Cartagena Spain

We were onboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines 'Epic' on a repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral, FL to Barcelona with various stops along the way - the fifth stop being Cartagena.
Cartagena is 4,796.5 sea miles from Port Canaveral and 199 sea miles from Malaga. It is a major naval station located in the Region of Murcia, by the Mediterranean coast, south-eastern Spain. As of January 2018, it has a population of 213,943 inhabitants, being the Region’s second-largest municipality and the country’s sixth-largest non-Province-capital city. The metropolitan area of Cartagena, known as Campo de Cartagena, has a population of 409,586 inhabitants.

The Norwegian Epic had been in Malaga, Spain during our previous stop and even though the distance to Cartagena was approximately 390 kilometers, cruise ships generally do this hop as an overnight run. So our arrival in Cartagena was early morning, and since neither of us had ever been to Cartagena, we were looking forward to explorinig the city.

Quick Cartagena History Lesson: Cartagena has been inhabited for over two millennia, being founded around 227 BC by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal the Fair as Qart Hadasht (Phoenician, meaning 'New Town'), the same name as the original city of Carthage. The city had its heyday during the Roman Empire, when it was known as Carthago Nova (the New Carthage) and Carthago Spartaria, capital of the province of Carthaginensis. It was one of the important cities during the Umayyad invasion of Hispania, under its Arabic name of Qartayannat al-Halfa.

Much of the historical weight of Cartagena in the past goes to its coveted defensive port, one of the most important in the western Mediterranean. Cartagena has been the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the Mediterranean since the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. As far back as the 16th century it was one of the most important naval ports in Spain, together with Ferrol in the North. It is still an important naval seaport, the main military haven of Spain, and is home to a large naval shipyard.

The confluence of civilizations as well as its strategic harbour, together with the rise of the local mining industry is manifested by a unique artistic heritage, with a number of landmarks such as the Roman Theatre, the second largest of the Iberian Peninsula after the one in Mérida, an abundance of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Moorish remains, and a plethora of Art Nouveau buildings, a result of the bourgeoisie from the early 20th century. Cartagena is now established as a major cruise ship destination in the Mediterranean and an emerging cultural focus.

Cartagena is a port city on Spain's southeast Mediterranean coast, in the province & autonomous community of Murcia, southeastern Spain. It is the site of Spain’s chief Mediterranean naval base. It is 527 kilometers northeast of Gibraltar and 626 kilometers south of Barcelona. The current population is 213,943, so it is not a small town.

Click the map link (above) to see a Google Map of the area.

Cartagena, Spain, is a city steeped in history, culture, and maritime significance. Located on the southeastern coast of Spain in the Murcia region, it has been an important naval and trade hub for over two millennia. Here are ten of the most interesting facts about Cartagena:

• Over 2,200 Years of History - Cartagena was founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginians under the name Qart Hadasht, meaning "New City." It later became a key Roman stronghold, shaping its rich cultural heritage.
• One of Spain’s Best-Preserved Roman Theaters - The Roman Theater of Cartagena, built in the 1st century BC, was hidden for centuries beneath the city and rediscovered in 1988. It has since been restored and is now one of Cartagena’s top attractions.
• A Major Naval Base - Cartagena has been a strategic naval port for Spain since the 18th century. Today, it is home to an important Spanish Navy base and the country’s main submarine fleet headquarters.
• The City of Five Hills - Like Rome, Cartagena was built on five hills to serve as natural defenses. These hills, including Monte de la Concepción, offer spectacular views of the city and its harbor.
• The Home of the First Modern Submarine - Cartagena is the birthplace of the world’s first fully operational military submarine, the Peral Submarine, invented by local engineer Isaac Peral in 1888. A replica can be seen at the Naval Museum of Cartagena.
• A Unique Underwater Archaeological Museum - The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA) houses some of Spain’s most significant underwater finds, including gold and silver coins from sunken Spanish galleons recovered from the seabed.
• A Major Phoenician and Roman Trade Center - Cartagena was a key trading hub in ancient times, dealing in precious metals, spices, and textiles. Its rich mines attracted settlers from across the Mediterranean, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors.
• The Impressive Castillo de la Concepción - Overlooking the city, the Castillo de la Concepción is a medieval fortress built atop Roman ruins. Today, it serves as a historical interpretation center, offering panoramic views of Cartagena and its bay.
• The Only City in Spain That Celebrates "Carthaginians and Romans" Festival - Every September, Cartagena hosts the Carthaginians and Romans Festival, a historical reenactment of the battles between the two civilizations. The festival features parades, gladiator fights, and a naval battle simulation.
• An Important Stop for Mediterranean Cruises - Cartagena’s port is a key stop for cruise ships traveling the Mediterranean. The city's combination of ancient ruins, modern museums, and a lively waterfront makes it a favorite destination for visitors exploring Spain’s coastal treasures.

