Cartagena (Spain) Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview
Food and Drink in Cartagena (Spain)
Fresh fish is a menu staple. Grilled monkfish and grouper are often dished up with Spanish-style rice and garlic mayonnaise. Many restaurants specialize in zesty seafood stews and paellas. Even empanadas can be filled with fish, such as tuna. Also, sample the fig bread, sometimes spread with soft cheese.
Sip asiatico, a Cartagena-specific drink originating in the early 20th century, when Asian sailors visiting the port added condensed milk, brandy and cinnamon to coffee. Typically only served in this region of Spain, asiatico comes in a conical-shaped clear glass, into which ingredients are poured separately to create layers, with (usually) condensed milk on the bottom, then espresso, followed by brandy and a local liquor called Licor 43. It's topped with foamed milk and cinnamon, plus a lemon peel and two roasted coffee beans positioned to float. Stir for a memorable caffeine concoction.
Delikatessen Valles: This carniceria and charcuteria is a meat lover's fantasy, especially for those who savor pork. Order sliced jamon (ham) to go, and make a yummy picnic on a park bench. (6 Calle Canales; +34 968 12 22 28; open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday)
Kuss: This chic-looking pasteleria creates fancy pastries and candies, as well as tapas. Add sweet selections to your picnic fare. (8 Calle Carmen; +34 868 06 82 81; open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Meson El Descanso del Icue: Bull sirloin, marinated sardines on toast, grilled octopus, garlic pork -- enjoy a hearty meal at this traditional, rustic-looking Iberian restaurant. (9 Calle Jabonerias; +34 868 06 82 33; open 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. most days; offers Wi-Fi)
Maricastana: From the moment you enter, focusing on a blackboard above the bar filled with handwritten names of delectable tapas, you know that you'll happily sit down, order a bottle of wine and contemplate why Cartagena is not on everyone's mind. Around you are bowls filled with olives and white anchovies and plates piled high with cheeses and grilled veggies. (10 Calle Puertas de Murcia; +34 968 50 28 19; open 8 a.m. to midnight Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday)
La Marquesita: Michelin guide-recommended, this lovely restaurant with a floral-filled terrace serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, as well as gluten-free dishes and is welcoming to families with young children, setting up kid-size table and chairs. Friendly, English-speaking waiters. (6 Plaza Alcolea; +34 968 50 77 47; open 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday)
Don't Miss in Cartagena (Spain)
Museo del Teatro Romano: Directly across from City Hall, the contemporary salmon-colored Roman Theater Museum focuses on artifacts and architectural details excavated from Cartagena's magnificent Roman Theater, which was constructed between 5th and 1 century BC. Interactive museum exhibits explain the cultural, political and marketplace maneuverings of early Romans. From the museum, you can enter the outdoor fenced-off theater itself, walk across its stage, climb steps and sit on stone seats that accommodated 6,000 spectators in its heyday. (+34 968 12 88 00; open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and closed Monday May to September, limited hours vary during the rest of the year)
If you're short on time, but long on interest, bypass the indoor museum (which charges admission) and scoot around the corner and up a short hill (you can't miss it) to view the Roman Theater from streets above and below, positions that are perfect for photographing.
Parque Torres and El Castillo de la Concepcion: On the other side of the Roman Theater, behind the seawall and up a steep hill, is the most eye-catching place in Cartagena for panoramic views and a chance to photograph your cruise ship from a bird's-eye perch: Torres Park, a verdant overlook swiftly reached via Ascensor Panoramico (Panoramic Lift), which whooshes you up 150 feet (10 Calle Gisbert). The grounds of nearby Conception Castle -- where Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Castilians built defense structures over the centuries -- are flocked with ducks and peacocks today. Its current rendition dates to King Alfonso X in the 13th century. A visitors' Interpretation Center explains Cartagena's history, particularly its medieval period. Afterward, you can comfortably wend your way back down to the port, people-watching and selfie-snapping as you go. It's hard to get lost. (El Castillo is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily July 1 to September 15, reduced hours vary during the rest of the year)
La Casa de Fortuna: Imagine what it was like to live as the wealthy 1 percent in the Augustan Roman Empire. Archaeology and history buffs will relish this building, called The House of Fortune. It was discovered beneath street level in 2000, this complete home dates to the first century B.C. With stone mosaic floors and painted wall murals (featuring birds taking flight), it also once had -- surprise! -- glass windows. On display are bone pins that women used for setting hairstyles and cosmetic tools for mixing beauty ingredients. Eye the pottery, oil lamps, coins, weights used for weaving and a handsome white marble bust of Hermes, the Greek god of trade, travelers, athletes and border crossings. A sophisticated sewer had also been erected. (13 Plaza de Risueno; +34 968 52 54 98; open 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday July 1 to September 15, reduced hours vary during the rest of the year)
ARQUA -- Museo Nacional de Arqueologia Subacuatica: The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQUA houses the National Center for Underwater Archaeological Research. Delve into enlightening info about ship construction, trade and navigation since ancient times. (22 Paseo Alfonso XII; +34 968 12 11 66; open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and public holidays April 15 to October 15, remainder of year on reduced schedule)
Museo Arqueologico Municipal de Cartagena: Visiting the well-planned Municipal Archaeology Museum, built at the site of a Roman necropolis, is a helpful way to wrap your head around all the comings and goings of Cartagena's bygone days, as well as its prehistoric formation. On site are family vaults, Spain's precursor to cemeteries (45 Calle Ramon y Cajal; +34 968 12 89 67; open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
Cartagena Segway Tour: Zip along the maritime promenade and around town, seeing sites in a whole new way aboard your electric, two-wheeled, transport vehicle. You'll cover more ground than by walking. After an initial training session, your small group will be led for a 90-minute tour. Expect to attract the attention of passersby.
Barco Turistico: Situated alongside the marina, the Tourist Boat ticket office in a kiosk-like hut sells boat tours across Cartagena Bay to ogle fortresses, including the massive 17th century Fuerte de Navidad (Fort Christmas), castles and coastal batteries. Learn facts as well as colorful legends. (Nine tours run per day, Monday to Sunday, July 1 to September 15, during other months, departures vary)
Museo Naval: Near Cartagena's military arsenal where submarines and naval vessels are moored, the Naval Museum is filled with extraordinary early ship models, scuba-diving history, weaponry, anchors, paintings, navigation instruments, rope-tying displays, medical instruments used at sea, uniforms, medals, propellers, flags and stories about ancient mariners. Isaac Peral's prototype for the first electric-battery powered submarine is showcased there. (Muelle de Alfonso XII; +34 968 12 71 38; open 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday June 16 to September 28, with fewer hours the rest of the year)