Cartagena

Elect's take

"Cartagena is one of those cities that immediately captivates. The combination of the walled city's extraordinary beauty, the warmth of the Caribbean atmosphere and the outstanding food scene creates something that I find very difficult to leave behind."

The walled city of Cartagena is a marvel of Spanish colonial urban planning, its streets of beautifully coloured buildings with wooden balconies overflowing with bougainvillea creating an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the largest Spanish fortress built in the Americas, a massive hilltop fortification providing outstanding views and a remarkable engineering achievement. Getsemaní, the neighbourhood outside the walls, has become Cartagena's most vibrant creative district with outstanding street art, excellent restaurants and a genuine local character. The Rosario Islands, accessible by boat, provide beautiful Caribbean beaches and excellent snorkelling. The Cartagena restaurant scene, led by chefs influenced by Leonor Espinosa's culinary philosophy, is outstanding.