Cartagena, Spain Cruise Port Guide Info

Lying on the south-eastern coast of Spain, in the region of Murcia, Cartagena has been an important cruise port and a historic naval station for over centuries. The cruise terminal is located in the very heart of the city center, only a 5-10 minute walk from Calle Mayor - one of the busiest and liveliest streets in the city, full of stores, cafes, street bars, and souvenir shops. The street is easy to reach: upon exiting the cruise terminal, all you have to do is turn left and follow the seafront promenade which will take you directly to the center.

After a 10-minute walk, you’ll spot a beautiful Art Nouveau building of the City Hall, one of the most iconic structures in the city. 

Calle Major starts right there, and if you turn right after less than a 5-minute walk you’ll reach the entrance to the Roman Theater, the most emblematic historical landmark of Cartagena. The Theater was built between 5 and 1 centuries BC in the form of semicircular open space but was later transformed into a market. Nowadays, it is possible to visit the Theater and walk along its ramparts. Since 2008, the Theater complex houses a museum where you can take a tour and learn about Cartagena’s turbulent history. 

Another landmark not to be missed is the remains of the Punic Wall, an important archaeological site dating from the 3rd century BC. The wall was built by the Carthaginians for defensive purposes and is a witness of one of the major historical events – the Second Punic War, the second of the three wars fought between Carthage and Rome. Today, it is possible to visit the Interpretation Center of the Punic wall which is located about 1.3 kilometers away from the cruise terminal. It takes around 20 minutes on foot to get there, but you can also grab one of the numerous taxis waiting in front of your cruise ship. The Interpretation center offers audiovisual tours that will help you understand the historical flow of the Punic wars, and you can also admire the impressive ruins of the wall on site. 

Concepcion Castle is another popular historical site you should visit if you want to take in the panoramic view of the city. It stands on a hill overlooking the historical heart of Cartagena, surrounded by a beautiful, green Torres Park, only 1.2 kilometers away from the cruise dock. The castle is a fortification dating back to the 12th century that today houses a museum featuring exhibitions on the history of Cartagena. The whole area is beautiful to explore, and we highly recommend you to visit it. 

Besides all these historical attractions, Cartagena is a bustling city boasting great local cuisine, amazing shops, restaurants, bars, and a lively atmosphere wherever you go, which makes it a very popular seaport for cruise ship passengers. 
This article is written by Adventour Begins for Cruise Dig. For more cruise port guides please visit adventourbegins.com