Cartagena is the second largest city in the Murcia region, it is an ancient port city and the most important Spanish naval base on the Mediterranean.
The weather here is also fantastic, rarely more than 300 mm of rain - in 2014 it had an average temperature of 20.4 degrees, which made it Europe's warmest city that year.
The city was founded around 227 BC. as Qart Hadash (Punic: the New City) by General Hasdrubal of Carthage. The Romans conquered the city in 209 BC. and called it Carthago Nova.
In the second half of the 16th century, Cartagena came under the rule of Philip II of Spain as an important port city and naval base. Among other things, it was the main port for ships going to the Spanish colonies.
There are an incredible number of castles scattered around the city - there are ruins / remains of buildings from the Romans, Byzantines and Moors.
During the Spanish Civil War, Cartagena was the main port for the Republican Navy. It lasted longer against General Franco's troops than any other Spanish city.
Cartagena is home to countless "Art Nouveau" buildings from the beginning of the 20th century, including the town hall, the casino and not least the Grand Hotel.
In 1987, a 1st century Roman theatre was discovered in the middle of the city, it is the second largest on the Iberian Peninsula. It is fantastically well preserved and the town is characterized by the fact that they keep finding archaeological sites from Roman times.
The port remains incredibly important to the city, still used by the Spanish navy, it houses shipyards and is also a well-known destination for cruise ships.
The City centre has a lot of charm, long pedestrians streets with exciting side streets filled with cosy cafes, bars and restaurants - all still typically Spanish.
Just outside the city are some fantastic bathing beaches, including Cala Cortina, which is located about 3 km north of the city.
