agrifoodtech.cofund@upct.es
| The City
Cartagena stands out as a Mediterranean city where centuries of maritime heritage and academic ambition come together. Located upon five small hills: Concepción, Molinete, San José, Monte Sacro and Despeñaperros, the city opens to the Mediterranean through a broad natural bay framed by fortresses and coastal batteries from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its port, one of the most strategic in Spain, includes the industrial dock of Escombreras and the city dock, separated by Cala Cortina, a nearby urban beach equipped for leisure and relaxation. As the seat of the Regional Assembly of Murcia, Cartagena plays a central role in the region’s civic and cultural life. At the same time, its compact yet dynamic environment has become an increasingly popular destination for higher education thanks to the presence of the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), which is actively drawing students from around the world through exchange programmes and an international strategy. This convergence of heritage-rich setting, academic opportunity and Mediterranean lifestyle makes Cartagena more than a place to study it’s a place to live, develop and belong.
| Quality and Cost of living
In Cartagena, residents and students enjoy a standard of living that strikes a balance between Mediterranean charm and economic practicality. The city is renowned for its active and healthy lifestyle, promoted through water sports, cycling routes and well-connected natural areas. Recent indices show that the cost of living in Cartagena is between 15% and 20% lower than the Spanish national average, making daily expenses such as eating out, shopping and transport significantly more affordable. At the same time, the city ranks highly in terms of climate and well-being: for example, its climate index is 95.13 on a recognised quality of life scale. This combination means that Cartagena not only offers an affordable place to live and study, but also one where balanced and sustainable living comes naturally.
| Tourism in Cartagena
Tourism in Cartagena is defined by the city’s extraordinary ability to merge history, culture and the Mediterranean spirit into a single experience. Walking through its streets is like tracing the layers of time — from the remains of ancient civilizations hidden beneath the modern city to the elegant façades and vibrant plazas that reflect its naval and industrial legacy. The port, open to a wide natural bay and embraced by protective hills, continues to be the beating heart of urban life, where culture, leisure and gastronomy converge. Cartagena has transformed its historical wealth into an open-air museum, where restored landmarks coexist with contemporary architecture and innovative visitor centres. Accessibility and sustainability are central to its tourism strategy, with facilities adapted for visitors with visual, hearing or mobility impairments and efficient transport options, including tourist buses, boats and urban connections that make exploring the city effortless. Beyond its monuments and sea views, Cartagena offers an authentic Mediterranean experience, where history, creativity and quality of life intertwine in every corner.
