Cala Cortina sits just five minutes from Cartagena's city center, tucked away in the Santa Lucía neighborhood like a small Mediterranean secret. Getting there feels almost theatrical – you wind around the port, pass through a tunnel, and suddenly find yourself at a viewpoint overlooking this perfectly formed cove.

The beach itself is compact, maybe 250 meters of coarse sand framed by rocky outcrops and that brilliant turquoise water you see in postcards. There's a small natural islet just offshore that adds to the postcard effect. The setting might sound idyllic, but the surroundings tell a different story. You're looking at industrial Cartagena here – the port, old military ruins, and the Escombreras refinery all visible from the beach. Yet somehow Cala Cortina Cartagena manages to feel like its own world once you're down there.

The approach from the parking area involves a steep staircase that might challenge some visitors, though recent improvements have made things more accessible. The beach has been thoughtfully developed with a small promenade, playground, and restaurant, plus the usual amenities like umbrellas and loungers during summer months. It even earned Bandera Azul status, which speaks to the water quality despite the industrial backdrop.

What strikes you most is how this place transforms depending on the season. Summer brings crowds from the city – understandable given how close it is to Cartagena. But visit during cooler months and you'll find local fishermen working the rocky areas, divers exploring the clear waters, and a much more peaceful atmosphere.

The history here runs deeper than the recent tourist developments. Above the southern end of the beach, you can spot remains of the Batería de Trincabotijas Baja, a 17th-century coastal fortification that once defended this stretch of the Murcia coast. Most of it's gone now, but it reminds you that this strategic location has always mattered.

An audio guide can provide more context about both the military history and the area's transformation from industrial backwater to recognized beach destination. In 2019, Condé Nast Traveler readers voted it Spain's second-best beach, which seems generous given the competition, but speaks to how this small cove has found its audience.

The water stays relatively calm thanks to the protected position, making it genuinely pleasant for swimming. Just don't expect pristine wilderness – this is urban beach life with Mediterranean charm, industrial edges, and enough local character to feel authentic rather than manufactured.