Roman history and hiking trails take centre stage in Murcia

From a sustainable mountain route to weekend family activities in Cartagena, there is plenty to explore

Cartagena is putting Roman history back in the spotlight this May, with a packed weekend programme at the Roman Theatre Museum and Puerto de Culturas. At the same time, in the Region of Murcia’s countryside, the Cejo de los Enamorados trail has just gained a Blue Trail flag after improvement works linked to the Lorca Tourism Sustainability Plan.

Family fun in Cartagena

The Roman Theatre Museum has lined up a series of activities for Saturdays and Sundays in May, with extended opening hours from Friday May 1 to Wednesday September 30. During that period, the museum will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 8.00pm, and on Sundays from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

One of the main draws is Roman and Mediterranean Cartagena: Guided Tour with Boat Trip. This route starts at the Roman Theatre Museum, continues to the Forum Museum, known as the Spanish Pompeii, and ends with a boat trip around the bay where Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans once sailed. It will run on Saturdays in May and June, departing at 10.30am from the museum and at 4.30pm from the old Yacht Club for the boat trip.

Families can also join Scipio Versus Hannibal: The Battle Begins, a Saturday activity at 11.00am that looks back at the Second Punic War. Children take part by joining a troop or a legion and celebrating the victory at the Roman Theatre of Cartagena.

On Sundays at 11.00am, visitors can join From the Theatre to the Domus of the Portico, a route that begins at the Roman Theatre Museum and continues towards the old Fishermen’s Quarter, including the alley of Solitude, to visit the remains preserved in the Domus of the Portico.

Another Sunday highlight is the theatrical tour Teo Jones and the Legend of the First Mermaid, which leaves the museum at 11.30am. It brings together five actors and follows Teo, the absent-minded archaeologist, Sara, the mummy and a bus driver as they get caught up in a legend involving the sirens’ magical song.

Tickets can be bought online at www.puertodeculturas.cartagena.es, and more information is available on 968 50 0093 and 968 50 48 02.

A sustainable trail in Lorca
Out in the region’s natural landscape, the Cejo de los Enamorados trail has raised the Blue Trail flag, marking it as a sustainable route after improvement works carried out under the Lorca Tourism Sustainability Plan, financed by the Tourism Institute of the Region of Murcia, Itrem.

Its director, Juan Francisco Martínez, said the trail “reinforces the Region's commitment to a tourism model that integrates the conservation of the natural environment with dissemination and environmental awareness, in order to offer visitors a sustainable and high-quality experience.”

The route, which is in the Sierra de la Peñarrubia, is an easy out-and-back walk of more than nine kilometres and forms part of the historic Via Augusta. It runs from the car park to the Fuente del Cejo de los Enamorados, or Lovers’ Fountain.

This year, more routes have also been added to the Blue Trail network, including the Rice Trail in Calasparra, the Riverside Walk in Cieza, the Santa Ana Botanical Trail in Jumilla, the Segura-Contraparada River Walk in Murcia and the Mount Arabí area in Yecla. In 2025, the network already included 26 routes across municipalities such as Abarán, Águilas, Archena, Calasparra, Cartagena, Ceutí, Lorquí, Mazarrón, Mula, Murcia, San Pedro del Pinatar and Yecla.

Martínez said the Sendero Azul programme “allows us to continue strengthening the natural and heritage offerings of the Region, in addition to contributing to the conservation of the environment, environmental education and the diversification of the tourist experience throughout the year.” 

Image: Turismo de Cartagena