The large bay of Cartagena (pronounced 'carrta-henna') provides a natural harbour making it an excellent commercial and naval port. The city was founded around 227 BC by the Carthaginians and was originally called Carthago Nova. It was captured by the Romans in 209 BC, ransacked by the Goths in 425 AD then restored and developed by the Moors. There is much evidence of ancient architecture dating right back to 227 BC. The Roman amphitheatre, carved into the rock above the port has been dated around 1 BC and the original 13th century cathedral is still standing. There's the Museum of Maritime Archaelogy and a city centre offering a fine array of shops interspersed with Roman relics. You can even peer down through a glass pavement and see the ancient cobbled street below. Music and other festivals play a big part in Cartagena's culture; in July the city hosts the world music festival 'La Mar de Músicas', there's the International Jazz Festival in November and in September the city's colourful history is brought to life in the form of the festival of 'Carthaginians and Romans'.

To really get a feel of the place, take a guided bus tour around the city to discover the numerous museums and other sites of interest, and maybe enjoy a short boat cruise around the port.