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Espacio Mediterráneo is asking you to put your phone down and just talk to someone
A new initiative at the shopping centre invites visitors to swap screens for real conversation, with a chance to win a dinner for two
There's something quietly radical about what Espacio Mediterráneo is doing this October. Not a sale, not a competition based on a purchase, but an invitation to simply put your phone down and spend a few minutes talking to the person next to you. In 2026, that genuinely feels like a novelty.Running from Friday October 9 to Sunday October 18, the Stay a While initiative sets up a dedicated space in the Plaza de La Moda area of the shopping centre, next to Zara, where visitors can leave their phones at a charging point, set a timer and spend at least three minutes in conversation without a screen in sight. A fishbowl of conversation starter questions is there to help things along, and everyone who takes part goes into a draw to win two duo menus worth €50 each at La Boca Te Lía restaurant.
It's a simple idea, but a genuinely thoughtful one. The event has been developed in collaboration with ANAR and the La Huertetica Association of Cartagena, two organisations working to promote more conscious use of technology and raise awareness around mental health and the importance of real human connection.
How to take part
- Head to the Stay a While area at Espacio Mediterráneo with another person
- Make sure you have the Espacio Mediterráneo app downloaded
- Leave your phones at one of the charging points and start the timer
- Spend at least three minutes in conversation, using the fishbowl questions if you need inspiration
- You'll automatically be entered into the draw for the dinner prize
When is it on?
- Friday October 9: 10.00am to 12.00pm
- Saturday October 10: 11.00am to 1.00pm and 6.00pm to 8.00pm
- Sunday October 11: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
- Friday October 16: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
- Saturday October 17: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
- Sunday October 18: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
For an audience that sometimes feels the pull of screens a little too strongly, this is the kind of initiative that's easy to get behind. Espacio Mediterráneo has a habit of thinking beyond the usual shopping centre formula, and Stay a While is another example of the centre offering its visitors something genuinely worthwhile.
Image: Espacio Mediterráneo
staff.inc.ali
Address
PARQUE MEDITERRANEO, P.I. CABEZO BEAZA CARTAGENA 30353 MurciaTel: 968 086 433
Mobile: 968 086 436
Mobile: 968 086 436
Where to shop Cartagena and the Mar Menor Murcia
The Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre is on the eastern outskirts of Cartagena, heading out of the city towards La Manga and the Mar Menor, and contains a large Carrefour hypermarket, as well as C&A, Primark, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Levi's, Sdera, Mango, Benetton, Springfield, Stradivarius, Rumbo, Women's Secret, The Phone House, Game Stop, HyM, restaurants, a cinema complex and a bowling alley.
There are a wide range of retail outlets specializing in fashion, household goods, cosmetics, accessories, holiday necessities, electrical goods and footwear, including big name brands and other major brands also operate large stores in the neighbouring retail park.
Those who enjoy their shopping will be quite happy to spend the entire day here, enjoying a 
well-earned break at lunchtime to enjoy one of the restaurants or bars, most of which are located on the first floor above the main entrance hall. There are fourteen establishments to choose from, offering kebabs or pasta, hamburgers or ice-cream, tapas or Brazilian barbecues: there's bound to be something for everyone among the dishes on offer!
With easy motorway access and ample parking both on the main concourse of the retail park and underneath the Carrefour hypermarket, it's easy to leave the car while you stroll around the pleasant, modern mall before filling the boot with your purchases and heading back after a hard day's shop!
Opening Times:
Monday to Sunday 10.00 to 22.00 (restaurants 12.00 to 01.00)
How to get there:
By car
From Cartagena: A-30 direction Murcia, exit 191
From Murcia: A-30 direction Cartagena, exit 191
From Alicante: AP-7 direction Cartagena, exit 191
GPS
37º 37' 33.01" N
0º 56' 52.40" W
By bus
Bus Number 4. Timetable Monday to Saturday
From Canteras: 7:00 a 22:30 every 30 minutes
From Polígono Industrial: 7:45 a 22:15 every 30 minutes
From Galifa: 6:55; 7:55; 11:25; 13:25; 16:25; 19:25; 21:55
Bus Number 4. Timetable Sundays & Holidays
From Canteras: 8:00 a 22:30 every 30 minutes
From Polígono Industrial: 8:00 a 22:00 every 30 minutes
From Galifa: 7:55; 11:25; 13:25; 16:25; 19:25; 21:55
Espacio Mediterráneo
Pol. Industrial Cabezo Beaza
30395 Cartagena, Murcia
968 086433
Click for map, Espacio Mediterráneo
For more information, go to webpage, Espacio Mediterráneo
