Discover Cartagena: Spain's Hidden Gem

A city that captures your heart with its authenticity and charm

I hesitated for a moment about whether I should write about Cartagena. Part of me wants to keep this little gem to ourselves, because it’s a city that has stolen our hearts with its untouched beauty and charm. But on the other hand, it’s a place so special that it’s worth sharing.

When you search for the location on Google Maps or AirBnb, the first result you’ll get is Cartagena in Colombia. But in this blog, I’m taking you to Cartagena in Spain. Southern Spain. If I narrow it down further by saying it’s an hour’s drive south of Alicante, you can start to imagine the location.

For us, this city has stolen our hearts. We almost always take family and friends who visit to this city, and without exception, they’re all charmed. It’s small enough to feel intimate, but large enough to offer something for everyone—history, food, charming streets. It has it all.

The city is almost always buzzing, with people enjoying the terraces or just strolling peacefully. Since most of the streets are car-free, it’s very safe and easy to walk around. Paid parking is rare, but finding a spot can be a bit of a hunt—at least you get to enjoy the city’s beauty while searching!

Ancient Roman Amphitheater in Cartagena, surrounded by modern buildings and mountains.

Cartagena is Spain’s ancient port city, with a history that dates back even further than the Romans. From the viewpoint, you can see the harbor in the distance, flanked by mountains on either side. From here, you can also admire one of the best-preserved and largest tourist attractions: the Teatro Romano, the Roman amphitheater. Open-air, you can view quite a bit up close. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the museum.

The viewpoint is actually in the center and does take a few drops of sweat to reach. But the result is more than worth the effort. Don’t worry, there’s also a lift for those who need a shorter route or have trouble with stairs. Once at the bottom, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Main Street and through the narrow alleys. Here, you’ll find all sorts of shops and restaurants. If you love good food, you absolutely must try the cozier restaurants in these alleys—they’re, in our opinion, the best.

A charming alley in Cartagena with cozy restaurants.

Walk back to the Main Street, and you’ll eventually find yourself at the harbor. That might sound a bit dismissive, because the area has recently been transformed into a stunning boulevard and promenade. Several upscale eateries have settled here, with large glass sliding doors and rooftop lounge areas. The best part? These spots are surprisingly affordable—even with such a breathtaking view.

What really appeals to me, and I’m convinced it contributes to the atmosphere and vibe of the place, are the beautiful buildings. Original facades modernized with overhanging bay windows and iron balconies. All kinds of splendor, from the base to the peak. You can’t help but take photos. And especially in one of Spain’s top 10 squares, a lively square with towering Ficus trees. The houseplant of the Netherlands has grown here into giant trees.

By the Moreton Bay Ficus trees at Plaza de San Francisco in Cartagena

I’d like to wrap up with a “nightcap”—Licor 43. This iconic Spanish liqueur originally comes from Cartagena, and the factory is just outside the city. They offer a tour and a drink for a small entrance fee, and the building itself is hard to miss with its colorful, eye-catching design. It’s no more than a fifteen-minute drive; it’s quite convenient that the car is parked nearby. Perfect for ending the day—but don’t forget to drink responsibly!

Sunny regards,

Carlo

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Check Carlo’s tips for sight seeing and restaurants here