Cartagena in Spain: the sights of an ancient city with an unusual fate. Attractions of Cartagena - what to see
Cartagena
The small port town of Cartagena attracts thousands of tourists with its ancient history, which began here before Roman times. The favorable location contributed to the rapid development of the city, and attracted various nations to the conquest. Therefore, the city keeps the rich cultural heritage, in the form of historical monuments. 
Cartagena. Amphitheater
Cartagena Spain, city of Cartagena
Cartagena is a small city in Spain, located in the southeast in the autonomous community of Murcia. The city was founded by the Carthaginians, and the first mention of a settlement on this site dates back to the 4th century BC. But the exact mention of Cartagena dates back to 227 BC. Most of the sights belong to the Roman era.
Cartagena. Cathedral ruins Get to Cartagena
There are several ways to get to Cartagena. For example, you can take a train from the nearest popular cities - Valencia about 4 hours on the road, about 1.5 hours on the road and Madrid, travel time about 6 hours. In addition, you can transfer to a domestic flight in Madrid to San Javier Airport, which is located just 25 kilometers from Cartagena. At the peak of the tourist season, you can make a direct flight from Russia to Alicante, and then by train to your destination.
Cartagena. Arsenal Cartagena attractions
One of the main attractions is the Cartagena Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja. The cathedral was built in the 13th century, but now it is only ruins, which are a national monument of Spain. Next to the cathedral is an ancient Roman amphitheater built between 5 and 1 BC. The museum opened here in 2008. 
Cartagena. Cape Palos
Another no less interesting attraction is the Arsenal. Shipyard and naval base, dating from the 18th century. At that time it was the largest navy in the entire Mediterranean. Today it is a historical monument. In the vicinity of the city there is another interesting place - this is the sandy spit of La Manga, which separates the largest lagoon in Europe, Mar Menor, from the sea and Cape Palos with a lighthouse located southeast of the lagoon.
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Cartagena is part of the autonomous community of Murcia, located in the southeast of the country. The city overlooks the Mediterranean coast and is a major seaport; in terms of population, it occupies the second position in the province, behind the capital.
The resort is located on a plain, on the north side it is surrounded by the mountain ranges of El Puerto, Escalona, Columbares, and from the southwest and south - La Muela, El Algarrobo. This makes the area quieter, protected from the northern winds.
Cartagena has a very interesting story, and its advantageous location, on the shore mediterranean sea, for centuries made the city a "tidbit" for many rulers.
Despite the fact that many evidences of life in this territory of prehistoric settlements have been found, it is believed that the formation of a village on this site took place in 227 BC by the decision of the Carthaginian general Gastrubal the Handsome. In this way, the military leader was able to secure control over the rich mineral deposits. The city at that time was called Quart Hadash, it gradually turned into the main Phoenician base. It was from Quart Hadash that the military campaign started on the territory of Italy, which served as the beginning of the Second Punic War in 218 BC.
The city belonged to the Carthaginians until 209 BC, and then the Romans, under the leadership of Scipio Africanus, captured it and renamed it Cartago Nova (this means “New Carthage” in translation). As a Roman colony, it flourished and developed, but fell into decline after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and became often attacked by vandals and various external conquerors. Since 1245, Cartago Nova has been part of Castile, after half a century it passes to the Aragonese crown, at the beginning of the 14th century it was returned back. All this time, Cartagena has been in decline, only in the 18th century, when it was turned into the capital of the Mediterranean Maritime Department, the strengthening of positions, the construction of a defensive wall, fortresses, and the Naval Hospital began.
In 1873, as a result of the Cantonal Revolution, the city was badly damaged, after which a gradual restoration began, which gave Cartagena its modern features. The 20th century was the stage of revival and development of energy, shipbuilding, and fertilizer production.
Today it is a prosperous resort, but at the same time calm, provincial. It has become the most popular destination for tourism and recreation. Beautiful green streets, medieval houses, taverns, unique sights, magnificent nature and the Man Menor lagoon make it a place for romantics.
Climate and nature
Cartagena has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, plenty of sunny days(there are about 300 of them per year) and rather hot summers. In summer, there is an increase in air temperature up to 40 degrees, in winter (December-January) - an average of 11-12 degrees.
The beach season in Cartagena starts in April and ends in October. Warm sea, sun, sandy and clean beaches, favorable microclimate - all this increases the value of the city for summer holiday tourists with children.
The depth of Man Menor Lake allows the water to warm up in March, so water sports enthusiasts, as well as those who want to improve their health in one of the health centers and mud baths located in the lagoon, open the season even this month. The waters of the salt lake are rich in salts, iodine, minerals, so the best and most effective balneological procedures are carried out here.
What to see in Cartagena
The city will be appreciated by all admirers ancient history and architecture, here you can see with your own eyes unique monuments that are more than 20 centuries old.
Tourists always start sightseeing in Cartagena from the famous Roman theater. Excavations discovered it in 1988. The theater was built between the 4th and 1st century BC, and was dedicated to Gaius Caesar and Lucio Caesar - these were the grandchildren of the famous Roman emperor Octavian Augustus. The capacity of the theater was 6,000 spectators, the stands were 14 meters high. The theater existed until the 3rd century AD, then a Byzantine market was opened on its territory, which was subsequently destroyed by fire. In the 13th century, the construction of a Christian church began on this site. Today, the Roman theater has been restored as a historical monument, and a museum also operates here. At the same time, the ruins of the Cartagena Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja itself, which is also listed as a national monument, are also attractive to historians.
In Cartagena, you can also see the surviving remains of the La Torre Ciega tower, this structure was part of the Necropolis and was used for burials by the Romans. You should definitely just walk through the beautiful streets of the city, visit the Arsenal, the Punic Bastion, see the House of Destiny and the old lighthouse on Cape Palos.
You can have a wonderful time at Port Aventura - this is amusement park with a huge number of rides, made like Disneyland. Walking through the park, you can get into the Australian jungle, where, making your way through tropical vines, you can hear the cries of rare birds, see a wild beast. If you wish, the Wild West with its cowboys will take visitors to the time of the Gold Rush, and you can also see Ancient China with its pagodas and dragons. In the evenings, various shows, performances, fireworks are held in the park.
For those who like to actively relax, the Man Menor lagoon awaits. This is an ideal place for practicing any kind of sports, diving, yacht racing, boat trips, kite surfing, deep sea fishing are offered here. There are water parks on the coast.
Events and holidays
The most striking sight is the feast of the Carthaginians and Romans. The costume show takes place at the end of September and lasts 10 days. The main action is the battle between the Romans and the Carthaginians in the 3rd century BC (it is reproduced in one of the wastelands), for this an impromptu military camp is being built, and the locals put on the armor of those times.
How to get to Cartagena
You can get here from Moscow by flight to Alicante airport, and from there by train 1.5 hours away.
