November 5, 2026

There is something rather special about Cartagena. It is a city that seems to welcome you into its life rather than simply present itself as a tourist destination. Walking through its streets, you begin to notice the little things that make it so appealing: the beautiful old buildings, the colourful paintings that decorate walls and façades, the quiet charm of its churches and the unmistakable feeling that local traditions are still very much part of everyday life. There is a lovely intimacy to Cartagena, a sense of a place that hasn’t forgotten its past. And, as the first Christmas decorations begin to appear, the city takes on an especially charming atmosphere. There is something almost nostalgic about seeing festive lights and decorations being prepared among such historic streets. It brings to mind an old-fashioned Spanish Christmas, when the celebrations were less about commercialism and more about family, community and simple pleasures.

One of the things I particularly loved was the way the churches seemed to remain part of everyday city life. Unlike places where historic churches are often locked outside Sunday services, Cartagena has several beautiful churches that welcome visitors during weekday hours too. Being able to step inside on an ordinary morning or afternoon feels like discovering a little treasure. The atmosphere is peaceful, the architecture is beautiful, and there is so much to admire in the paintings, altars, religious sculptures and decorative details. These are not simply buildings preserved for tourists; they are living places of worship, still woven into the daily rhythm of the city. There is something wonderfully refreshing about being able to wander in, pause for a moment and appreciate their beauty without needing to wait for Sunday.

And then there is the market, which is always one of the best ways to understand a Spanish town. Cartagena’s traditional market atmosphere is full of the things that make Spanish life so appealing: fresh produce, seafood, local cheeses, fruit, vegetables and the friendly conversations between stallholders and their regular customers. There is no need for elaborate displays or fashionable food halls. The pleasure is in the freshness, the colors, the familiar faces and the simple business of shopping for the day’s meals. As today was Thursday, we searched out Mercadillo de Los Dolores the street market that is only open on Thursdays, this was a market that was particularly worth discovering. They bring together local traders and shoppers in that wonderfully traditional way, with stalls offering everything from everyday goods to clothing and household items. It is a glimpse of real local life, rather than a market arranged especially for visitors.

I also like to sneak into local outdoor cafes to grab an expresso and meld in among the locals. Here I caught the tail end of a political debate. I think the 2 disinterested parties had heard the argument before. Maybe it had to do with drinking cold beers at 10:00 a.m. in the morning!

Thanks for traveling with us.