Car Hire Cartagena - Mini guide to Cartagena

Where there are lots of ships coming to a harbor over many centuries, there are shipwrecks. Shipwrecks often mean treasure, and the coast off Cartagena is rich in underwater finds.

Cartagena is over 2,500 years old and has been home to Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Arabs, and Europeans. It is a port that has seen many battles, both on sea and land. Fortresses, castles, and city walls guarded ancient Cartagena. Today, the city is rich in archaeological sites.

Archaeology is not limited to land, however. Not long ago, a Roman boat in excellent condition was discovered in the bay of Cartagena. Dating back to the first century B.C., this vessel had been carrying wine, oil, and various goods. There was room in the cargo hold for 1,500 bottles (amphorae) of wine.

Diving is popular among tourists to Cartagena. The dives are generally easy and relaxing, and you might find shards of ancient pottery, copper nails, or if you are very lucky, an old Roman coin. More recently, four German submarines, and one Italian sub have gone to the bottom near Cartagena. If you are into diving wrecks, or want to start, Cartagena offers wrecks spanning centuries.

Even if you don’t dive, you can still experience the treasures of the deep. The National Museum of Underwater Archaeology is not to be missed. On display are lead ingots from a nearby quarry, ancient Roman stone anchors, and a full-size replica of a Roman trading ship complete with wine and oil amphorae. Divers continue to supply the museum with amazing finds from Cartagena’s three thousand year history as a maritime seaport.

Cartagena also offers a center for pedestrians who want to shop, eat, or have a refreshing drink at a café or bar. Remember that in Spain lunch is normally served between 1 and 4 p.m., followed by a siesta. Many shops are closed from 2 to 5 p.m. Dinner is served between 8 and 11 p.m.

Take a quiet walk after dinner along the pier and soak in the historical ambience of Cartagena. The city is laid back, so expect a very relaxing vacation here.

Car hire deals in: Spain

We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.

Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.