Where to stay
The city has many hotels of varying degrees of comfort. In the center there is "Cartagena", from this hotel it is convenient to get to any sights and to the seaport. Not far from the bus station is the Carlos III Hotel, which has modern and comfortable rooms in colorful designs with interesting art elements.
Among cheap hotels, you can pay attention to Campomar, Pencion Manolo II.
If you choose on the coast, then super popular is La Manga Club (with superior rooms, tennis courts, football and golf fields).
When going to Cartagena, do not forget that this is a resort city and the currency should be changed in advance. There are exchange offices in hotels, but the exchange rate is very high.
Buy detailed map cities to calmly walk along the beautiful streets and have time to look at all the sights.
The ancient city of Cartagena is one of the most visited in Spain.
During its existence, it alternately passed under the rule of the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, etc.what a rich cultural heritage has turned Cartagena into a city rich in architecture and other attractions.
Now it's major port and resort on the Mediterranean.
A bit about the history of the city
This place was founded by the Carthaginians in 227 BC and was called "New Carthage".
But historians believe that people chose the territory of modern Cartagena much earlier:
Neanderthals lived here 50 thousand years ago.
Almost the same Cartagena is called today.
The seaport has always attracted conquerors and changed hands many times. Therefore, the blood of Carthaginians, barbarians and other peoples flows in the veins of modern townspeople.
In 1245, Cartagena came under the rule of Castile and became the pride of her crown.
Since the 17th century, several Christian churches have been built here, giving the city a new look.
(Source - Aleksandar Mesicki).
Where is the Spanish Cartagena
The city, located in the southeast of Spain, is located on a plain among mountains and mountain ranges.
This salt Lake with warm, almost all year round, water is rich in minerals, and local healing muds are used in health centers located on the shore.
Water parks have been built here for children, and adults will take care of water sports sports.
Weather in Cartagena
The climate in this place is dry and hot. Even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below +10 degrees, and in summer it reaches + 35-40.
In October, the air warms up to +20-25 degrees.
Because of this, Cartagena is considered the warmest place in continental Europe.
The beach season begins in April and ends in early October with the arrival of rains.
(Source - myVideoMedia).
Monthly weather in Cartagena
| Air temperature during the day, °С | Air temperature at night, ° С | Precipitation, mm | Air humidity, % | |
| January | 14 | 10 | 31 | 62 |
| February | 15 | 10 | 23 | 60 |
| March | 17 | 12 | 62 | 60 |
| April | 19 | 14 | 41 | 59 |
| May | 22 | 17 | 21 | 57 |
| June | 25 | 20 | 12 | 58 |
| July | 28 | 23 | 4 | 61 |
| August | 29 | 23 | 40 | 63 |
| September | 26 | 22 | 45 | 64 |
| October | 23 | 18 | 37 | 64 |
| November | 18 | 14 | 51 | 62 |
| December | 15 | 11 | 39 | 62 |
(Data taken from the Yandex Weather service).
What to see in the city
In the "Spanish Venice", as tourists affectionately call Cartagena, cultural attractions for every taste.
Here are five places you can't miss in this city:
FROM beautiful name Santa Maria la Vieja is the first Christian church in Spain.
According to legend, the apostle James himself participated in the creation.
Concepción Castle is considered the hallmark of the city and is depicted on the coat of arms.
The building was repeatedly rebuilt, and now it houses the Center for the Study of Cartagena.
Roman theater , built during the reign of Octavian Augustus.
The largest in Spain among the theaters of the Romanesque era. The ruins of this cultural monument were discovered by chance during excavations in the Cathedral, which was destroyed during the Civil War.
Punic bastion . It was the first defensive structure on the territory of Cartagena. It began to be built in the third century BC, and new walls were gradually added to it. The length exceeds 5 kilometers.
city hall - a typical example of the style of modernism. This building was almost completely destroyed, and 11 years ago it was restored.
A heart modern city – plaza spain . Outwardly, it looks like a large rotunda with a fountain and an internal square.
But if you want to do nice pictures, head to Torres City Park. From the local observation deck great views and good sightseeing.
You should not miss the city holidays, which are often arranged by the inhabitants of Cartagena.
One such event is Carthaginians and Romans, which takes place in September. At the festival, an imitation of the Punic War is created, and people in the clothes of Roman legionnaires and ancient costumes are found throughout the city.
How to get to Cartagena
For foreign tourists the main way to get into the city is international, which is located 115 km from Cartagena.
From Murcia to Cartagena, buses run every hour, the fare is also about 5 euros.
If needed detailed information, find it on the official website.
Another option is the RENFE train, which runs from. Travel time depends on the flight and ranges from 2 to 3 hours, the fare is 14-18 euros.
In addition, 25 km from Cartagena built domestic airport San Javier, which links the pearl of Murcia with all major Spanish cities.
Where to stay and where to eat
This city is not among the glamorous and expensive, so recreation, entertainment and shopping in Cartagena are quite affordable.
There are several small hotels in the center, from which you can easily reach the sea, beaches and famous tourist sites.
A double room or apartment costs from 50 to 80 euros, and the price often includes breakfast for tourists.
If the soul requires luxury, settle in one of the large hotel complexes located 15-20 km from the city. They have golf courses, SPA centers and everything that a guest of sunny Spain could wish for.
Budget travelers are welcome guest houses with modest but comfortable rooms that are located in the suburbs.
You definitely won’t have to starve in Cartagena: there are hundreds of restaurants for guests for any budget. Murcia cuisine is based on fish, meat and fruits.
A local specialty is caldero soup with fish broth, as well as michirones, a bean stew with sausages and potatoes.
Lunch in a restaurant will cost 20-25 euros, a snack in a tapas bar - 7-8 euros.
Travelers who cannot live without shops and outlets will find them on the main street of the city. Here you can buy quality items at very interesting prices. For example, branded jeans will cost 100 euros.
The only danger that lurks in Cartagena is that at the end of the vacation you don’t want to leave here!
It doesn't matter, because this is not your last trip to beautiful Spain.It is worth listening to the words of Mark Twain, who said:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, fanaticism and narrow-mindedness, which is why it is so urgently needed by many."
After other historic cities in Latin America, many of which are in a dilapidated and even abandoned state, I expected to see time-worn streets and ruins in Cartagena. However, it is strikingly different from the colonial cities that we are used to seeing: Cartagena is an insanely beautiful, well-groomed and very touristy city. Most of all, he reminded me of a view from a gift card depicting a wealthy Caribbean settlement.
At the same time, Cartagena has retained its stunning Latin American flavor, only slightly yielding to modern realities: here, stylish boutiques are harmoniously located in old colonial buildings, and sweets that were prepared according to this recipe many centuries ago are sold at modern ruins. So the history of Cartagena is felt at every turn.
