There’s a little bit of confusion on the internet, pals. And it makes sense. There are actually two Cartagena cruise ports in this big wide world. The first, Cartagena de Indias, is in Colombia. Although arguably that’s actually the second Cartagena, as it’s named after a city in Spain. (Colonialism and all that.) So to avoid any further confusion, this little guide is referring solely to Cartagena Spain Cruise Port, on the coast of Murcia. It’s pretty, it’s compact, and it’s got strong Roman vibes.
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Where is Cartagena Spain cruise port?
Just a quick reiteration, first of all, that Cartagena Spain cruise port is in Cartagena- Spain. Maybe a tad unnecessary but the first results on google seem to involve a lot of Colombian vibes and I’m all for being as clear as clear can be.
Now that’s over: Cartagena Spain cruise port is right here!
There’s no terminal building in Cartagena, just a pier running parallel with the waterfront, where you can often get a really great view of some seriously incredible superyachts. (Although glancing upon the superyachts of the world serves as a reminder that money can’t buy taste.)
In terms of security, local law enforcement will occasionally park a vehicle outside the ship to scan passengers’ possessions, but this tends to happen quite smoothly and I’ve never experienced any major delays or crazy queues to get back on board.
Can you walk from the cruise ship to Cartagena?
Yes! You can easily walk from Cartagena Spain cruise port to Cartagena, in fact this is one of the best-placed cruise ports in Spain, particularly because you don’t even need a shuttle to take you to the port exit. To get to the city, turn left as you leave the port, and follow the marina along the seafront. Then cross over the main road and continue towards the stunning Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena and the pedestrianised street that runs in front of it.
The beginners’ guide to Cartagena
Cartagena was founded by the Carthaginians (hence the name), although the city rose to prominence when it was conquered by the Romans- and these days you can’t get far in Cartagena before you run into a Roman ruin or two. At certain times of the year, it’s also possible to run into an actual Roman, but I’ll get onto that further down.
One thing you’ll notice when sailing into Cartagena is that this area of Spain is incredibly arid. For most of the year, the coastline of craggy mountains is dry as a bone- during July and August temperatures can boil up to over 40ºC- although I have been caught in a rainstorm here, so it does happen.
What to do in Cartagena Spain cruise port
The brilliant thing about Cartagena is that this is a city that’s really easy to explore on your own. Ancient ruins, majestic beautiful architecture, crumbling castles and (perhaps most importantly) delicious food, can all be found mere footsteps from the cruise port. This is definitely a city for the history buffs, but if that’s not your thing then there are plenty of foodie options and some nearby beaches to visit.
Visit the Roman Theatre
Ta-da! Romans galore in Cartagena, what did I tell you? The Teatro Romano de Cartagena is so close to the cruise port that it’ll only take about 8 minutes for you to reach it on foot.
The 7000-seat theatre was built some time between 5-1 BC, and was in use for about 200 years before falling into disrepair. But the really crazy thing about it is that it was subsequently hidden, in a super built-up area, until 1988. So very hidden, that during the 13th century a whole cathedral was built on top of it. The cathedral was destroyed by Nationalist attacks during the Spanish Civil War, but the theatre remained hidden until building work began decades later.
Entry to the Roman Theatre is €7 per person (2026). Check availability and book tickets.
Stroll down Calle Mayor
It’s pretty much a given that you’ll end up taking a stroll along Calle Mayor at some point during your day docked at Cartagena Spain cruise port. This is the main pedestrianised road through the heart of the city, and it is really, really beautiful. Just don’t forget to look up!
The polished marble pavement is far fancier than your average British high street, that’s for sure. This is a great shopping area in Cartagena, although even if retail therapy doesn’t factor highly on your agenda this street is well worth a visit. Most of the architecture here is modernista- if you’ve been to Barcelona you’ll have seen plenty of this already– and key features include elaborate wrought iron balconies, colourful illustrative tiles, and carved balustrades.
Explore the Roman Forum Museum
Continuing the Roman trail around the city, slightly further out is the Museo Foro Romano Molinete. The museum is the gateway to a big archaeological park within the city, containing the excavated forum, roads, the Sanctuary of Isis and the Roman baths. It’s a great reminder of how far the Roman Empire managed to expand. Although there are obviously whole cities in ruins across Italy, you’ll also find Roman ruins across Europe and beyond, from Croatia to Morocco to England.
Tickets for the Molinete Roman Forum Museum are €7 per person. Check availability and book online.
Climb to the top of the Castillo de la Concepción
Almost every city in this part of Spain seems to have its own castle keeping watch over its coastline- just look at Alicante or Màlaga. Cartagena’s offering is the Castillo de la Concepción, which has over the centuries been everything from a Roman temple, a Moorish fortress, a medieval castle, and the home of Cartagena’s civil war-era air raid siren. (The Spanish civil war was from 1936-1939, so it’s a bit more recent than the US one that might have sprung to mind.)
