Cartagena, Spain

Capital City

Living in Cartagena means dealing with a heavy bureaucratic burden - the city has 24 districts, each with its own administrative center. With a population of 219,235, it's the 25th largest city in Spain, but the hot desert climate means temperatures rarely dip below freezing. On the upside, the city boasts stunning Roman ruins, Baroque architecture, and a thriving cruise ship industry. However, the legacy of industrial pollution still lingers. Cartagena may appeal to history buffs and retirees seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle, but its quirks and bureaucracy could be a persistent headache for the average expat.