And its history is perhaps the richest in the entire region: due to its favorable location, it was a real gateway to South America. Accordingly, the largest number of conquerors from all over Europe tried to attack it. The city was besieged and attacked hundreds of times, and the population of Cartagena changed from 10,000 inhabitants to just 500 people. And yet the Spaniards managed to defend the city, and with it the entire region. I read a good phrase from one of the historians: "Cartagena is the reason why he does not speak English."
By the way, before starting the story, I want to add one small but important detail. Before the trip, I read a lot of reports about Cartagena that every street here is full of beauty and smells of history. But, having arrived by bus from Bogota, I was terribly surprised, as I ended up in an industrial and unpretentious city. The fact is that what everyone used to call the same Cartagena, in fact, is only its historical center, located on the island, which is connected by several roads with the main part of the modern, unremarkable Colombian city. It is on the island that all the sights and beauties are located, as well as the airport where most tourists arrive. Therefore, many do not even know that outside the "postcard" Cartagena there is another, gray and nondescript. Only tourists who come to the city by car or bus have to get acquainted with it.
How to get there
Cartagena is on the other side of us Atlantic Ocean, so there is no way to get to it quickly. However, fortunately, we live in a modern world and carrier companies create more and more new opportunities for us to travel to the other side of the world. Therefore, you can get to Cartagena in a variety of ways: fly by plane, get by bus from more major cities or moor at the "gates of South America" on a luxury cruise ship. 
By plane
To date, getting to Colombia from major cities in Russia is possible only with transfers. Due to the fact that Cartagena is a popular city among tourists, it is well connected with it, so airlines offer several quite affordable and acceptable options from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The cheapest connecting flight from the Russian capital to Cartagena is offered by Aeroflot in alliance with the Latin American Avianca. Flight with a total duration of 27 hours with transfers in New York and Bogota will cost relatively little - from 800 USD in both directions. Tickets can be searched on well-known search engine sites or see prices. This is a good offer for a flight to South America, but it has 2 significant nuances:
- You will need a transit visa for a transplant.
- Each transplant in this option takes quite a long time (7 and 5 hours).
The solution to the first problem was found by KLM, which offers many flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg with transfers in various European cities and, accordingly, in Bogotá. But this option is much more expensive - from 1200 USD for a round-trip ticket, besides, it involves the same long, unnecessary connections.
Therefore, the easiest option is to buy individual tickets from Russian cities to Bogota and from there to Cartagena. You can fly to the capital of Colombia and back using Air companies France and KLM for 750 USD, and tickets for domestic flights to Cartagena will cost you only 50-60 USD one way. At the same time, you can easily keep within 20 hours.
Small, cozy, downright "home" airport Rafael Núñez is located almost in the historical center of Cartagena. Tourists arriving here can immediately plunge into the Caribbean colors, without being distracted by trips to the main, "industrial" part of the city. The airport has everything you need tourism infrastructure: souvenir shops, cafes and air-conditioned waiting rooms.
Getting from the airport to the center of Cartagena is very easy: due to the proximity, a taxi to any tourist point will cost you no more than 10 USD per trip and take only 10-30 minutes (including traffic). In addition, several minibuses run from the airport to the center (in Colombia they are called “camionetta”), so you can get to your desired place for as little as 1 USD. Finding them is very easy - as a rule, they themselves are waiting for travelers at the exit. In extreme cases, you can always ask any employee of the bus a centro airport. In Colombia, people are insanely polite, and in Cartagena, thanks to the hot Caribbean climate and the admixture of African blood, they are also very sociable and eager to help visitors.
By bus
Despite the frenzied popularity of Cartagena among tourists, this city, most likely, will not be the only one on your itinerary and will not even be the first. Most often, travelers first arrive in Bogota, and only after a thorough acquaintance with the amazing high-mountainous capital do they go to Cartagena from the endless bus station "Terminal de Transporte". It is located 15 minutes from the center by taxi and within walking distance from the Av. boyaca" public transport called Transmilenio (something between a bus and a subway). This happened in my case as well.
Comfortable buses run around Colombia double-decker buses, and they cost a lot: for an 18-hour journey from the capital to Cartagena, you will have to pay from 45 USD. Therefore, many tourists rightly prefer the plane: for almost the same money, you can get to your destination almost 10 times faster. But I still took the bus, because tickets for them do not need to be bought in advance, tying myself to a specific date.
In addition, in Colombia, I found a way to significantly save on bus tickets: since companies that run on popular tourist destinations, there are a lot of them in the country, they often leave half empty. The main thing here is to be at the right time in the right place: arrive at the station shortly before the departure of the desired bus. I noticed that in addition to employees at the box office, representatives of carrier companies are walking around the station, inviting passengers on their flight. It’s worth bargaining with them, since it is they who, for a small fee (up to 5 USD), can sell you a children’s ticket, the price of which is 2 times lower than usual.
Another bonus of the bus transfer from Bogota to Cartagena is the stunning views outside the window. From the highland capital in the heart of the Andes, transport took me directly to the Caribbean coast. Therefore, during the journey, I probably saw all the possible landscapes of Colombia - from dense forests to picturesque plains.
How to get to the city center
All carriers to Cartagena (Berlinas, Rapido Ochoa, Expreso Brasilia and many others) arrive at the central station - "Terminal de transporte". As I wrote at the very beginning, it is located quite far from the old city, in the modern part of Cartagena.
There are several ways to get from the terminal to the treasured historical center:
- Taxi, of course, will be the most comfortable and simple option. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive. There is an official taxi service at the station with rates listed on a separate bulletin board (although you still need to check the price with your chosen driver before starting the journey), and the road to the center will cost you only 15 USD. However, the travel time, despite the relatively short distances, will be from 30 to 60 minutes, because the roads in the modern part of Cartagena stand idle for most of the day.
- The fastest way would be transcaribe. This is one of the types of urban transport popular in Latin America. It is a bus that runs on a separate dedicated line, thus avoiding waiting in traffic jams. You can get to the city center with Transcaribe in just half an hour. This option is not very convenient only because the stop of this transport is located about 500 meters from the bus terminal, and walking to it with things in the heat is not a particular pleasure. If you still decide on this adventure, just ask "Transcaribe" from any employee of the bus station, and already at the station itself they will tell you in detail where to sit down to get to the center. The ticket price will be 0.7 USD plus a one-time fee of 1 USD for the purchase of the card required to enter the station.
- Trying to find the cheapest and easiest way to get to the old city, I took a minibus metro car, the stop of which is right at the exit of the terminal. The price of a trip in this transport is only 0.5 USD. However, already on the road, I regretted that I had chosen this method: among the crazy turmoil on the crowded roads of Cartagena, the Camionettas rush about like crazy, sometimes demonstrating rather risky driving skills. In addition, their maneuvers are almost not crowned with success - it took me more than an hour to get to the center.
