Top 2 Itineraries in Cartagena

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Cartagena.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Cartagena offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Cartagena offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Cartagena offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty. With plenty of time to relax and explore, a beach trip to Cartagena is the ideal way to recharge.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Cartagena truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Cartagena belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Cartagena are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Cartagena and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Cartagena itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 2 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Cartagena just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Cartagena without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Cartagena!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, València, Almería, and Granada is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Cartagena can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, València, Almería, and Granada by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Almería

• Arrival city: Almería
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel
• Sightseeing: Fuente del Obelisco

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Almería. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Almería

• Destinations: Almería
• Driving distance: 207.01 km, approx. 2 hours and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cartagena, e.g., Sercotel Carlos III, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
• Sightseeing: Cathedral Encarnación de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, Parque de las Familias, Parque Nicolás Salmerón, and El Palmeral
• Recommended tour: Cartagena and Murcia - full day shore excursion for cruise guests

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Cathedral Encarnación de Almería, Refugios de la Guerra Civil Española de Almería, Parque de las Familias, Parque Nicolás Salmerón, and El Palmeral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Almería, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Cartagena.

Day 3: Discover Alacant / Alicante and Cartagena

• Destinations: Alacant / Alicante and Cartagena
• Driving distance: 306.04 km, approx. 3 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: Castell de Santa Bàrbara, Roman Theater of Cartagena, Mercat Central d'Alacant, and Archaeological Museum of Alicante
• Recommended tour: Valencia Private Walking Tour with Official Valencian Guide

Spend the day exploring Castell de Santa Bàrbara, Roman Theater of Cartagena, Mercat Central d'Alacant, and Archaeological Museum of Alicante. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Valencia.

Day 4: Experience València

• Destinations: València
• Driving distance: 357.92 km, approx. 4 hours and 26 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Mercat Central de València, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and Bioparc Valencia
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Continue your journey through València, where you can explore Mercat Central de València, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and Bioparc Valencia. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Madrid.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 18.01 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Drive through Madrid, stopping to visit Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Madrid

• Destinations: Madrid
• Driving distance: 340.15 km, approx. 3 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Jaen, e.g., Hotel Don Juan Boutique
• Sightseeing: Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Toledo Gate, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor

Spend time discovering Plaza de España, Mercado de San Miguel, Toledo Gate, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Plaza Mayor, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Jaen.

Day 7: Spend Time in Granada

• Destinations: Granada
• Driving distance: 280.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Almeria, e.g., Elba Almería Business & Convention Hotel
• Sightseeing: Nasrid Palaces, Mirador de San Nicolás, Alhambra, and Catedral de Granada
• Recommended tour: Visit to the shelters of the Spanish Civil War

Explore Nasrid Palaces, Mirador de San Nicolás, Alhambra, and Catedral de Granada at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Almeria.

Day 8: Explore Almería

• Destinations: Almería
• Driving distance: 1.68 km, approx. 7 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Valencia, e.g., Ramirez Flats & Bar
• Sightseeing: ESCULTURA ÍNDALO
• Recommended tour: Valencia: Art & Architecture Guided Tour with Monuments Tickets

Continue your road trip through Almería, enjoying the flexibility to explore ESCULTURA ÍNDALO and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Valencia.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Almería

• Departure city: Almería
• Driving distance: 1.68 km, approx. 7 minutes
• Sightseeing: ESCULTURA ÍNDALO

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Almería. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 914 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Cartagena. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 8-day road trip itinerary through Madrid, Alacant / Alicante, València, Almería, and Granada is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Cartagena for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

A 4-day beach vacation in Cartagena offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Cartagena:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Playa La Cortina, Playa El Portus, and Playa de la Morena.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Sercotel Carlos III, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like kayaking and kiting or windsurfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Restaurante Venta El Abasto, Copo de Oro, and Cafeteria Camper Park La Ribera, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Island Bar, Liverpool Pub, and Speakeasy “The Pharmacy”, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Roman Theater of Cartagena, Faro Cabo de Palos, National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Naval Museum Cartagena, Molinete Roman Forum Museum, Estatua Icue, and Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila Regional Park, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in Cartagena, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Cartagena

Arrive in Murcia, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Playa La Cortina or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Cartagena.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Playa El Portus, a top beach in Cartagena. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Roman Theater of Cartagena, Molinete Roman Forum Museum, and Naval Museum Cartagena for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Dive into Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Cola del Caballo. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Cartagena to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 4: Say Farewell to Cartagena

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Cartagena. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, take a convenient transferto make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Cartagena. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Cartagena's coastline.

As you explore Cartagena, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Cartagena for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Cartagena in a way that feels truly unforgettable!