Following the Roman Ruins in Cartagena and a Disused Military Fortress

Before you leave, don't forget to pack everything you need. If you are doing the route in summer, a swimming costume and sun cream are a must because there are several beaches along the way for swimming, mainly in Cabo de Gata.
For the walks through the towns, comfortable shoes are essential. There are many places like the castles where you will have to climb gentle slopes between rocks.

First stop on the way to contemplate the views from the Cabo de Palos lighthouse. Leave the car in the open-air parking area and walk up a staircase to the lighthouse.

The Cabo de Palos lighthouse occupies a strategic point on the coast, on a small peninsula surrounded by coves.
Although you are not allowed inside, the panoramic views from the lighthouse are astonishing, both of the adjoining beach, Calafria, and of La Manga, this fine piece of land that juts out into the Mediterranean.
After enjoying the panoramic views in five minutes and by the same way up you reach the parking.

The route continues to Cartagena, the second-largest city in Murcia. In front of the port, there is a covered parking to leave the car and start the tour through the historic centre on foot.

It is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Spain and shows part of the life of the Romans during their settlement in the ancient city of Carthage, today Cartagena.
Apart from visiting the Roman theater in the open air and touring the stands, there is a museum with Roman archaeological sites under the roof, which can be accessed with the same entrance as the theater.
Open Hours: From October to April Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00
From May to September Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00

The historic center of Cartagena has many bodegones and this is one of the most prestigious. With a wide variety of tapas to choose from, it has tapas and beer promotions.
You have to try their more artisanal tapas like the chalupa, a small salmorejo sandwich with ham and egg, cod fritters and eggplant chips with honey. You will not be disappointed!
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00, 19:30 - 00:00 Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00

Do you want to feel like a real Roman in the 1st century? This underground place preserves objects and mural paintings of what used to be an authentic Roman house.
Vessels, the remains of walls that divided the rooms of the house, inscriptions in Roman numerals on mosaics and the fabulous murals painted with different themes are some of the things you will find on the tour.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00

It is the highest point in the centre of Cartagena, and from here you have a perfect view of the port. The castle was used by the Romans, Arabs and Christians and even during the Spanish Civil War it played an important role, as it was the place where the air raid warning siren was located.
You can go up by a panoramic lift and at the top there is a small green space to sit and relax.
Open Hours: From 1 July to 15 September: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00 From 15 March to 30 June and from 16 September to 1 November: Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00 From 2 November to 14 March Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 17:30
After climbing up to the castle, it is time to walk for about 10 minutes to pick up the car and continue on your way.

The route takes you towards the hills of La Muela and, after driving along a narrow, winding road, you reach the so-called battery of Castillitos.

On the top of the cliff guarding the bay of Cartagena, this small fortification more similar to castles built in the Middle Ages but built during the 1930s, had the function of preventing a supposed maritime invasion during the Spanish Civil War.
No longer functioning as a military garrison, it can be visited free of charge to appreciate the enormous defensive batteries and contemplate the views of the bay from the top.
After the visit, in about 10 minutes, you return to the car park to continue the tour.

Next to the port of Mazarron, this restaurant has a large terrace and offers a variety of dishes such as homemade pizzas, pastas and meats.
But if you want to eat something really fresh and local, it is best to try a fish dish such as cuttlefish, sea bass or salmon. Also, among their starters they have seafood rations such as shellfish, cockles or prawns with garlic.
Open Hours: Wednesday - Monday: 10:00 - 00:00 Tuesday: closed

Modern and recently renovated hotel located on a hill. Its rooms are spacious with terrace and sea views. The hotel is surrounded by large gardens to relax and have a drink. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with excellent cuisine.
It is a three-star hotel, but could easily be a four-star hotel.