By car
Traveling around Colombia in a rented car is convenient and even profitable - after all, there are many companies in the country that offer modern cars at a price of 30 USD per day, and in Cartagena you can rent a car to one of the branches of the same company. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the distances in Colombia are not small, and moving from Bogota to the Caribbean coast can seriously tire the driver.
But if you decide to go to Cartagena from resort town, which many tourists choose as the main vacation spot, then traveling by car will be the most pleasant and profitable option, and the travel time will be only a few hours.
By ferry
This method, perhaps, will be the most expensive of the listed. And no wonder, because Caribbean cruises are not just transport, but a real heavenly delight that you can adequately complete in Cartagena. Many transport companies offer trips on multi-storey transatlantic liners that depart weekly from port cities in the United States and the Caribbean. The cost of living starts from 60 USD per day per cabin, often meals and entertainment on board are included in this price.
Another popular way for tourists to get to Cartagena is charter flights from the Panamanian city of Colon. The fact is that the terrestrial border between Panama and Colombia is a dense forest called the Darien Gap, where there is no highways and at least minimal navigation. Therefore, travelers cross the border either by air or by sea, choosing charters to Cartagena. Boat tickets start at 150 USD and the journey lasts 3 to 5 days. Charters between countries run at any time of the year, however, the conditions of transportation (for example, the working hours of the port of Colon) may change, so it is better to check the schedule and prices on the Internet or directly on the spot a few days before the desired departure date.
As befits cities whose life has long been connected with the sea, the port of Cartagena is located in the heart of the historical center. Here come the big ones cruise ships, and charters from Panama. Small boats also leave from here, which carry tourists to the nearby islands. In my opinion, such a location of the port may not be the most favorable for vacationers who prefer a beach holiday, but for travelers arriving in Cartagena by sea, such a luxurious “reception” from the city will be remembered forever.
Prompt:
Cartagena - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 8
Kazan 8
Samara 9
Yekaterinburg 10
Novosibirsk 12
Vladivostok 15
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Summer in Cartagena all year round. Temperature differences here are insignificant, and the long-awaited coolness appears only in the middle of the rainy season, which falls on the period from May to November. In this regard, there are no seasonal dishes or fruits in the city, but carnivals and holidays are held throughout the year, most of which occur in winter and early spring, so at this time prices for tourist accommodation rise by 15-20%, and during the peak of the rainy season (September to November) they fall slightly.
Cartagena in summer
Staying in Cartagena in the summer most of all reminded me of relaxing in a huge sizzling frying pan. I came here in June, when the rains had not yet begun, and the heat had reached its limit - the daytime temperature reached 40 degrees. During the summer season, tourists are strongly advised to choose accommodation with a pool, as well as spend a lot of time on the beach. All city excursions at this time of the year are short runs from one shade to another, and a pleasant coolness comes only closer to the night, becoming the most successful time for walking and exploring the city.
In summer, the cities of the Caribbean coast are packed with tourists. Mostly young people from the United States and Europe. Local residents said that in June they begin student holidays, so every time at this time of the year the already popular Cartagena becomes the center of a real pandemonium.
Cartagena in autumn
September, October and November are the rainiest months in Cartagena. At this time, the heat subsides, and prices for housing and tourist services are reduced by about 20%. Perhaps, autumn is a good time to get to know the city, because powerful, but short rains can always be waited out in one of the cozy cafes of Cartagena. However, for beach holiday the season will be the most unfortunate - in addition to the fact that rains and clouds will prevent you from sunbathing, the water in the sea will become cloudy due to regular precipitation, and this will probably be the main disappointment in getting to know the Caribbean coast, whose hallmark is crystal clear water.
Cartagena in spring
I think that visiting Cartagena in the spring will be the best option for both a beach holiday and sightseeing. At this time, the dry season is gaining momentum, making the water temperature acceptable for swimming, but does not reach its maximum. In addition, prices in the spring are kept at an average level, without requiring unrealistic costs from the tourist.
Cartagena in winter
This is the most favorable period in terms of weather - after the rainy season, the sky becomes clear again, and the temperature has not yet reached its maximum. However, winter in Cartagena is also becoming the most expensive time of the year - after all, this is the time for holidays, and not only Catholic ones, but also regional ones, which follow one after another in winter. In addition, at this time comes here great amount vacationers from other cities in Colombia, as well as from abroad.
Cartagena - monthly weather
Prompt:
Cartagena - monthly weather
Districts. Where is the best place to live
As I wrote at the beginning, the entire tourist Cartagena is a large, elongated island connected to the "residential" part of the city by several roads. This part of the island is vast and cannot be walked around in one day (especially at +40). In addition, it is divided into several so different areas that walking through them is more like traveling through time. So it’s better to think about choosing an area for housing in advance in order to get into that “epoch” where you will feel most comfortable. You can book hotels on, but check if the prices are better somewhere.
You can see how the regions are located relative to each other on the map below.
San Diego
This historic heart Cartagena, luxurious and expensive area. Here, carts with horses roll languid tourists along the cobbled streets, and bright signs of restaurants and boutiques are full of bright signs at every step.
Housing prices here are perhaps the highest in the entire city. In Latin America, I was used to settling as close to the historical center as possible, and as soon as I arrived in Cartagena, I began to look for housing in the San Diego area. However, local prices simply shocked me - a bed in a dormitory here costs from 45 USD, a room in a hostel - from 90 USD. This is 200-300% higher than the average price tag in Latin America. True, the local hostels are equipped with swimming pools, which is very useful in hot Cartagena, and due to the fact that most of the city's visitors are wealthy students from, such housing is never empty.
In my opinion, San Diego is ideal for travelers whose lifelong dream is to experience all the luxury of living in a colonial building. It is here that 5-star old hotels with chic courtyards and spacious rooms are located. True, the prices for such pleasure are rather high - from 200 USD per day.
There are no beaches in the historic center of Cartagena, but there is a boat station within walking distance from where you can sail to the nearby islands.
Gestemani
This is the cheapest area to live in Cartagena. Here you can rent a room in a simple hostel for 15 USD per day or a room in a 3-star hotel for 30 USD. I liked living in Gestemani because of reasonable prices, a large number of shops and close proximity to the historical city center.
Bocagrande
Getting from the old city to Bocagrande, you feel as if you made a leap in time and got from the colonial era to the modern world. Here skyscrapers rise, taxis honk, and loud music comes from numerous open cafes, creating an incessant hum. Nightlife in Bocagrande is in full swing until the morning, so the main part of the tourists staying here are those who prefer noise and fun to sightseeing of historical sights. In addition, the area has access to the beach, which turns it into a real resort area.
Accommodation prices start from 30 USD for a mid-range hotel, and from 100 USD for a room in a modern 5-star hotel.
