cartegena spain

We are going to be in Cartegena on Saturday April 9, 2016 from 7 am to 1 pm. Everything seems to open at 10! Any suggestions on what to do?

As you don't have much time I would just 'do' the Roman theatre, which will take an hour or so,stroll down the main pedestrianized for a bit of shopping, then have a beer at the marina before returning to the ship.

As you don't have much time I would just 'do' the Roman theatre, which will take an hour or so,stroll down the main pedestrianized for a bit of shopping, then have a beer at the marina before returning to the ship.

You could add a trip up the panoramic lift to the castle area - great photo opportunities http://murciatoday.com/the-panoramic-lift-best-views-of-cartagena-and-a-great-place-to-photograph-the-port_3009-a.html

If you don't like heights the Naval Museum is a good place to visit http://murciatoday.com/museo-naval-cartagena_11716-a.html

A short walk from the cruise terminal is Chocolateria Valor - one of the homes of the famous Spanish Chocolate manufacturer Valor; sitting in its pavement café dunking Churros in delicious Hot Chocolate, or eating a wickedly calorific Chocolate cake or handmade bonbon is a 'must do' for us whenever we are in Cartagena! http://www.chocolateriasvalor.es/localizacion/chocolateria/murcia/cartagena/28

By the way, don't worry about the 10 a.m. opening - many shops in Cartagena open earlier on days that a cruise ship is in port - especially if it is sailing out early afternoon; they don't want to miss your trade!

Thanks for the advice.

I posted this on another thread in reply to a question yesterday. To answer your question I would also add that the walk didn't take too long, and kept us occupied until everything opened:

In Cartagena we followed Tom's Port Guide walking tour. We passed the Roman Forum and continued the walk until we came to the lift. Even if you don't want to visit the Roman Theatre, take the lift for €1 and go to the square at the top. Great views of Cartagena and the ampitheatre. Shortly after this we were back at the starting point of our walk. By this time the streets had come to life with music, market stalls and outdoor tables, so we visited the shops, cafes and walked some more. No need for an excursion here.

Thanks, I have downloaded Tom's Port guides to a couple of our stops now.

You could add a trip up the panoramic lift to the castle area - great photo opportunities http://murciatoday.com/the-panoramic-lift-best-views-of-cartagena-and-a-great-place-to-photograph-the-port_3009-a.html

 

If you don't like heights the Naval Museum is a good place to visit http://murciatoday.com/museo-naval-cartagena_11716-a.html

 

A short walk from the cruise terminal is Chocolateria Valor - one of the homes of the famous Spanish Chocolate manufacturer Valor; sitting in its pavement café dunking Churros in delicious Hot Chocolate, or eating a wickedly calorific Chocolate cake or handmade bonbon is a 'must do' for us whenever we are in Cartagena! http://www.chocolateriasvalor.es/localizacion/chocolateria/murcia/cartagena/28

 

By the way, don't worry about the 10 a.m. opening - many shops in Cartagena open earlier on days that a cruise ship is in port - especially if it is sailing out early afternoon; they don't want to miss your trade!

thank you so much for the info :D

very helpful

Do you think the punic walls and the roman theater will open early?

I'll be stopping in Cartagena on a TA in April and we're there from 7am to 2pm

You could add a trip up the panoramic lift to the castle area - great photo opportunities http://murciatoday.com/the-panoramic-lift-best-views-of-cartagena-and-a-great-place-to-photograph-the-port_3009-a.html

 

If you don't like heights the Naval Museum is a good place to visit http://murciatoday.com/museo-naval-cartagena_11716-a.html

 

A short walk from the cruise terminal is Chocolateria Valor - one of the homes of the famous Spanish Chocolate manufacturer Valor; sitting in its pavement café dunking Churros in delicious Hot Chocolate, or eating a wickedly calorific Chocolate cake or handmade bonbon is a 'must do' for us whenever we are in Cartagena! http://www.chocolateriasvalor.es/localizacion/chocolateria/murcia/cartagena/28

 

By the way, don't worry about the 10 a.m. opening - many shops in Cartagena open earlier on days that a cruise ship is in port - especially if it is sailing out early afternoon; they don't want to miss your trade!