A visit to the castle is a really great way to learn about the city’s 3000 year history, but also to enjoy some beaut views of the surrounding area.
Tickets are €6 per person (including the lift from the foot of the hill to the top). Check availability and book tickets.
Check out the Civil War Museum
Perhaps this isn’t everybody’s idea of a jolly day out, and that’s ok, but at the base of Concepción Hill you’ll find the Civil War Shelters Museum. During the Civil War, tunnels were built into the hill for the citizens of Cartagena to take cover during air raids, and these tunnels now house the museum, where you can learn about the civil war and how people lived during those times.
Eat tapas
Why write a guide to Cartagena Spain cruise port and not include ‘eat tapas’ on the list!? Am I right!? There are plenty of tapas restaurants to find around the city, but one that I’ve been back to several times is El Cantón. However, pals, don’t be restricted to recommendations you find on the internet! If you’re having a wander and discover a restaurant as you stroll, throw caution to the wind and head on in, for goodness’ sake! Life’s too short to follow everything that your phone screen tells you.
(Of course, if you fancy a real culinary experience, you could always book onto a private tapas walking tour instead, getting some local tips along the way)
Hit the beach!
First and foremost, I have some bad news: there’s no beach within walking distance of Cartagena Spain cruise port. Alas. In order to swim, you’ll have to hop into a taxi, but there are a few options to pick from.
As a crew member with limited time on my hands, I’ve only ever been able to get as far away as Cala Cortina. This is definitely the closest beach to the cruise port in Cartagena, and it’ll take about ten minutes to drive between the two. You can get a public bus (the L12), but this involves a 20 minute walk to the bus stop, and the bus only arrives once an hour.
This little cove is fairly small, with a few even smaller coves tucked away around a corner, but this means that it can get extremely crowded, particularly during the height of summer. Still, there’s no denying that it’s pretty. There are several restaurants and bars, a very crowded car park, and some extremely sketchy public toilets. Avoid the public toilets at all costs.
For something completely different, get a taxi further away to La Manga. (It should take just over half an hour). This 21km sandbar is renowned as a beach destination in Spain, although these days it’s also packed full of high rise hotels and resorts. Personally I think this is a real shame, but if you love more of a developed beach vibe, then this might be a great place for you.
My favourite Cartagena coffee shops
Listen up, because this is important. I’ve got two coffee recommendations for you for Cartagena, and these are my absolute go-tos when time is tight but I still need to get off the ship and into real fresh air.
First up is Holy Cakes, which is technically a bakery, although they do some truly fabulous beverages to go with the delectable baked goods they make every day. There’s seating inside, however it’s on the small side so best not to go with a big group.
Second on the list is Cafe Lab. The coffee selection is grande, the food is delicious, and the surroundings are beautiful. Cafe Lab is hidden down a little alleyway off of Calle Mayor, and with no massive sign announcing its existence, it’s easy to miss. But this is a lovely, quiet little spot, and the cavernous interior is a cool break from the hot sun outside. (Or beating down rain. It happens.)
Head out on a boat trip!
If the sights of the city don’t float your boat, then get yourself out on the open water. I personally prefer booking this kind of thing through a company like Get Your Guide or Viator, rather than via the cruise company. These are often way more affordable than booking through a ship, and use local guides with generally much smaller groups. (You can also have a completely private experience this way.) You can find plenty of tours marketed just for cruise passengers, meaning that you’re guaranteed to be back at the port in time.
First up is a good old catamaran trip along the coastline of Murcia. There’s a bar on board, you’ll be able to swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the catamaran cruise starts and finishes right at the port. For a similar, but altogether completely unique trip, go one step further with a trip to an underwater winery. Head out on a catamaran for an incredible wine tour, with wine tastings included. (Obv.)
Celebrate at one of Cartagena’s fiestas
Admittedly, it was by pure chance that I witnessed a parade of Roman soldiers marching through the streets of Cartagena. But like the day I arrived in Cádiz and discovered some rather controversial parade-participants, or the time we arrived in La Barceloneta and almost got hit in the face with a cannon of candy, it’s best to just embrace these moments and get swept up in the magic. Why would you not!?
The obvious great time to visit the city is during the Carthaginians and Romans Fiesta which takes place for just over a week every September. During the fiesta, a recreation of the founding of the city takes place- and of course a big old parade. You can’t go wrong with a big old parade, can you?
The Romans I came across, and subsequently followed like a mad paparazzi woman with my camera, were actually marching at Easter time. Semana Santa is also a lengthy celebration in Cartagena (as it is across most of Spain), so it was downright glorious to see a very small glimpse of the celebrations. If you get the chance to visit Cartagena during any of these festival periods, leap on it I say!
I’ll be honest: my first impressions were that Cartagena is nothing special, but how very wrong I was! While Cartagena is sure to be a hit for history buffs, there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye, and its compact centre makes it so easy to explore. (Even if you don’t have much time on your hands.)
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