Cartagena and the Costa Cálida

Your first stop in Cartagena is the Roman Theater, one of the most impressive relics of Roman rule in the region. Dating to the 1st century BC, visits will immediately transport you back in time to when Roman Legionnaires stomped their way through the streets of this city.
Practical Information: Tours begin first in the Museo Teatro Romano nearby. After a look through the museum, you'll descend underground via escalators and make your way over to the theater itself. Tickets can be reserved in advance on the official website.
Visiting Hours (1 May – 30 September): 10:00 – 20:00 Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 Sundays
(1 October – 30 April): 10:00 – 18:00 Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 14:00 Sundays

After your tour of the Roman theater, you'll make your way around the central hill in Cartagena to this lift, which whisks you up to the top. Here, you'll find the Castillo de la Concepción, as well as fantastic views over the city including the nearby Roman amphitheater.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 daily

After you've had your fill of the divine views over Cartagena, head back down to ground level and toward the port to arrive at this fascinating museum. Not only does it cover the intriguing field of underwater archaeology, but it delves into the history of marine trade in the area as well, and there's a brilliant replica of a Phoenician trading vessel. It's a museum that really helps you understand just how important Cartagena has been as a trading port throughout history.
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 19:00 Tuesday – Sunday Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Before leaving Cartagena to explore Costa Cálida, make a quick stop for lunch at this popular bar and restaurant in the old town of Cartagena offering seafood, tapas, and plenty more.
Opening Hours: 10:30 – 16:00 & 20:00 – 24:00 Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00 Sundays

Leaving Cartagena, you'll hit the road heading west, driving through the Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso y Roldán. This is a beautiful mountainous area, with gorgeous glimpses of the Mediterranean between the peaks. Eventually, you'll turn down a road south, winding your way down to the end of a peninsula, where you'll find another piece of history. An abandoned castle sits on the headland, with huge cannons pointed out to sea that once protected this side of the entry to Cartagena's port.
The road to get here can be narrow, so driving slowly is recommended. Once there, the panoramas of the ocean and mountains are incredible. Good shoes are recommended, as there's around a 20-minute walk from the parking area to the castle itself.

You'll finish your day by driving into the town of Puerto de Mazarrón, a popular beach resort town. Before dinner, you'll drive up to this viewpoint looking over the coast, where a wooden boardwalk leads you out onto the cliffs. If you're here for sunset, the views are incredible.

Nearby to the viewpoint is Puerto de Mazarrón's port area, where you'll find the fantastic El Caldero Restaurant. Serving up fresh seafood and grilled meats, it's a great spot for dinner before retiring to your hotel for the evening.
Opening Hours: 09:30 – 17:00 & 20:30 – 24:00 Tuesday – Sunday

As a popular tourist destination along the coast, there's a wide range of hotels to choose from in Puerto de Mazarrón. Rest up well, as the third and final day will have plenty more to see and do as you head inland toward the medieval city of Lorca.