There is nothing new about Cartagena and the fascination it inspires in anyone who hears about it. Its history stretches back thousands of years and has seen Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Visigoths pass through the city… A glorious totum revolutum that has left its mark in the form of monuments, discoveries and stories you will be grateful to uncover during your visit. Cartagena offers as much as your curiosity is willing to explore, but to make things easier, we have rounded up the absolute must-sees for a weekend break.

With an introduction like that, you will not simply want to get to Cartagena — you will wish you were already exploring it. There is no need to rush, though. You have plenty of time, and getting the essentials right — a place where you can feel at home — will make all the difference. You will find just that at the Sercotel Carlos III Hotel or the Sercotel Alfonso XIII Hotel. Then it is time to move on to something deliciously important: sampling the city’s cuisine.

Book a table at Mi Mare gastrobar, located very close to our hotels. Its selection of tapas and sharing plates is the perfect introduction to what Cartagena’s culinary scene has to offer. Take our advice and make sure you order the marinera. It is a local classic. And if you are not ready for bed when you finish, head into the city centre and wander through its streets. You are only a stone’s throw away, and Cartagena looks even more beautiful at night.

Perhaps today you should stop talking about Cartagena and start calling it Carthago Nova, the name the Romans gave the city. If there is one sight you simply cannot miss, it is the Roman Theatre. Built in the 1st century BC, it is not only one of the most important Roman theatres in Spain, but also a truly imposing monument. From the nearby Sebastián Ramallo Asensio Park, formerly known as Parque de la Cornisa, which serves as a viewpoint, you can get a sense of exactly what we mean. To delve deeper into its history, spend a few hours exploring its museum. Designed by Rafael Moneo, the complex also includes the Pascual Riquelme Palace and Cartagena Cathedral itself, known as Santa María la Vieja.

The wow factor is guaranteed at every turn. You will feel it again when you set off to explore Cartagena’s historic centre: sections of ancient walls, remains of the old forum, traces of Roman baths… and, every now and then, the occasional Modernist palace to transport you to a different period and architectural style.

Cartagena has always been closely linked to the sea. Its history is therefore found not only on land, but also beneath the water. This is what you will discover at two of the city’s must-visit museums: the Naval Museum and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology. At the former, you can admire remarkable creations such as Isaac Peral’s submarine, which has become one of the city’s symbols. The latter is home to some genuine treasures. Ask to see the coin collection recovered from the frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, comprising around 578,000 silver coins and 212 gold coins.

Say goodbye to the city from above at Torres Park, where you will find the Castle of La Concepción, which also houses the Cartagena History Interpretation Centre. Take in the views, but do not be in too much of a hurry to leave.

In fact, we recommend extending your weekend so you can round off your getaway with an unforgettable culinary experience at Magoga. Awarded one MICHELIN Star, its cuisine showcases ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean waters that lap Cartagena’s shores and from the surrounding countryside, transforming them into dishes that celebrate the culinary traditions of the region. A fitting farewell that takes you back to the city’s roots.