El Lago
It's a quiet area on the outskirts tourist island". The only way to get to the historic center from El Lago is by public or private transport, there is almost no party noise, and the beaches look wilder than in Bocagrande. This is a good option for those who are looking for peace and quiet. Accommodation here will be cheaper - prices for rooms without any frills start at 20 USD.
What are the prices for holidays
Prices for tourist services in Cartagena are much higher than the general Colombian ones. I wouldn't recommend buying souvenirs here except for regional souvenirs that can't be found in other parts of the country, like sweets, cigars or rum.
Food in Cartagena should also be taken seriously. Due to the large flow of tourists, the owners of the establishments do not really care about the quality of the dishes. Once, in a fit of inspiration, I visited one of the restaurants of the middle price category (which, by the way, was recommended to me by a guide during the tour) and tasted an “amazing” crab stick soup for 15 USD. After that, I tried to either cook myself or go to cafes where locals eat. These establishments are spacious dining rooms, the menu of which is written on a board in front of the entrance. In the daytime, they offer hearty and, most importantly, delicious set meals, the price of which does not exceed 5 USD. If you want to visit an expensive and high-quality restaurant, I strongly advise you to first read the reviews of tourists on TripAdvisor about it.
But the prices for excursions in Cartagena are quite reasonable. Sightseeing tours in agencies cost from 5 to 15 USD, in addition, tourists have a great opportunity to visit the "Free walking tour". This system has recently gained immense popularity in Latin America (and throughout the world). In Cartagena, it is a 2-hour walking tour with guided tours in English or Spanish. Walking through the old city, the guide talks about the main historical events Cartagena and draws attention to interesting details and features of architecture. At the end of the tour, tourists tip the guide - as much as they see fit. Considering that in the high season such a group can consist of 30 or more people, 2-3 dollars per person will be enough.
Prompt:
The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.
Currency: Rubles, rub. Dollars, $ Euro, €
Main attractions. What to watch
Cartagena really has a lot of attractions - these are narrow streets laced with history and majestic Catholic cathedrals, shady squares and luxurious beaches.
It is worth at least 3-4 days to come to Cartagena for sightseeing, and if you are a beach lover, it is better to stay for the whole week. In addition, luxurious Caribbean islands lie in the exciting proximity of Cartagena, which makes this region even more attractive.
Top 5
Torre de Reloj
This tower is the symbol of Cartagena and at the same time the entrance to Old city. Built in the 19th century, it is still in excellent condition, and its tall dome is visible from almost anywhere in the historic center, making it an excellent landmark. Most of the excursions gather at these city gates, meetings and appointments are made.
city fort
The defensive wall stretches along a significant part of the city's coast. It is not only an important historical memorial, but also a favorite pastime for local youth and tourists: on the high wall of the fort, people relax during the hot day, see off the sunsets in the evenings, and at night impromptu discos are held here under open sky.
Monument to Garcia Marquez
As a big fan of Latin American literature, I couldn't miss this important attraction. The great Colombian poet and Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez died in 2014 in Mexico, but in the spring of 2016 he was reburied at the University of Cartagena and crowned with a monument. During my stay, there was also a free exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the writer.
There is also a house in Cartagena where García Márquez lived, but so far there is no museum in it and it is closed to visitors.
Las Bovedas
An impromptu souvenir market is located under the arches of this arched gallery. Prices here are slightly cheaper than elsewhere in Cartagena, so it enjoys a good reputation among tourists.
Bocagrande beach
What could be more pleasant than to plunge into the Caribbean Sea after a tiring walk under the scorching sun! Bocagrande is the city's largest beach, plus it's the closest to the historic center and you won't have to travel long to reach it in the heat.
Beaches. Which is better
Beaches are not the main hallmark of the city: tourists who prefer exclusively “bathing” holidays choose neighboring resorts like Santa Marta and Taganga or nearby islands for recreation, and Cartagena, which was originally and for the most part remains a port city, assigns less significant role. And yet there are several city beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
All beaches are well-groomed and clean, so it is really comfortable to relax here. Sandy bottoms, shallow waters and gentle entry make Cartagena's urban resorts a great getaway for families with small children. Despite the fact that the water in the coastal waters of the port city simply cannot be as crystal clear as, say, on the islands, even when swimming for long distances, the bottom is visible. 
- The beach is the most popular among tourists. Bocagrande thanks to its convenient location and developed infrastructure: there is a rental of sunbeds and umbrellas for 3-10 USD per day, places for playing beach volleyball and other active fun.
- Beach Castillogrande seemed to me more secluded and quiet than Bocagrande. There are practically no sunbeds here, and the locals, who love this place very much, set up their tents on the beach. Thanks to this, it is easy to feel at home here.
- Another beach Marbello, stretches along the road to the airport of Cartagena. Its only disadvantage is its proximity to a noisy highway. Otherwise, Marbello is pleasant and quiet place for relaxation and swimming.
On the map below you can see how the beaches are located relative to the city center. 
Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit
Like any other city in Latin America, which occupied an important position in the colonial era, Cartagena keeps on its territory a dozen of the most beautiful, perfectly preserved cathedrals. Tourists can enter any of them for free, but inside it is forbidden to make noise and take pictures. All churches open quite early, around 8 am, and work until 17-17.30. You can listen to mass in one of the cathedrals on Sunday morning.
- Cathedral was built about 400 years ago. As in other Colombian cities, it symbolizes the power of the Spanish government and the Catholic religion, and its interior decoration is simply amazing.
- When you approach the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver, it takes your breath away. It seems as if its walls have absorbed the whole depth of the poignant and troubled history of Cartagena. The architecture of the cathedral seemed to me more interesting than the interior, but there is peace and quiet, which cannot but fascinate in the center of a bustling tourist city.
- The Trinity Church () is located in the center of the most picturesque streets of the Gestemani district. A tour of the ancient building will not only inspire you, but will also be a great starting point for an exciting walk.
Museums. Which are worth a visit
There are several small but fascinating museums in Cartagena with a variety of expositions. I was pleasantly surprised that the entrance to most of them is free or equals 1-2 USD. True, this factor provides museums with constant gatherings of people who come not only to get acquainted with the history and culture of the region, but also simply to hide from the heat. The working hours of the Cartagena museums are standard - from 9 to 18.
- Historical Museum Cartagena houses a fascinating collection that educates visitors about the pre-Pispanian and colonial era. Address: 46, Plaza de Bolivar, Cra. 3#33
- The Gold Museum demonstrates the amazing skill of the Indians, who from time immemorial have been mining and processing gold in these parts. Museum address: Cra. 4#3326
- The Emerald Museum is located on the territory of a factory for the production of products with precious stones. This new project aimed at acquainting potential buyers with the history of emerald mining, as well as teaching them to distinguish between the original and fakes. The museum is interesting to visit both for purely educational purposes, and for the subsequent purchase of a product in a reliable salon. The museum is located at: Centro, calle San Pedro Claver, No. 31-18
- Museum navy tells of the great battles that took place in the waters near Cartagena. I'm not a big connoisseur military equipment, but looking at the weapons and trophies was really interesting. Museum address: Cl. 52 #3-62, Rionegro
- The pirate galleon is located in the very center of Cartagena, on Avenida Blas de Lezo. And inside it is an exhibition that completely imitates the interior of an old ship. This is the only one of the listed museums with a very expensive entrance ticket - about 15 USD.
parks
Sultry Cartagena can hardly be called a green city. Trees here mostly grow only in small squares that are scattered around the historical center of the city, or along the beach strip. However, there are also several city parks that serve as a real salvation for tourists on hot days.
