UK nationals top the ratings of foreign visitors to Cartagena in early summer

More than half of the foreigners requesting information in Cartagena tourist offices were from the UK

Figures published this week by the Town Hall of Cartagena show that among visitors to the city who sought information at the tourist offices during June and July non-Spaniards comfortably outnumbered those coming from within Spain, and that the largest group by nationality were the British.

The figures show that of over 13,000 people consulting the tourist offices and information points in the Palacio Consistorial, Puertas de San José, Isla Plana and Cabo de Palos some 7,774 were non-Spaniards, while most of the rest (4,922) were Spanish but from outside the Region of Murcia.

Among foreign visitors 4,190 were from the UK, 1,091 from Germany and 980 from France, accounting for more than 80 per cent of the total, while the leaders in the rest of the pack were Belgium and the Netherlands. Most of them expressed an interest in the cultural attractions of Cartagena (58.75 per cent) while a further 28.2 per cent were cruise ship visitors and 12.2 per cent were primarily interested in the beaches. The most popular requests were for street plans and information on the cultural and historic highlights of the city, the beaches, transport and tours and trips.

A large number were especially keen to learn about the Roman Theatre, the Roman Forum and the Naval Museum, while others wanted to explore areas such as Cala Cortina, La Manga and Calblanque. More active tourists were walking in the countryside of Roldán and the Sierra de la Muela, diving in the marine reserves of Cabo de Palos and Cabo Tiñoso or visiting music festivals like La Mar de Músicas and Rock Imperium.

Also of widespread interest is the local gastronomy, including the famed “marinera” tapa, caldero and Asiático coffee.