Cartagena is the main port of the Murcia region and an important Naval City. With almost three millennia of Spanish history, it is a city full of monuments, archaeological sites, interesting buildings and architecture and fascinating places to see, making it a place well worth visiting. The port area has been fully modernised and now offers an important disembarkation place for cruise ships. The famous holiday resort of La Manga del Mar Menor is within the municipality as is the beautiful scenic coastal area of the Calblanque National Park. Places to visit in the city include the Roman theatre which is the second largest in Spain and was only discovered in 1987, the military fortress, museums and cathedrals and modernist houses made by the pupils of the famous architect Gaudi, such as the Town Hall, Gran Hotel and Casino
The bustling city is full of walkways and plazas offering a host of restaurants, bars and Tapas eateries as well as places to sit and relax and watch the world go by or have a romantic evening meal, there really is something for everyone. The area boasts more award winning beaches than any other area in Spain and the calm waters and rocky coasts of the Costa Calida are an excellent place to go scuba diving. There are numerous facilities available to enjoy all kinds of water sports and activities. For Naturists, there is a Naturist Family beach at El Portus some 12km southwest of Cartagena along with a Family Naturist Camping site