Cruise Season Begins: Exploring Cartagena and Alicante in March

March marks a turning point on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. As spring awakens, the ports of Cartagena and Alicante prepare to welcome the first major cruise ships of the 2026 season. For travelers, this month offers a unique window to experience the authentic soul of Southeast Spain before the summer crowds arrive.

At The Best Day Tours, we specialize in turning a standard port of call into an unforgettable local experience. If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Cartagena or Alicante this March, here is why you are in for a treat and how to make the most of your time ashore.

Why March is the Golden Month for Shore Excursions

While much of Europe is still shaking off the winter chill, the Costa Blanca and the Costa Cálida enjoy a privileged microclimate. With average temperatures hovering around 18°C (64°F), it is the perfect weather for walking tours, historical explorations, and enjoying an outdoor tapa by the marina.

This March, prestigious lines such as Princess Cruises, AIDA, and Royal Caribbean are scheduled to dock. Visiting during the shoulder season means shorter lines at major monuments, more personalized service in local shops, and the ability to capture that perfect photo of the Roman Theatre without hundreds of other tourists in the frame.

Highlights of Your Cartagena Shore Excursion

Cartagena is a city where layers of history are literally stacked on top of each other. The cruise terminal is located right in the heart of the city, making it one of the most accessible ports in the Mediterranean.

The Roman Theatre Museum

You cannot leave Cartagena without visiting the Roman Theatre. Forgotten for centuries and hidden under a medieval neighborhood, its restoration is a masterpiece of modern archaeology. Our expert guides will walk you through the museum’s underground corridors, culminating in the breathtaking view of the stands that once held 7,000 spectators.

Modernist Architecture and Local Flavors

Strolling down Calle Mayor feels like walking through an open-air art gallery. Look up to admire the intricate ironwork and glass balconies of the 19th-century Modernist buildings.

• Expert Tip: Take a break to try a Café Asiático. This local coffee specialty—made with condensed milk, brandy, and the world-famous Licor 43—is the fuel of choice for Cartagena locals.

Discovering Alicante: Castles and Palm Trees

Just a short distance away, Alicante greets cruisers with its iconic Explanada de España, a promenade paved with 6 million marble tiles that mimic the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.

Santa Bárbara Castle

Perched atop Mount Benacantil, this fortress is one of the largest medieval enclosures in Spain. From its battlements, you get a 360-degree view of the bay and your cruise ship waiting in the harbor. It is the ultimate spot for panoramic photography.

The Santa Cruz Quarter

For those seeking charm, the Barrio de Santa Cruz is a must. Its narrow, winding streets and white-washed houses decorated with colorful flowerpots feel worlds away from the bustling city below. It is the true heart of “Old Alicante.”

Why Choose The Best Day Tours for Your Stopover?

Time is the most precious commodity when you are on a cruise. Unlike the generic, crowded “bus tours” sold on board, we offer:

• Pier-side Pick-up: We meet you right at the cruise terminal exit—no trekking to meeting points.
• Official Local Guides: Our team consists of passionate experts who live and breathe the history of these cities.
• Small Groups & Private Tours: Enjoy a flexible pace and the ability to ask questions and interact with your guide.
• Back-to-Ship Guarantee: We have never missed a departure. Our schedules are strictly coordinated with your ship’s “all-on-board” time.

Book Your March Shore Excursion Today

The start of the cruise season in Cartagena and Alicante in March is the perfect opportunity to experience the Mediterranean at its most serene and beautiful. Whether you are looking for a deep dive into Roman history or a scenic walk through Spanish “pueblo” streets, we have the perfect tour waiting for you.

Is your ship docking soon? Don’t leave your shore excursion to the last minute. Explore our curated tours here and secure your spot for the highlight of your Mediterranean cruise.