Spread out over ten acres, these beautiful gardens offer a tranquil day out to see the largest sculpture garden in the US in addition to a zoo, a variety of historic and nature trails, excursions and tours that take full advantage of the lush location.

The mangrove tunnels of nearby La Boquilla are an easy day trip from Cartagena. Guided tours will often combine a visit to the beach (one of the Playas De La Boquilla) with a boat or canoe tour of the mangroves, passing through Cienaga de Juan Polo and the Cienaga de la Virgen lagoons. Some tours will also include a closer encounter with local fishermen and offer insight into their craft. La Boquilla is an area of contrasts: the district of upscale hotels — Morros — borders on humble neighbourhoods populated by workers. When sitting down to tuck into no-frills seafood dishes served up by local eateries, make sure you're clear about the price of each item ordered from the get-go, as there have been reports of "surprise" bills amounting to several hundred US dollars.

The Dora Stratou Dance Theatre is situated on the slopes of Philopappou Hill, just opposite the Acropolis Hill. The theatre gives 80-minute performances of dances from many parts of Greece and the islands. For a more immersive experience, take part in dancing classes, lectures and research programs all year round. In summer, classes are often taught in English. Absolute beginners are welcome.

Hobcaw Barony is a nature reserve spread across 16,000 acres and that is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna inhabiting a variety of ecosystems. The Discovery Center is an excellent resource for the natural and cultural history of the area.