Departing from Murcia, hop on an INTERBus for a scenic 45-minute ride to Cartagena. Tickets cost just 4.75 euros per person and can be booked in advance via the app or purchased directly from the driver upon boarding.
[Fireworks][Fireworks][Fireworks] We arrived in Cartagena at 11:00 AM sharp.
[Celebration][Celebration][Celebration] Check out page 2 for the route map.
[Atmosphere] First stop: The majestic Castillo de la Concepción (Concepción Castle). After disembarking, follow the navigation signs, and you’ll embark on a roughly 30-minute climb up to this historic gem. Keep your eyes peeled—you might even spot some peacocks strutting around with a sly charm [Sly Face].
Descending from the castle, don’t miss the panoramic elevator (details on page 3 [Full Moon]). This remarkable lift connects the city below with the castle above. To ascend, queue up to purchase a 2-euro ticket at the entrance, though we opted for the 1-euro descent ticket, which surprisingly went unchecked by staff.
[Atmosphere] Second stop: After exiting the panoramic elevator, make your way to the stunning Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano de Cartagena), open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry costs 7 euros, or 6 euros for students under 25.
We chose to admire the exterior without purchasing tickets, as the views from outside still offer a breathtaking glimpse into its grandeur (page 4 [Full Moon]).
[Atmosphere] Third stop: Lunchtime! We ventured to a nearby restaurant and tried Restaurante Puerta 14—avoid it at all costs!!! The steak was overwhelmingly salty, and the octopus had an unpleasantly strong fishy flavor (pages 5 and 6 [Full Moon]).
[Atmosphere] Fourth stop: Our next adventure took us to the port, where we marveled at a colossal gorilla sculpture. Just behind it stands the iconic Whale Tail Sculpture, both celebrated landmarks of the city (pages 7 and 8 [Full Moon]).
Near the water pool of the Whale Tail Sculpture, we embarked on a thrilling yacht ride with Solaz Lines, operating Thursdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
The approximately 45-minute journey costs 12 euros per person. As we sped across the open sea, gripping the handrails tightly, laughter filled the air—it was pure exhilaration (pages 9–14 [Full Moon]).
[Atmosphere] Fifth stop: A short taxi ride (about 7 minutes, costing slightly over 7 euros) brought us to the picturesque Cala Cortina beach (page 15 [Full Moon]). Unfortunately, internet connectivity vanished once we arrived. After snapping some photos, we reluctantly left. Walking a few steps up the road, we regained our connection, but neither Uber nor Cabify were viable options; the latter quoted a steep 18-euro fare.
Deciding to embrace the moment, we strolled back to the bus station, chatting animatedly with friends along the way, making the 40-minute walk pass swiftly.
We reached the bus station precisely at 6:00 PM, just in time for the return service to Murcia. Tickets were purchased directly from the driver. [Fireworks]
What an incredible day it was! [Party][Party][Party]