Cartagena, Spain, offers a delightful mix of history, beaches, and culture, making it a fun destination for many interests. Here's how to have a fantastic time in this charming city:

• The Roman Legacy: Explore the Roman Theatre Museum and the Barrio del Foro Romano, remnants of the city's Roman past. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history with a guided walking tour focusing on its Roman roots.
• Climb Castillo de la Concepción: Hike or take the panoramic lift to Castillo de la Concepción, a captivating fortress offering stunning city and harbor views. Explore the on-site museum for a glimpse into Cartagena's military history.
• Dive into the Depths: Visit the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, showcasing fascinating artifacts recovered from shipwrecks off the Spanish coast.
• Sunbathe on Calblanque Beach: Relax on the pristine sands of Playa de Calblanque, a protected natural area with crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
• Explore the Islands: Take a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario archipelago, a cluster of idyllic islands perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.

This was day 14 of our transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Epic. The ship arrived in Cartagena harbor at 9AM, and as neither of us had ever been here - and - there was a major Roman Amphitheater ruin here, we were eager to go ashore and explore. Because of the relatively short stay here (passengers must be back aboard by 5:30PM) we made haste to go ashore as soon as possible.

Once the Epic was in position at it's pier and the passengers were allowed to go ashore, we set out for the Roman Theater.

Because the Cruise Dock is so close to the city, it was only a 700 meter walk to the Roman Theater entrance, and the street performers were already out & performing. Once we arrived at the entrance, we found that the line to get in was quite long, and we decided to walk around to the area above and to the rear of the Roman Theater.

The climb to the viewpoint above the Teatro Romano de Cartagena was quite steep, requiring a bit of effort, but the reward at the top was absolutely worth it. As we reached the elevated area, we were greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the ancient Roman theater below, the surrounding city, and the shimmering blue waters of the harbor beyond. From this vantage point, the layout of the historic center of Cartagena became even more apparent, with its blend of ancient ruins and modern urban life coexisting in a unique and fascinating way.

The Teatro Romano, dating back to the 1st century BC, is remarkably well-preserved. Despite its age of over 2,000 years, it retains an almost intact grandeur, making it easy to imagine the days when it was filled with spectators gathered to watch performances. The semicircular seating area, carved into the hillside, and the partially restored stage evoke a sense of history so vivid that it almost feels as though the theater could still be used today for performances. The restoration work has been done with great care, preserving the original materials while subtly integrating modern elements to enhance its structural integrity.

As we took in the view and admired the historical significance of the site, a small and unexpected encounter made the experience even more memorable. Resting on a retaining wall nearby, a tiny kitten lounged lazily in the sun, stretching out and watching the visitors with curiosity. As I approached, the kitten greeted me in a friendly and relaxed manner, rubbing its head against my hand as I offered a gentle scratch behind its ears. I wished I had brought something for it to snack on, but with nothing to offer, I simply enjoyed the brief moment of connection before we continued our explorations.

As we reached the far side of the Roman Theater of Cartagena, we noticed another steep pathway leading even higher up the hillside, towards the Castillo de la Concepción. Perched atop one of the city's famous five hills, this medieval fortress overlooks both the ancient ruins below and the picturesque harbor beyond. Intrigued by the promise of an even grander view, we decided to make the climb.

