Cartagena's Roman Theatre hits 3 million visitors as excavation accelerates

UK visitors lead the way among international visitors as Cartagena's Roman Theatre passes 3 million visits

2025 has been a big year for Cartagena's Roman Theatre Museum. Visitor numbers keep climbing, with 247,081 people coming through the doors by early December. This brings the total number of visitors since the museum opened to over 3 million.

Most visitors in 2025 were individuals, making up 74% of the total. Group visits accounted for 26%, led by cruise passengers, school groups, and seniors. Just over half of all visitors were from abroad, with the UK still at the top at 40%, followed by France, Germany, the US, and Belgium. The remaining 47% were from Spain, mostly from Murcia, the Valencian Community, Madrid, and Andalucía.

2025 has also been an exciting year for the Roman Theatre. Excavation work has been moving forward and new discoveries are being revealed all the time. These visitor numbers are only set to grow as more of the site comes to light. Mayor Noelia Arroyo detailed plans for the excavation, adding: “The Roman Theatre still has plenty of room for growth.”

She explained that work is now underway to complete the full excavation of the portico behind the stage, a project that will add even more to one of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks.

Excavation and restoration are progressing on the central and eastern sections of the portico. After the western section was finished in 2023, archaeologists are now restoring the eastern basilica and documenting the old Fishermen’s Quarter, uncovering wells, cisterns, water channels and a 19th-century winery. They also discovered a vomitorium, but don’t worry, it’s not what it sounds like! In Roman theatres, a vomitorium was just an exit passage.

The museum’s exhibitions are still proving popular, with shows like PORTICVS giving people a new way to connect with Cartagena’s Roman past. Academic and cultural activities are also on the rise.
2026 is shaping up to be another interesting year for the Roman Theatre. With more discoveries on the way, it can only mean more visitors, and that’s great news for Cartagena.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena

Address

Calle Adelfas 1 Estrella de Mar

Tel: 868 78 06 08

Enquiry*

Contact Us by Email

* indicates a required field

View Website

Facebook

Loading

Authenticity, taste and tradition at La Palmera Bar and Grill in Estrella De Mar, Murcia

La Palmera Bar & Grill is the place to enjoy smoky barbecue flavours in a lively, welcoming setting.

 

Guests can take advantage of free parking and a spacious outdoor dining area, perfect for al fresco meals. Inside, there’s a pool table, multiple TVs and a regular programme of events and promotions.

 

The venue also caters for celebrations and private hire, making special occasions memorable. For something more relaxed, the daily bowls green is always open for a friendly game.

 

No wonder La Palmera has become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.

 

Opening hours & weekly highlights

 

• All-day breakfast served Monday-Saturday from 10am (no breakfast on Sundays)
• Daily menu served from 12 midday until 9pm
• Three courses for €10, Tuesday to Friday
• Saturday sharing platter specials from €20
• Sunday roasts from €9.95, served from 1pm to 5pm

 

Sunday roasts

Sundays at La Palmera are all about those incredible smoked roast boards that have become the stuff of local legend. The kitchen team slow-smokes succulent beef brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender chicken, then serves it all up on sharing platters alongside perfectly roasted potatoes and vegetables, fluffy Yorkshire puddings and rich Guinness gravy.

The boards come in three sizes: the 2 Bob Board at €33, the 3 Bob Board at €45 or go all out with the 4 Bob Board at €60.

 

Regular live entertainment

La Palmera knows how to keep the party going with their fantastic line-up of regular entertainment. You'll find silent discos where you can dance the night away to your own beat, live music that gets everyone singing along, and dance classes that are guaranteed to have you laughing and moving (even if you've got two left feet).

But the real highlight has to be Quingo every Tuesday. It's competitive, hilarious and the perfect way to test your knowledge while having a proper laugh with friends.

Contact details

 

• Website: https://lapalmerabarandgrill.com/
• Facebook: La Palmera
• Email: Infolapalmera@yahoo.com
• Phone: 0034 868 78 06 08
• Address: Calle Adelfas 1, Estrella de Mar, Murcia