Cartagena takes centre stage with rich history and cuisine at Malaga Fair

The Costa Calida hotspot city of Cartagena is taking centre stage at the Malaga Tourism Festival, putting its incredible historical monuments, culture, and gastronomy at the forefront. With more than 300 tourism professionals in attendance at the event, the initiative will reinforce the arrival of visitors from Andalucia in the city and strengthen the overall tourism promotion on the Costa Calida.

Showcasing regional treasures to tourism industry leaders

The official reception of the Tourism Festival of the Malaga Fair, held at the Municipal-San Miguel Pavilion, brought together more than 300 institutional representatives and professionals linked to the tourism sector. There, representatives from Cartagena showcased some of the city’s main attractions.

Gastronomy takes centre stage in tourist appeal

A major highlight was its mouth-watering gastronomy, in the form of marinera, a classic tapas favourite consisting of Russian salad served on a crispy bread ring topped with an anchovy, and caldero, a rich, traditional rice dish prepared with fresh fish from the Mar Menor. These are two of the most representative and emblematic dishes of Cartagena and its surrounding areas. According to surveys conducted by the Cartagena Councillor for Tourism, Beatriz Sánchez, some 60 per cent of tourists consider gastronomy when making their travel decisions, meaning it is one of the key reasons people visit Cartagena.

The historical and archaeological heritage are other main reasons people visit the city, as well as the breathtaking coastline, festivals, and vibrant cultural offerings available.

Shared bonds across the Mediterranean coast

As a city steeped in millennia of Mediterranean history, Cartagena shares strong parallels with Malaga, including sunny coastal environments, vibrant summer festivals, and impressive historical monuments. These shared bonds were emphasised during the event, encouraging residents of both regions to explore each other’s coastal culture and cultural heritage.

Establishing a firm footprint at one of Andalucia’s most celebrated summer events, Cartagena continues to solidify its reputation as an essential Mediterranean destination, blending rich historical discoveries with vibrant, easygoing coastal living and authentic regional cuisine.