The trail to the castle was just as steep as the one leading to the theater, but with each step, the city unfolded beneath us, revealing an incredible mosaic of history and modern life. Upon reaching the top, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views—the Roman Theater, the winding streets of Cartagena’s old town, and the vast blue expanse of the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon.

As we explored the castle grounds, we quickly discovered that we were not alone. Several peacocks roamed freely, their vibrant plumage shimmering in the sunlight. Every so often, they would let out their unmistakable, piercing squawks—an eerie yet oddly fitting soundtrack to the ancient setting. Their majestic presence added a surreal quality to the experience, as if we had stepped back in time to an era when castles were bustling with life.

The castle’s exterior and grounds can be explored freely, allowing visitors to wander along its ancient stone walls and admire the city from its highest vantage points. However, to step inside the castle itself, a small admission fee was required. It was a modest price to pay for the chance to delve deeper into its fascinating history, so we eagerly purchased our tickets.

Inside, the castle has been transformed into a medieval museum, offering a glimpse into Cartagena’s past through well-curated exhibits and artifacts. Informational panels detailed the castle’s strategic significance, explaining how it had served as a defensive stronghold since the 13th century, guarding the city against invasions. Restored chambers and interactive displays brought the medieval period to life, making it easy to imagine knights, soldiers, and rulers moving through these same stone corridors centuries ago.

Our visit to Castillo de la Concepción was a memorable experience—not just for its stunning views and rich history, but also for the unexpected encounters with Cartagena’s loud but beautiful feathered residents. The combination of ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and lively wildlife made this a truly unique stop on our journey through this fascinating city.

 Quick History Lesson 

The castle of Concepción or Asdrúbal is a medieval construction of the 13th or 14th century, located on the hill of the same name that rises above Cartagena and its port (Region of Murcia , Spain). This castle is the one that appears represented in the coat of arms of the city .

 The above info came from Wikipedia

With no specific place in mind, we decided to explore the city and see what we could find. Since the weather was so nice, and the city so walk-able, we enjoyed walking and exploring areas of the city. We wound up in the Plaza de San Francisco area, which is a nice park surrounded by shops of various types.

The Plaza de San Francisco in Cartagena, Spain, is a charming, centrally located square with a rich history. It was originally part of the Convento de San Francisco, which was demolished in the 19th century after Spain’s desamortización (land reforms). The square itself was designed by architect Carlos Mancha in 1844 and later modified by Tomás Rico. Today, it is a popular gathering place featuring a relaxed atmosphere with cafes and greenery, offering both locals and visitors a peaceful space in the heart of Cartagena.

That very large tree in the plaza is a Moreton Bay Fig and was planted there in 1826.

Click here to view a Google Images set for the Plaza de San Francisco.

After we had explored as much ground as we could cover, and because the ship was scheduled to depart at 5:30PM, we decided to head back to the cruise port area.

The plaza was approximately 1.2 kilometers from the cruise port, and the walk took us past the Castillo de la Concepción and the Parque Torres - a pleasant walk.

The area that we walked through back to the Cruise Port was very well maintained and there were a number of beautiful buildings along the Paseo Alfonso XII. There are several large museums along the Paseo, including; the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology and The Batel Auditorium and Convention Center.

• Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Cartagena History on the 'Britannica' site
• Discovering Cartagena on the 'Culture Trip' site
• Google Search Results list for "Cartagena Restaurants"
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Cartagena"
• Cartagena Tours from the "Get Your Guide" Site
• Amazon Search Results list for "Cartagena Spain"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Cartagena Spain"
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Our Image Gallery for Cartagena
• Wikipedia Article for Cartagena
• Google Image Gallery for Cartagena
• Google Reviews for Cartagena, Spain
• The creation of some portions of this page's narrative text were assisted by OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model].

You should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) varies where their ships go, as well as what ships they will reposition. To determine where NCL is sending what ships, you should visit their website. Our list of ports below, is based upon what the "Epic" did when we were onboard in 2019.