Casavita

Cartagena

Cartagena, is the most important trading and war port of Spain and is located on a deep sea inlet of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Murcia region. It is sandwiched between Murcia's main beaches Mazarrón and La Manga (Mar Menor) and is guarded from steep cliffs by two ancient forts. The city is walled with 8 gates. The city was very prosperous in the early 20th century because of the mines in the area. The mines have long been closed, but beautiful mansions in the city with glass bay windows still date from that time. The city has become very impoverished in recent decades, many homes and shops were neglected and empty. In recent years, a lot of (EU) money has been invested in the city, in the hope of attracting tourists to Cartagena, just like Bilbao, Santander and Valencia.

The city and the center have been thoroughly renovated and the cultural heritage and the pedestrian shopping street have been considerably renovated. The many modernist homes (photos left and bottom right) in the city are reminders of a rich history. An advantage is the direct location of the city center at the harbor, where cruise ships moor and tourists walk straight into the city! Two museums have been built on the quay. With its many bars and restaurants, the city has a pleasant, lively hustle and bustle. More than 75 bars and restaurants take part in the Ruta de la Tapa de Cartagena, which is held every year in late winter and is a sign of how popular it is to eat here. A walk along the pleasant boulevard with terraces and restaurants or a boat trip along the coast is highly recommended! You will pass large cruise and container ships along the way

Spain is known not only for its sun-drenched beaches and rich cultural heritage, but also for its salt mining traditions. One of the most fascinating places where this tradition comes to life is in San Pedro del Pinatar, a picturesque coastal town located on the southeastern coast of Spain, on the Mar Menor. The salt lakes of San Pedro del Pinatar are an essential part of this tradition and play a crucial role in the region's economy and environment.

Salt mining in San Pedro del Pinatar has a long history, dating back to the time of the Romans. The Romans valued the salt from this region for its high quality and began extracting it. This tradition was continued by Moorish rule and later by Spanish salt producers.

The salt lakes in San Pedro del Pinatar are unique because of their distinctive color. They range from pink to deep red depending on the concentration of salt and algae in the water. This striking natural phenomenon attracts not only scientists and nature lovers but also tourists who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lakes.