Cartagena question

[poss]

Stay in Cartagena or visit La Manga as well?    

Thanks!

[campolady]

Although it is interesting to see the Mar Menor, La Manga itself is just a long thin strip of land overcrowded with apartments and leisure facilities - just my personal opinion.  There is more than enough to keep you occupied in Cartagena - here are a few of my suggestions that I hope you may find of interest:-

 

Cartagena is one of the easiest Mediterranean ports to DIY as the town is compact/easy to get around with some good examples of Modernista architecture.  The Roman Amphitheatre and Museum is right at the start of the main street opposite the Town Hall at the Plaza de Ayuntamiento and shouldn't be missed - and it would be a sin not to call into the Valor Chocolate Shop virtually next door where you will be tempted with all things chocolaty (hand made chocolates, hot chocolate drinks, ice cream, cakes and pastries etc).  

The Santa Florentina is a good indoor market and the town has a good range of shops (especially for shoe lovers as shoemaking is a local industry). 

The castle (Castillo de la Concepcion) is a fascinating place to wander around - best way to access this and see some amazing views of your ship and across the bay is via the panoramic scenic elevator.  If you like nautical history you will enjoy the Naval Museum and for fans of 20th Century history the Civil War museum is good.  A good way to get your bearings, and learn some of the towns history, is by taking a ride on the trolley train**. 

 

**When we docked at Cartagena last month (the 5th time we had stopped there on a cruise and we still find something new each time) the ship was offering a trip on the trolley train for over 30 Euros per person.  Although this did pick you up ship side, a short walk takes you to the trains main starting point in Cartagena centre when the fare is only 9 Euro per person for the same tour.

Edited December 1, 2018 by campolady

[wowzz]

La Manga is just a characterless strip of hotels.  Stay in Cartagena! 

[edinburgher]

Sorry this reply later than others.

 

If you SEARCH the Spain Ports forum with Cartagena you should get lots of results to read from previous threads, however this one might help more than some as there are photos and a pointer to Toms excellent port guide.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2552362-cartagena-spain-just-got-back/?tab=comments#comment-55013964