- Centenario Park is the central green area of the city. Locals love to relax here, who fall asleep in droves right on the curbs. It is noteworthy that during a short walk I managed to see a pair of monkeys in this city park, as well as a red squirrel and several amusing tropical birds. So Centenario will definitely appeal to wildlife lovers.
- Marina Park reminded me of a typical landscape of a Caribbean settlement: most of the trees growing here are palm trees, and one side of the park overlooks the port. Together with well-preserved colonial buildings, the park gives a feeling of real, unadorned antiquity.
- India Catalina Park is located across the street from the "tourist island", at the very beginning of the "residential" part of Cartagena. Thanks to this, the park has retained some privacy and is a great place for a relaxing holiday and evening runs.
tourist streets
All the streets of the historical center can be safely called tourist. During walks, I literally had to comb them up and down so as not to miss an interesting building or store.
The most expensive restaurants and shops are located on the streets of the San Diego area. Also, the most beautiful colonial buildings have been preserved here. For walks along the streets of San Diego, I would recommend joining the tour group. Local guides tell not only Interesting Facts about the architecture and history of the city, but also draw the attention of tourists to small details.
For example, on my first day in Cartagena, I noticed that almost all the doors in the buildings of the San Diego area were decorated with massive door rings, but I did not attach much importance to this, deciding that they performed an exclusively decorative function. However, the guide said that these rings in Cartagena are used in accordance with a long tradition, and the symbol on each ring primarily speaks of the profession of the owner of the house. For example, a mermaid, a seahorse or any other marine inhabitant on the door of the house says that a person lives here whose life is connected with the sea, and the lion on the door ring confirms the high title of the owner. 
But it is most pleasant to walk around the Gestemani district alone or with a small company. The houses here look much simpler than in San Diego, but, in my opinion, they are more colorful. In addition, sometimes on the streets there are small churches so ancient that it seems as if they were built by the first Spanish settlers. On the streets of Gestemani, you can have a cheap meal or sign up for one of the excursions, as agencies are literally located here at every step.
All the streets in these two areas are really worthy of attention. 
What to see in 1 day
If you came to Cartagena for only 1 day (for example, from neighboring resort towns, which is quite likely), I would recommend an easy but active route for exploring the city.
- 8 ocloc'k. Enter the old city through the Torre del Reloj gate, and after a little look around, have breakfast in one of the open cafes of the historic part of Cartagena.
- 10 hours. Free walking tours start from Santa Teresa Square. Join one of the groups (English-speaking or Spanish-speaking to your taste). The tour lasts 2 hours and allows you to get acquainted with the most interesting places old city.
- 12 hours. The heat is in full swing, so it's best to pay attention to one of the city's museums, besides, most of them are just within the walls of the old city.
- 14 hours. Acquaintance with the old city took place, and now it's time to go to the Gestimani area, where you can start by having lunch in one of the inexpensive and pleasant establishments.
- 15 hours. It is best to start a walk around the Gestimani district from the church. A whole string of streets with colorful, different houses will captivate you for several hours.
- 17 hours. Now you can return to the old city, where life begins to boil in the late afternoon. Look under the vaults of the arches of Las Bovedas - shops with souvenirs have just opened up there.
- 18 hours. Climb the defensive wall. Exactly this the best place to look at the sea and spend the setting sun.
- 21 hours. Cartagena is considered the brightest Caribbean city in Colombia, so it’s impossible not to plunge into the incendiary tropical rhythms, having been here. City establishments offer a variety of music programs, themed evenings and discos. Become a part of one of them and feel how the stuffiness of a hot day recedes, and it is replaced by freshness and cheerfulness with a breeze from tall palm trees and unique Caribbean motifs.
What to see in the surroundings
The most popular destination for tourists vacationing in Cartagena is national park Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Despite the fact that the road to it will take 3-4 hours, a lot of excursion routes one day. True, some travelers try to stay in the vicinity of the park for a longer period, because a huge variety of various attractions are concentrated here. 
- Tayrona Park, whose beaches are considered the best in Colombia, has become one of my favorite places in the country. This is a beautiful, green area that is perfect for trekking and ecotourism (about 220 km from Cartagena).
- - popular tourist resort with a whole myriad of active entertainment (approximately 220 km of Cartagena).
- Taganga is a small fishing village with white and secluded beaches (about 230 km from Cartagena).
- Ciudad Perdida - ancient city developed Indian civilization in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It will not be possible to get there for one day, since the tour is a two-day hiking trip. However, this is really a good reason to leave the colorful colonial Cartagena for a couple of days and go to study even more ancient history (about 240 km from Cartagena).
nearby islands
Not far from Cartagena, several islands are comfortably located. As a rule, tourists go to them exclusively for a beach holiday. There are no historical sights here, but the water will be much cleaner than that of the mainland, and the atmosphere will be noticeably more relaxed. You can get to the islands by buying a ticket at the Cartagena boat station for 20-25 USD one way or by ordering a transfer from an agency, which will be 20-30% more expensive. The road to the islands takes from 30 to 90 minutes.
After a long beach holiday in Tyrone, I decided to visit one of the islands for just a few hours without booking an overnight stay. So do many other travelers. However, on all of the listed islands you can stay for any period - the tourist infrastructure is well developed here.
- The island of Tierra Bomba is closest to the mainland. Being the largest and most accessible, it is the most popular among tourists. The most popular type of accommodation on the island is 3-4 star hotels costing from 40 USD per room.
- I remember the archipelago not only for the amazing purity of the waters, but also for the diverse infrastructure for vacationers: here you can either spend the night in a hammock for 5 USD per day, or rent a room in a luxurious 5-star hotel from 150 and more.
- The archipelago of San Bernardo is the most remote and, therefore, the most secluded island in the coastal waters of Cartagena. This is a great place for diving and maximum relaxation. Here you can stay in one of the small bungalows, many of which are located right on the water. The cost of a room in such a house starts from 50 USD.
You can see how the islands are located relative to Cartagena on the map below.
Food. What to try
All regions of Colombia amazed me with the variety of their dishes. The Caribbean region is no exception: the local cuisine is a stunning mix of seafood, fresh tropical fruits and coconut and chocolate sweets. True, in tourist Cartagena you should be careful with tasting dishes - due to the huge flow of tourists, many establishments are negligent about the quality of their dishes, even fakes and fraud are possible.
