Magdalena Peninsula
A historic royal summer residence on a scenic peninsula, offering stunning sea views, gardens, beaches, and a marine park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Magdalena Peninsula
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic royal summer residence on a scenic peninsula, offering stunning sea views, gardens, beaches, and a marine park.
"Amazing views and it's totally recommend it!"
🚶♀️ Walk or Train?
The peninsula is walkable, but a tourist train is available for a scenic ride to the palace. :train2:
🌊 Enjoy the Views
Take time to sit on benches and soak in the stunning sea views and crashing waves. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palacio de la Magdalena
Top of the peninsula
A stunning former royal summer residence with beautiful architecture and panoramic sea views.
Sea Lion Colony
Near the palace
Observe playful sea lions and other marine life in their naturalistic habitat.
Playa de los Bikinis
Southern coast
A charming, calm beach perfect for a relaxing stroll or enjoying the coastal scenery.
Faro de la Cerda
Eastern tip
An iconic lighthouse offering dramatic views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Getting Around the Peninsula
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Train?
The peninsula is walkable, but a tourist train is available for a scenic ride to the palace. :train2:
🌊 Enjoy the Views
Take time to sit on benches and soak in the stunning sea views and crashing waves. :ocean:
👑 Palace Hours
The palace is often only open on weekends. Check schedules before your visit. :calendar:
🐧 Marine Life Concerns
Some visitors find the mini zoo's conditions for sea animals concerning. :sad_cat:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Train?
The peninsula is walkable, but a tourist train is available for a scenic ride to the palace. :train2:
🌊 Enjoy the Views
Take time to sit on benches and soak in the stunning sea views and crashing waves. :ocean:
👑 Palace Hours
The palace is often only open on weekends. Check schedules before your visit. :calendar:
🐧 Marine Life Concerns
Some visitors find the mini zoo's conditions for sea animals concerning. :sad_cat:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds and beaches. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and panoramic sea views of the Magdalena Peninsula. The historical palace and the accessible grounds are major highlights, offering a glimpse into royal history. While the marine park's conditions have drawn some criticism, the overall experience is highly recommended for its scenic walks and peaceful atmosphere.
"The palacio is open only over the weekends but the surrounding gardens is beautiful and it is open every day till 10. It has sea animals to see and a park. In general amazing views and it’s totally recommend it!"
Maria Achilleia
"What a beautiful place to visit even as a tourist. We were travelling with an aged mom and were delighted to hear that she didn't have to walk up the hill to the palace as there's a train (bus) one can hop on that takes a slow trip up the hill. Cost was 5€.
The grounds are immaculate and there's benches placed throughout the peninsula where you can sit and enjoy the view. It's a lovely area to stroll around."
Lee-Anne Curtis-Cox
"Inside the palace is exquisite and at 3 euros for a guided tour well worth it but the grounds and seascapes are stunning. You can see and hear the power of the waves crashing into the cliffs. A short bus journey (1.30 euros each way) will take you there and entry to the grounds is free."
Lynne F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Magdalena Peninsula is about a 50-minute walk from Santander's city center, or you can take a short bus journey (around 1.30 euros each way). Many visitors enjoy walking along the beach to reach it.
Yes, a bus service runs to the peninsula. Additionally, a tourist train operates, offering a scenic ride up to the palace.
While there might be limited parking, it's generally recommended to use public transport or walk due to its popularity and scenic nature.
You can walk the entire peninsula, which offers beautiful views. Alternatively, the tourist train is a convenient option, especially for reaching the palace. 
Yes, the tourist train provides an accessible option to reach the palace, making it easier for those who may have difficulty walking uphill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds of the Magdalena Peninsula is generally free. However, there is a fee for guided tours of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
The palace itself often has limited opening hours, typically only open on weekends. It's advisable to check the current schedule before your visit.
The tourist train typically costs around 5 euros for a round trip, offering a convenient way to ascend the hill.
No, the beaches on the Magdalena Peninsula, such as Playa de los Bikinis, are free to access.
While the marine park is part of the peninsula's attractions, specific entry fees can vary. It's best to check on-site for any charges related to viewing the sea animals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Palacio de la Magdalena, the marine park with sea lions and penguins, the Faro de la Cerda lighthouse, and several beautiful beaches like Playa de los Bikinis.
You can explore the extensive gardens, enjoy the beaches, visit the Man and the Sea Museum, and observe the local marine life.
There are beautiful places to visit and eat around the peninsula, offering scenic dining experiences.
You can see sea lions and penguins in the marine park.
Absolutely! The peninsula offers stunning coastal landscapes, the majestic palace, and beautiful beaches, making it a photographer's paradise.
📸 📸 Photography
The Palacio de la Magdalena itself, the cliff edges with crashing waves, the lighthouse, and the various beaches all offer incredible photo opportunities.
Golden hour, both in the early morning and late afternoon, provides beautiful light for capturing the landscapes and the palace.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected areas and near historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Photography rules inside the palace may vary. It's advisable to inquire on-site about restrictions before taking pictures.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
couples
+1 Enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand, find a quiet spot to watch the waves, or take a scenic train ride together. The historical ambiance of the palace and the natural beauty create a perfect backdrop for a memorable outing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal History of Palacio de la Magdalena
Today, the palace is a symbol of Santander's elegant past and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours to explore its opulent rooms, including the Throne Room and the Royal Dining Room, which offer a glimpse into the lives of Spanish royalty. The surrounding gardens are equally impressive, providing a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll.
Beyond its historical significance, the palace has also hosted notable events, including concerts by international artists like Sebastian Yatra and Manuel Carrasco, adding a modern cultural dimension to this historic landmark.
Exploring the Marine Life and Beaches
Beyond the marine park, the peninsula boasts several picturesque beaches. Playa de los Bikinis is particularly noted for its calm waters and peaceful atmosphere, named after foreign students who frequented it in the 1950s.
Other beaches offer opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. These coastal areas provide a refreshing contrast to the historical grandeur of the palace. The Faro de la Cerda lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the eastern tip, offering dramatic views of the Cantabrian Sea and serving as a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Navigating the Peninsula: Walking vs. Train
However, the terrain can be hilly, and the palace is situated at the top of the peninsula. For those seeking convenience or traveling with children or elderly companions, the tourist train is an excellent option. It provides a scenic and effortless journey to the palace, with hop-on and hop-off capabilities.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and physical condition. Both methods offer a rewarding way to experience the diverse attractions of the Magdalena Peninsula, from its historical sites to its stunning natural landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit