A Day Ashore in Cartagena, Spain

The southeastern coast of Spain is home to Cartagena, a historic port city tucked into a natural, sheltered bay along the Mediterranean in the Region of Murcia. Founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal the Fair, it was originally named Qart Hadasht. When the Romans conquered it decades later, they renamed it Carthago Nova, and it grew into one of the most important cities in Hispania thanks to its silver mines, strategic harbor, and naval strength.

Today, Cartagena blends ancient ruins with a working port and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Some of its most notable attractions include the remarkably preserved Roman Theatre, the excavated Foro Romano del Molinete, the Castillo de la Concepción overlooking the city, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA), and the elegant modernist architecture that lines the old town’s pedestrian streets.

Food here leans heavily on the sea—tapas featuring salt-cured tuna, octopus, and local prawns are common, along with hearty dishes like caldero, a rice and fish stew. Murcia wines and café culture thrive in the plazas and narrow streets.

Arrival

When we approached the port around 7:15 AM, it was still pitch black. The surrounding hills were silhouettes against the fading stars. The ship was cleared a little after 8:00, but we enjoyed a slow start to the day, staying aboard until 11 AM.

Stepping out onto our verandah, I heard people shouting and talking and spotted a traditional coastal rowing boat, from the Royal Regatta Club of Cartagena, gliding past the ship. I think it was out for some early morning training this Saturday AM.

Traditional coastal rowing boat, from the Royal Regatta Club of Cartagena

Into Town by Taxi and Yarn Shop Number 1

We left the ship around 11:00 AM using the forward gangway on Deck A and walked back toward the center of the pier to reach the taxi area.   Outside the port entrance, some Cartagena Residents dressed in Roman costumes welcomed us and posed for pictures.

A welcome party dressed as Romans was on the pier

There is a taxi stand right outside the port gate on the left side.   A driver named José had just dropped passengers from a tour, and while he was hoping to book another tour, he agreed to take us a couple of miles to the Mercería Lencería Bazar X yarn shop (Address: C. Francisco Celdrán, 1, 30204 ). The €10.50 ride was quick and easy.  As we were leaving port in the taxi, we spotted the Cartagena Tourist Train, a 40-minute loop that runs from the port area for about €10.

Cartagena Tourist Train

We arrived at the yarn shop, on a small side street, in about 15 minutes.  The shop itself was small with a modest selection, but it carried several Katia products—mostly wool and cotton blends, along with packaged kits. The shop also sells sewing supplies and lingerie, an interesting combination you don’t find in the USA.

Judy picked up a hat kit she liked, and we continued on foot toward the next stop.

Youth Fair at Parque de Los Juncos

As soon as we left the shop, we heard the thump of drums in the distance and followed the sound to Parque de Los Juncos, where a youth association fair and artisan market were in progress. The event was part of a city initiative that brings together local youth organizations, cultural groups, sports clubs, and community associations. Its purpose is to promote creativity, physical activity, and civic engagement among young people.

There was a variety of activities in progress —people were playing chess, foosball, and table tennis. In contrast, others gathered around a BMX bike demo featuring small stunt bikes with no saddles and tiny wheels designed for tricks.

Dozens of artisan vendors sold handmade goods and local products, giving the fair a neighborhood feel rather than something set up for visitors.

Yarn Shop Number 2

A second Bazar X (Address: Av. Reina Victoria Eugenia, 32, 30203), nearby turned out to be much larger, with a surprisingly generous selection of DMC products. We’d always associated DMC with embroidery thread, but this shop carried chunky yarns, cottons, and blends in various weights and textures. Judy bought a big ball (546 yards) of Pirouette by DMC (an Aran weight yarn) that she plans to make into a diagonally ribbed hat. Once again, this shop featured sewing supplies, notions, and lingerie.

Mercado de Santa Florentina and the Book Fair

We made our way toward Plaza de San Francisco, stopping along the way at the Mercado de Santa Florentina, Cartagena’s main covered market. Opened in 1910 and designed by local architect Tomás Rico, the building sits atop layers of Roman and medieval remains. Architecturally, it reflects the iron-and-glass style of the early 20th century, with decorative tiling and modernist details that were popular during the mining boom era.

Inside, the market is still very much for locals. Vendors sold fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, meats, eggs, olives, and pantry staples. The space was spotless and lively, with shoppers chatting in Spanish and stopping for small bites at tables set up in the back. It felt like the heart of daily life rather than a tourist attraction.

From there, we walked straight into the Feria del Libro de Cartagena, the city’s annual book fair now in its 32nd year. Booths lined the streets with Spanish-language titles stacked high in the temporary tents. Since everything was in Spanish, we browsed briefly but moved along.

Lunch at La Bodeguilla

We met our friend Susan at Plaza San Francisco and headed in search of lunch. Our target, La Uva Jumillana, was full with no tables available. Across the street, we spotted open seating at La Bodeguilla and settled in. Judy had a mini burger with a BLUE BUN, I ordered a full-sized burger and a glass of red wine, and Susan chose a ham and cheese sandwich with a glass of Sangria.

Walking Back Through the Old Town

After lunch, we walked down Calle Mayor, Cartagena’s main pedestrian avenue lined with shops and stately buildings. We passed the elegant Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena, one of the city’s architectural icons. Built between 1900 and 1907 by architect Tomás Rico Valarino, it blends Beaux-Arts grandeur with Spanish modernismo. The façade features white marble, carved stone, and decorative ironwork, while its distinctive zinc-clad domes rise above the square. The building was constructed during Cartagena’s mining boom and still serves as the City Hall. Fittingly, it stands atop the remains of the Roman forum, symbolically linking Carthago Nova with the modern city.

We then wandered through Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where we browsed a few local shops. Down by the waterfront, we stopped for a photo at the Monument to the Heroes of Cavite and Santiago de Cuba, a solemn memorial honoring Spanish sailors who died in the 1898 Spanish-American War. Nearby, runners were crossing the finish line of the X Carrera Solidaria Puerto de Cartagena – 10KCPC, the 10th annual charity 10K held along the port.

Wrapping Up the Day

We returned to the ship around 4:00 PM and headed to the Sea View Pool bar for a relaxing drink. The sun was dipping behind the hills, and the harbor had settled into its late afternoon calm. From historic streets and local markets to surprise fairs and yarn finds, Cartagena offered a full day without feeling rushed or overplanned—exactly the kind of port stop we enjoy most.

Comedian Simon Palomares was the featured entertainer, and he delivered a fast, crowd-work comedy set filled with cruise jokes, national stereotypes, and aging humor. He teased Americans, Canadians, long-married couples, and the mostly older audience, joking that at 63, he felt young on board.

This is an interactive map showing the places we visited today.   Click on a marker to learn more