In Cartagena, I often cooked myself and, although I could not find large markets in the tourist part of the city, small shops and vegetable shops came to the rescue. Vegetables and fruits are very cheap here (up to 1 USD per kg), and the choice is varied: watermelon, melon, mango, juicy pineapple and hearty papaya, as well as eggplant, peppers and tomatoes.
Being a popular tourist city, Cartagena can delight guests with restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines - there are Thai and Italian restaurants, and one institution in the central square even bears the proud name of "KGB". And yet, I recommend discarding nostalgia and enjoying the unique range of flavors of the Caribbean coast.
Budget
- La Mulata;
- Espiritu Santo;
- Quiero Arepa;
- coroncoro;
- La Cocina de Dorotea.
Intermediate level
- La Pescaderia Ceviches y Piqueos;
- La Cocina de Pepina;
- El Burlador de Sevilla;
- Cafe Lunatico;
- Quebracho.
Expensive
- Carmen Restaurant Cartagena;
- Restaurante 1621;
- Agua de Mar;
- Restaurant Alma;
- bohemia.
Holidays
Vibrant, touristy Cartagena hosts many exciting events: for example, a sweet festival (which usually coincides with the week before Catholic Easter), a street food festival in early February, a bullfight in January, a regatta in March, and as many as 3 Pan-American beach volleyball competitions and football (January, June and December). In addition, local residents actively celebrate international holidays, especially Catholic ones, such as Christmas and Easter. However, among this seemingly never-ending holiday, I would like to single out the most important event.
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is not just a Catholic, but also a very authentic, folklore holiday, which is without a doubt the most significant for these places. It takes place at the end of January/beginning of February, and its mood brings together everyone who finds himself in the city at this time. Every day of the holiday, there are fairs with regional dishes and dances in the streets that you will not see anywhere else in the world.
Security. What to watch out for
Even though I read a lot of warnings about looting in the tourist cities of Colombia before the trip, Cartagena seemed to me a fairly safe place. In the tourist areas, life is in full swing until the morning, and from time to time I noticed the police patrolling the city. Tourists from the United States (who, it seemed to me, are not very worried about safety at all) calmly walk along the night streets with huge cameras at the ready, laughing carelessly.
So in general the environment seems very peaceful. However, we should not forget that we are talking about South America where the overall crime rate is quite high. Therefore, the only recommendation that I would like to give to tourists is not to walk through the deserted streets at night. Try to choose crowded places for walking, and your stay in Cartagena will give you exceptional joy and pleasure.
Things to do
There is another amazing entertainment in Cartagena that is authentic and stands out from the standard activities - this is night chiva. Old buses with open windows run around Cartagena around the clock, but during the day they serve as ordinary sightseeing transport, but at night they turn into a real Caribbean adventure.
Tickets for chiva cost $10 and include a two-hour tour of Cartagena by night accompanied by a band, as well as unlimited Colombian rum and ice, soft drinks and street snacks. You can sign up for such a bus at any travel agency in the city.
I learned about chiva from a TV program 20 years ago. Then this transport served as entertainment mainly for local residents. I understood that now, in the super-tourist Cartagena, Chiva acquired a different status, but still bought a ticket and did not regret it.
Firstly, most of the passengers in my chiva were Hispanic, so the atmosphere was very homely: the band played popular Caribbean tunes, and the whole bus sang along.
Secondly, the trip turned out to be very fun and memorable. We rode along the historic streets and embankments of Cartagena, and once we stopped at the defensive wall, where the group continued to play, and the passengers were able to dance to their heart's content. This friendly, kindly fun left me with the best impressions during my stay in Cartagena.
During that stop, I especially remember one more moment: that night I reached the semi-finals of the America's Cup in football, and the "Colombian" part of the passengers rushed to the street cafe, where visitors watched the match on an old receiver. It was nice to watch how the residents cheer for their team peacefully, without any aggression. With a little regret, I noted that if such entertainment existed in our country, and even coincided with an important football match, then unlimited rum would not be beneficial and, in the end, poor chiva would be turned upside down.
Shopping and shops
There are no large shopping centers in the historic center of Cartagena, but almost every street has branded clothing and accessories stores, jewelry stores and boutiques, as well as souvenir shops. Shopping centers with mass-produced goods are located in the Bocagrande area, as well as in the non-tourist part of the city.
As I wrote at the beginning, prices in Cartagena are very high, so I would recommend buying here either really necessary goods, or expensive premium items, for which it is not a pity to pay a large amount. For example, a salon with an emerald museum has a very good reputation. I even read a story about how a tourist had a defect in the ring she bought there, and the company quickly fixed the problem and sent her the ring to her home address.
Bars. Where to go
As in any other tourist city, there are hundreds of amazing, different bars in Cartagena. True, the city does not have a separate bar street, as is customary in many resorts, but the establishments are very close to each other. They are available in all tourist areas of Cartagena, so if you are fans of barhopping, you will be pleasantly surprised not only by the variety, but also by the good location of the bars (wherever you are).
Due to the huge competition, establishments compete with each other in ingenuity. Among the endless themed places (Mexican, Asian, Russian), I was especially struck by bars with a pool: you need to come there prepared (with a swimsuit and a towel) and, having bought a glass of beer, you can sit in cool water and enjoy a hot day with relaxing music.
Bars in Cartagena are open almost around the clock: they mostly open at 12 noon and work until 3-4 am. Prices in such establishments are not cheap: a glass of beer will cost 5 USD or more (with a store price of 1-1.5 USD), and a cocktail or strong drink - from 7 USD.
Below is a list of the most famous places in the city:
- Monalisa Pub Cartagena;
- Mister Babilla;
- Via Apia;
- Tu Candela Bar;
- Eivissa Cartagena;
- KGB Bar.
Clubs and nightlife
With its architecture, Cartagena reminded me very much of Havana, or rather, how it could look now if history had turned out differently. In addition, the Cuban theme is felt everywhere in Cartagena, primarily due to the large number of Cuban establishments and nightclubs. And no wonder, because the music industry of the island of freedom has conquered all of Latin America, and even those who have never heard these melodies before or who loves completely different genres will want to dance to the Caribbean rhythms in hot Cartagena.
In addition, there are plenty of stylish clubs in Cartagena with popular music and DJ performances. All dance establishments open every evening around 22-23 o'clock and for the most part work until the morning, as the flow of visitors does not dry out on any day of the week. Entrance to most clubs involves a nominal fee (2-5 USD) to slightly limit the number of visitors. There are guards at the entrance who monitor security and check the contents of bags, but there is no face control as such in Cartagena clubs - a tourist in any state is a welcome guest for nightlife establishments.
