Cartagena is one of those cities that’s easy to underestimate. Many people have heard of it, some have driven past it on the motorway, while others mainly associate it with its large port. But next time, take the exit. Because just behind the harbour lies one of southeastern Spain’s most enjoyable cities for a day trip – small enough to explore on foot, yet with more than 2,000 years of history waiting around almost every corner.

And September is an especially good time to visit. Before long, Carthaginians and Romans will once again be marching through the streets as the great Carthagineses y Romanos festival gets underway. But before the helmets go on and Hannibal decides it’s time to pick another fight with Rome, there’s plenty to discover.

1. Start with the Romans

It’s almost impossible to visit Cartagena without ending up at the Teatro Romano, the Roman Theatre. Built more than 2,000 years ago, it actually remained hidden beneath the city for centuries before being rediscovered.

Perhaps the most impressive thing is the contrast. One minute you’re strolling along ordinary shopping streets lined with cafés and shops – a few minutes later, you’re standing in front of an enormous Roman theatre right in the middle of the city.

During September, there are also special activities and guided tours connected to Cartagena’s Roman and Carthaginian history.

2. Head up to Castillo de la Concepción

After the Romans, it’s time to get a little perspective – quite literally. Castillo de la Concepción sits high above Cartagena in Parque Torres, offering fantastic views across the city and harbour.

From up here, you really begin to understand Cartagena’s location. The mountains, the sea and its naturally sheltered harbour made this an important strategic spot long before today’s cruise ships began docking here.

And no, you don’t have to struggle all the way up the hill in blazing sunshine just to prove a point. A holiday isn’t supposed to be a military exercise.

3. Stroll along Calle Mayor

When your legs start complaining, it’s time to head back down towards the city centre. Calle Mayor is Cartagena’s main pedestrian street and is lined with some of the city’s most beautiful Modernist buildings.

There’s really only one rule here: look up.

Balconies, bay windows, wrought iron and grand façades quickly remind you that Cartagena is about much more than Roman ruins. And since this is Spain, there are naturally plenty of strategically positioned cafés where you can sit down, order a coffee – or something colder – and simply watch the world go by.

4. Have lunch – and don’t rush it

Now we come to one of the most important parts of the day.

Lunch.

Cartagena sits on the Mediterranean, so fish and seafood naturally feature heavily on local menus. But keep an eye out for dishes from the Murcia region too. If you spot caldero on the menu, it’s well worth trying. This traditional rice and fish dish is particularly associated with the area around the Mar Menor and Cartagena.

And do as the Spanish do: take your time over lunch.

Cartagena will still be there when you’ve finished.

5. End the day by the harbour

From the old town, it’s only a few minutes’ walk down to Cartagena’s impressive waterfront. Here, sailing boats sit alongside naval vessels and, from time to time, enormous cruise ships.

It’s the perfect place to finish the day with a stroll along the water – or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the boats.

If you want to squeeze a little more into your visit, you can also combine Cartagena’s Roman history with a boat trip around the bay. During September, a special guided tour starts at the Teatro Romano, continues through the city’s Roman remains and finishes with a boat trip around Cartagena Bay.

Another reason to visit in September

From 18–27 September 2026, Cartagena celebrates Carthagineses y Romanos, when for ten days the city turns the clock back more than 2,200 years.

Thousands of participants dress as Carthaginian troops and Roman legionaries, recreating events including the wedding of Hannibal and Himilce, the Roman landing and the Battle of Qart Hadasht. Expect parades, historical re-enactments, markets, music and a huge festival area next to the Cartagonova stadium.

So, if you think Cartagena is worth visiting on an ordinary Tuesday, just wait until Hannibal turns up in the street.

Let someone else do the driving

Cartagena is perfect for a day trip from both the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida. And if you’d rather not worry about motorways, parking – or deciding who has to skip the glass of wine with lunch – Nordins Transfer provides transport from Torrevieja and other destinations across the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida.

You decide what you want to discover.

We’ll take care of getting you there – and safely home again.

Information about the festival dates and this year’s programme has been checked against Cartagena City Council and the festival’s official programme. The 2026 festival takes place from 18–27 September. Highlights include the wedding of Hannibal and Himilce on 21 September, the Roman landing and Battle of Qart Hadasht on 25 September, and the grand parade on 26 September.