Spanish seaside city with underground plaza and autumn temperatures in the high 20s

Cartagena, in Spain, enjoys warm temperatures through autumn, making it a great escape from colder climates, but it is also a historical enclave where hidden treasures are often found

A port city in the Mediterranean’s Costa Cálida, Spain, enjoys temperatures in the high 20s throughout autumn, making it the ideal escape for Brits fed up of colder temperatures.

This maritime enclave of Cartagena has a long history made up of several intertwined cultures, which have each left their mark on the architecture of the city. As you enter the city you will be met with the towering gem of the modernist Town Hall and the Old Cathedral on Camino del Parque Torres. The cathedral is the oldest place of worship in Cartagena and stands on the remains of a Roman theatre, which was discovered in 1987.

Remnants of Roman’s living in Cartagena are also apparent at the archaeological site of El Molinete, the Moreia Baja colonnade and the Byzantine Wall.

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Most of the city’s attractions are in the Old Town, including its elaborate and decadent architecture. One key historical destination is the Teatro Romano, the city’s amphitheatre. It is home to a museum which explores, in depth, the history of Cartagena and the evolution of different neighbourhoods following the Roman rule.

Going under the streets of the city, the museum allows you to explore the Plaza Ayuntamiento and emerge a distance away from where you entered, among the ruins. For those who aren’t as interested in history, the entire settlement is surrounded by mountains which are full of hiking trails, making it a great varied city break.

It is worth also looking out for the street art, with many murals in the city centre itself. Due to the large amount of archaeological finds in Cartagena, many demolished buildings actually retain their façade. Over the years, the shops that used to reside in the demolished buildings have been memorialised by murals on the remaining facades.

Whilst Cartagena is not a holiday suitable for those who want to sit back and relax on different beaches, there is Cala Cortina, which is the town’s most popular beach and is located in a cove about two kilometres from the centre. Despite taking a while to get there, previous visitors will tell you it is worth it as it is surrounded by chalky cliffs, offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and has turquoise blue water.

If you happen to head to the city for Easter, or the week prior, then make sure to look out for the Semana Santa programme. During Semana Santa processions are a daily occurrence in which religious brotherhoods march through the streets and carry carefully crafted religious images called ‘pasos’. From the thrumming of drums to the booming of horns, the atmosphere is remarked as both impressive and solemn.

Whilst it may be a compact city, Cartagena is home to a wide range of restaurants and eateries. Explore the narrow alleys to find exquisite tapas restaurants or head to the Old Town to find hidden gems serving fresh and local food. The city also has a good range of accommodation, all of which is pretty affordable and can be found as low as £47 per night.