Here are some nice establishments that I managed to visit during my stay:
- Cafe Havana;
- Babar;
- La Concha;
- Fragma Club.
extreme sports
Everything active entertainment in Cartagena are directly connected to the sea. In addition to peaceful activities like sailing lessons, local travel agencies also offer more extreme activities: kitesurfing, diving and flyboarding. With the latter, I must admit, I first encountered it in Cartagena and was immensely surprised at the progress that had fled another hundred steps ahead.
For each activity, you will have to shell out from 50 to 100 USD, as they all involve equipment rental and professional help. Diving and snorkeling classes most often take place in the coastal waters of the nearby islands - and Baru, where the water is cleaner than off the coast of Cartagena, and undersea world much more interesting.
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
I already wrote that Cuban themes are very popular in Cartagena. Another confirmation of this is a large number of well-known brands of cigars from the island of freedom on store shelves, such as Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta for 8-10 USD each, as well as Havana Club Cuban rum from 10 USD per bottle. In addition, Colombia produces its own tobacco products (including cigars) and rum. The cost of local products will be 20 percent lower than that of Colombian, so it is very popular with tourists. True, it seemed to me that in terms of quality, local products are still inferior to Cuban ones.
On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, there are many mestizos and mulattos. There are more than 10 names for determining the race of a person, depending on who his father and mother were. Thanks to this diversity, in the markets of Cartagena you can find many wooden souvenirs (toys and figurines) that keep not only Latin American, but also African flavor. Prices for these gizmos start from 5 USD for a mass-produced toy and from 20 USD for an author's work.
Another souvenir that you will not find in other cities of Colombia, except for resorts, is sea trinkets: shells, starfish and more. Their sizes vary from the smallest elements to huge, almost unbearable shells, and the range of prices corresponds to the choice: from 1 to 50 USD per item.
An excellent gift for those with a sweet tooth will be regional sweets, which are sold at all souvenir markets. They are made from coconut, fruit and condensed milk. Before buying, each candy can be tasted by purchasing individually for a quarter of a dollar. A gift box of sweets will cost 5-10 USD, depending on the volume.
How to move around the city
Due to the proximity of tourist attractions to each other, most of the time I walked around Cartagena on foot. However, for longer distances, city transport has always come to my rescue: there are quite inexpensive taxis, as well as a convenient network of city buses and minibuses.
Taxi. What features exist
The first thing that caught my eye in Cartagena was a huge number of taxis. This type of transport is really in great demand, due to which the prices for it are set quite loyal. The minimum cost is 1.5 USD, and when traveling around the tourist areas of the city, you can easily keep within 10 USD. As far as I understand, the most expensive transfer (due to the long distance) is obtained along the route from the bus terminal to the old city: it costs 15 USD and lasts from 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Taxis in Cartagena can be safely hailed on the street - there are so many of them that you most likely won't have to wait more than 1 minute. Before starting the trip, you should definitely check the cost with the driver, and if he says that he is driving on the meter and cannot give an answer, you need to ask him to name the approximate cost. If the driver refuses to say this as well, the best solution is to leave the car and look for another, more honest taxi.
Taxis can only be paid in cash.
Buses
There are two types of buses running in Cartagena. The first is minibuses, which are called "camionettes" here. They rush like crazy all over the city, stopping at the request of passengers, often breaking down and getting stuck in traffic jams. One trip in a Camionette will cost 0.5 USD.
The second type of bus belongs to the Transcaribe company and is a metrobus system popular in Latin America. These are buses that run on their own line of road. The advantage of this transport is that it can quickly and on schedule get to the right place, even in cities with insanely busy roads (for example, in Cartagena). Entrance to the Transcaribe station is by card, which can be bought at the box office for 1 USD. Additionally, the cost of each trip in the amount of 0.7 USD is paid.
Transport rental
Renting a car in Cartagena is a great option, especially if, in addition to moving around the city, you intend to make a trip to one of the nearby resorts. The rental price starts from 35 USD per day, from the documents you only need a passport and an international driver's license. Most car rental agencies are located in the Bocagrande area, so if you want to travel exclusively by private car, you should head straight to this modern tourist district. You can find the best options for the price
Azure lagoon in the adjacent resort area, warm climate and picturesque beaches with fine sand, the opportunity to swim from March to November - this is what Cartagena attracts tourists from all countries. Many historical sights, ancient ruins and museums, excellent restaurants, casinos and hotels are its business card. Majestic processions, colorful carnivals and battles between the "Carthaginians" and the "Romans" - yes, you were not mistaken, this is also Cartagena.
General information
Cartagena is a Spanish port in the autonomous community of Murcia. The city itself is located on a plain, but is surrounded by mountain ranges on the northern, southern and southwestern sides. The historical part of the city is located between five hills.Medium annual temperature- 20°, the coldest month is January, and the hottest is August, when the temperature reaches 33 - 35°. The territory of Catagena includes islands, peninsulas and isthmuses.
History of the city
The city was founded in 227 BC. Carthaginian general Hasdrubal the Handsome and was called Kart Hadasht, which means " New town". It was from this city that the campaign of the famous commander Hannibal began, during which he crossed the Alps and began the Second Punic War.During the period of its existence, the city was conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs. In 1245, he came under the rule of Castile. Since the 17th century, many Christian monasteries have been formed that have changed the face of Cartagena.
It is clear that such an abundant cultural heritage has turned the city into a interesting place rich in various architectural monuments.
In the province of Murcia, you can enjoy wide and clean sandy beaches Costa Calida, resort area, whose name literally translates as "Warm Beach". There is a lagoon Mar Menor ("small sea"). Calm, almost a year round warm water with a high content of minerals, a rich underwater world, a lot of birds that live on the coast, among which there are even pink flamingo do the Mar Menor great place for relax. Diving, yachting and kayaking, rowing lessons - the amount of entertainment here is not limited.
Sights of Cartagena
Cartagena is a paradise for tourists who are at least a little interested in world history or culture. Here you can admire the Palace of the Consistory and the Palace of Aguirre in the Art Nouveau style, the Maestro Palace, the remains of the Punic fortress wall of the 3rd century BC, the Cartagena Cathedral of Santa Maria la Vieja, the Roman forum and Roman baths, the fortress walls of Carlos III.
You can get closer to the culture of Cartagena by visiting the following places: 
local holidays
- On Holy Week, you can watch magnificent processions, in which a detachment of penitent sinners, children in Jewish clothes take part and carry huge golden thrones decorated with flowers, as well as a statue of the Apostle Peter.
- Before Lent, the inhabitants of the city hold a cheerful and colorful carnival, replete with jokes and contests. Its main characters are the fat, food-loving Don Carnal and the stern lady, the symbol of fasting, Dona Quaresma.
- "Carthaginians and Romans" in the second half of September. This is a reconstruction of the Second Punic War, during which you can see theatrical performances with Carthaginian warriors and Roman legionnaires.