Thanks very much for the info, Campolady! We will check them out. Also good to know that the shops would open early but would they close for siesta? and what time would they close?

Thanks again! It is so helpful to have a local to guide us travelers. Very kind of you. God Bless!

Do you think the punic walls and the roman theater will open early?

 

I'll be stopping in Cartagena on a TA in April and we're there from 7am to 2pm

Have never known the walls/theatre to open earlier than 10 a.m.

Thanks very much for the info, Campolady! We will check them out. Also good to know that the shops would open early but would they close for siesta? and what time would they close?

Would expect the main shops will still close for Siesta at 2 p.m. However, the smaller privately owned shops may well decide to stay open if your ship is in port after 2 p.m.

 

 

Would expect the main shops will still close for Siesta at 2 p.m. However, the smaller privately owned shops may well decide to stay open if your ship is in port after 2 p.m.

How long do the shops close for siesta? We hope to squeeze in some shopping while there. Thanks again!

How long do the shops close for siesta? We hope to squeeze in some shopping while there. Thanks again!

Siesta is generally from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - the heat of the day. Shops then re-open until 10 or 11 p.m.

Siesta is generally from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - the heat of the day. Shops then re-open until 10 or 11 p.m.

I could use a siesta right now. :rolleyes:

Depending on what you want to buy, Carrey our and Mercadona do not close for siesta. Ideal if you are wanting to stock up on wine or snacks.

Depending on what you want to buy, Carrey our and Mercadona do not close for siesta. Ideal if you are wanting to stock up on wine or snacks.

I meant to say Carrefour but auto spell was not happy!

Depending on what you want to buy, Carrey our and Mercadona do not close for siesta. Ideal if you are wanting to stock up on wine or snacks.

Should read Carrefour!

Depending on what you want to buy, Carrey our and Mercadona do not close for siesta. Ideal if you are wanting to stock up on wine or snacks.

Sorry - we never shop during siesta so didn't think of supermarkets staying open!

Address for Mercadona in Cartagena is Plaza España, number 2.

Carrefour is a longer walk at Calle Alfonso X111 number 63. There is also a Carrefour hypermarket out of town - much better choice of Wines - at the Espacio Meditterneo Shopping Centre but this would require a taxi ride.

Thanks very much for all the information, everyone! Good to know that at least we can hit the supermarkets while the shops are closed. We will just have to time it so we can hit the shops at the right time. Thanks again!

Suzie

Can someone please tell me how long it would take to walk from the port to the Roman Theater?? Also the directions to get there please.

Can someone please tell me how long it would take to walk from the port to the Roman Theater?? Also the directions to get there please.

5 minutes walk. Just walk up from the port to the seafront, cross the road onto the main street and the Roman Theatre ticket office is one of the first buildings on your right opposite the Town Hall; well signposted so you can't miss it.

You may find this kink helpful http://www.teatroromanocartagena.org/_jDgB8UCd51YgSeeupRXiuegfBe1r886K

5 minutes walk. Just walk up from the port to the seafront, cross the road onto the main street and the Roman Theatre ticket office is one of the first buildings on your right opposite the Town Hall; well signposted so you can't miss it.

 

You may find this kink helpful http://www.teatroromanocartagena.org/_jDgB8UCd51YgSeeupRXiuegfBe1r886K

Thank you!

Can you get to Murcia by public transit? We would

like to do something different as we have been to Cartagena

several times. We have eight hours in port. Any other

suggestion would be most welcomed.

is the port walkable for seniors with reasonable mobility? Local taxis available?

is the port walkable for seniors with reasonable mobility? Local taxis available?

Yes and yes.

Can you get to Murcia by public transit? We would

like to do something different as we have been to Cartagena

several times. We have eight hours in port. Any other

suggestion would be most welcomed.

The bus service between Cartagena and Murcia is operated by Lycar - see this link for timetable http://www.lycar.es/

Hi Campolady,

We are scheduled to be in Cartagena on a Monday...everything is closed according to websites. Is it true that sites open even on Monday when cruiseships are in port? Thank you.