I need a one night stop on my train/bus trip between Valencia and Granada in mid-June.. My initial plan was to stay in Murcia, but upon looking at the map and public transport options, Cartagena seems like a good option. It's by the water (we are staying in Old Town in Valencia and do not expect to make our way to the beach in the 2 days we are there).
Murcia vs. Cartagena vs. any other place?
In the end I didn't get to Murcia, so I can't compare the two but Cartagena is very pleasant - the main street and the promenade along the harbour and the oceanographic museum. The outer areas not so interesting, but I think you'd enjoy a one night stop there. Here's a half day we spent there, but we didn't have time for everything:
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2025/04/cartagena-and-calblanque-in-february.html
I know nothing about the public transportation options since I always have a rental car, but I’ll throw Almeria into the mix. Between. Murcia and Cartagena I’d choose Cartagena. None of the three cities has any wow, must see, sites and one night is sufficient as the historic area of each can be seen in a couple hours. Almería does have a nice market and an impressive Alcazaba.
