Cartagena
TownCartagena is a port city founded more than 2,000 years ago, with a beautifully restored Roman theatre, deep naval history and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Why visit Cartagena
Cartagena is one of the oldest cities in Spain, a natural harbour settled by Carthaginians and Romans more than two thousand years ago. Its centrepiece is a beautifully restored Roman theatre, rediscovered late and now a highlight of the old town, while the deep naval history of the port is still visible in its defences and shipyards. The waterfront is also home to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, drawing on finds from the surrounding coast.
2,000+ years
A natural harbour founded more than 2,000 years ago by Carthaginians and Romans.
Beautifully restored
Its centrepiece is a beautifully restored Roman theatre at the heart of the old town.
Port & defences
Deep naval history is still visible in the port’s defences and shipyards.
Underwater archaeology
The waterfront holds the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Walkable centre
The compact old town ties the theatre, port and museums together on foot.
On the map
Practical information
- Getting there: a port city in Murcia province; the nearest airport is Murcia–Corvera (RMU), with Alicante (ALC) also within reach.
- What to see: the restored Roman theatre, the old town and port defences, and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- Good to know: the centre is compact and walkable, tying the main sights together.
- Best time to visit: spring or autumn for comfortable sightseeing weather.
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