Free things to do in Cartagena — beaches, parks, viewpoints, markets and walks that cost nothing. No ticket needed, great for families on a budget.
Cartagena's own city beach — a small, sheltered cove of clear water just past the port, easy to reach and good for a swim and a snorkel, with a couple of beach restaurants alongside.
The pedestrian spine of the old town — a parade of early-20th-century Modernist façades (Casa Cervantes, Gran Hotel, Casa Llagostera) running down to the port. The heart of the evening paseo.
Plaza Ayuntamiento 1, Cartagena
The dazzling white Modernist town hall by the port — a wedding-cake of marble and glass, one of Spain's finest Modernist civic buildings.
Parque Regional de Calblanque, Cartagena
A pristine regional park of golden dunes, cliffs and undeveloped beaches east of the city — the wild, protected coast the Costa Cálida's resorts leave behind. Access is restricted by shuttle bus in summer.
The grand natural harbour and waterfront promenade — palm-lined quays, the marina, cruise ships and the Isaac Peral submarine monument, ringed by hills and forts.