truly fascinating cities. Nestled on the Costa Calida in the province of Murcia the city has been a major port throughout its existence due to its unique location on the Mediterranean coast. Today the port is an exciting mixture of both old and new with pride of place taken by the impressive naval base, which actually stretches well into the city itself. Of course today Cartegena is a Mecca for pleasure boaters from all over Europe. And it is no wonder. Besides the wonderful Puerto de Cartagena there are several other equally well serviced marinas to choose from including Los Nietos Marina, Los Urrutias Marina, both of which have ample berths and their own sailing clubs.

The town itself literally oozes heritage and splendour with examples of magnificent architecture everywhere you look tracing the cities long and impressive history – the Roman Theatre of Carthago Nova, the House of Fortune, he Roman Amphitheatre, Santa Maria de Gracia Church, Cervantes House, the Monument to the Heroes of Santiago de Cuba and Cavite, the list is endless.

As you would expect from a Spanish port town of such importance the nightlife in Cartegena is superb, with hundreds of fantastic fish restaurants and lively bars strewn throughout the city and around the harbour. And after feasting heartily on delicious traditionally cooked seafood washed down with rich local produced wine and liquor, what better way to work it all off than dancing till dawn at one of the many exciting nightclubs.

The following morning (or maybe afternoon) why not stroll down to the beautiful beach and spend the day lazing in the warm sun staring out at the clear blue sea. Or go explore the surrounding area with its wealth of art, culture and magnificent landscapes. Cartegena may not be the most famous of Southern Spain’s holiday destinations. But you only have to check out how many Spanish visitors visit there to realise that this ancient city has the real deal and can offer a Spanish experience that is authentic and second to none