Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Hotel listings (October 2026). Hero photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Overview
North of the old town, the coast runs past Marbella and Crespo, past the airport, out to La Boquilla. I would sleep here for a short stay or an early flight, not for a week of wandering the walls.
Highlights
- Long open beaches.
- La Boquilla’s beach restaurants and mangrove canoe trips.
- Minutes from the airport.
Getting around
Taxis to the Walled City take 10 to 25 minutes depending on where you are.
Who it suits
Short stays, early flights and resort hotels. Some hotels in other parts of the city are listed under elsewhere in Cartagena.
Frequently asked questions
Is this area close to the airport?
Rafael Núñez airport is in Crespo. Taxis to the Walled City take 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the hotel.
What is La Boquilla?
A fishing village north of the airport, with an open beach, beach restaurants and mangrove canoe trips.
