If you deduced that Cartagena’s name is derived from the Tunisian Carthage, award yourself one history point. This “New Carthage” was established in the third century B.C. and has consistently served as a significant naval port since then. The city remains a lasting emblem of Roman supremacy, featuring Punic walls and an amphitheater that are still accessible to visitors today. Do not miss the Old City neighborhood near the port, but be sure to explore further to fully appreciate the experience—regional attractions such as Murcia’s 17th-century Sanctuary of Fuensanta, the Moorish-designed gardens of Huerto del Cura, and Lorca Castle’s Fortress of the Sun all offer ample rewards for inquisitive explorers of the Costa Calida region.
