Playa de la Magdalena
A serene, protected beach in an estuary, offering calm, shallow waters and stunning views of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Playa de la Magdalena
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, protected beach in an estuary, offering calm, shallow waters and stunning views of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
"Beautiful cozy beach, less crowded and more relaxed with great spots to find sea shells."
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart.
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
Explore rocky areas for unique seashells.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Estuary Beach Serenity
Santander Bay
A clean, protected beach with shallow, brackish waters, perfect for a relaxed dip or exploring rocky shores.

Palacio de la Magdalena Views
Adjacent to the beach
Stunning historical palace offering panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.

Sea Shell Treasures
Rocky areas of the beach
Discover unique seashells along the less crowded, rocky sections of this charming beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Estuary Vibe
Tides and Currents to Consider
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart.
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
Explore rocky areas for unique seashells.
🌊 Be Current Aware
Strong currents can be present; swim cautiously.
🧼 Beach Cleanliness
Appreciate the daily cleaning efforts for a pristine experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart.
🐚 Shell Hunting Fun
Explore rocky areas for unique seashells.
🌊 Be Current Aware
Strong currents can be present; swim cautiously.
🧼 Beach Cleanliness
Appreciate the daily cleaning efforts for a pristine experience.
🍽️ Nearby Dining Options
A nice restaurant is available with friendly staff.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Playa de la Magdalena for its cleanliness, unique estuary setting with shallow, calm waters, and the beautiful backdrop of the Palacio de la Magdalena. It's noted as a relaxed and walkable option from the city, with opportunities for shell collecting. Some mention stronger currents in parts and a rockier texture than more popular beaches.
"A beautiful protected beach in the estuary. Very clean too. A whole host of cleaners clean the beach every day. We moored close to this beach. Easy to get ashore to swim and get provisions 🙏🏽❤️"
Jeremiah Discombobulated (Captain)
"Beach with shallow, rocky and more brackish waters."
The Frameshifter
"Beautiful cozy beach. Might be a bit more rough with more littles stones than the more popular beaches but also less people and more relaxed.
Also at some parts of it you have great spots to find some sea shells!"
Michail Kosak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa de la Magdalena is conveniently walkable from Santander's city center, offering a pleasant stroll along the coast.
You can also find nearby parking if you're arriving by car, though it can be busy during peak season.While a direct bus stop right at the beach might be limited, Santander has a good bus network that can get you close to the Magdalena area, from where it's a short walk.
Walking from the city center is a great option for families, allowing kids to enjoy the scenery. The beach itself is shallow, making it safer for younger children.
Yes, cycling is a fantastic way to reach the beach, with dedicated paths and scenic routes available in Santander.
Limited parking is available near the beach and the Palacio de la Magdalena, but it can fill up quickly, especially during summer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa de la Magdalena is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its shores freely.
As a public beach, Playa de la Magdalena is accessible at all hours. However, lifeguards and facilities may operate on specific schedules during the summer season.
There is no need to book tickets for Playa de la Magdalena itself. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
As a protected area, it's important to respect the environment. Dogs may have restrictions during certain times or seasons, and littering is prohibited.
While the beach is free, access to the Palacio de la Magdalena itself might involve tour fees or specific opening times for interior visits. Check their official schedule.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the shallow, brackish waters, sunbathe, explore the rocky areas for seashells, and enjoy the views of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
It's also a good spot for active people.Yes, the shallow and often calm waters make it a good choice for families with young children.
However, always supervise children closely due to potential currents.During the peak season, you can expect basic facilities like restrooms and showers to be available. It's advisable to check local information for exact operating times.
Absolutely! The rocky parts of the beach are excellent for finding a variety of sea shells.
The water is typically shallow and brackish due to its estuary location. It can be a bit rockier than open-sea beaches but is generally calm.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a nice restaurant located near the beach with friendly and polite staff.
While specific menus aren't detailed, the presence of a restaurant suggests options for meals and refreshments after your beach visit.
Picnics are generally allowed on public beaches, but it's essential to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly to maintain the beach's cleanliness.
Information on direct snack bars on the beach is limited, but the nearby restaurant offers a convenient dining option.
The proximity to the Palacio de la Magdalena and the bay views might offer opportunities for a romantic experience, especially at the nearby restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the beach with the Palacio de la Magdalena in the background, especially during sunrise or sunset. The rocky areas also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, the combination of the beach, the historic palace, and the bay creates a picturesque setting perfect for photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the beach and palace without harsh shadows.
Drone usage is often regulated in protected areas and near historical sites. It's crucial to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and palace. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Explorers
📸 Photographers and View-Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Estuary Beaches
While the calmer waters are a draw, it's important to note that Playa de la Magdalena can still experience strong currents in certain sections. Visitors should always be mindful of local conditions and swim responsibly. The beach's character is also defined by its rocky patches, which, while less ideal for sprawling out, are fantastic for exploring and discovering a variety of seashells. This blend of gentle waters and interesting geological features makes it a multifaceted destination.
Exploring the Palacio de la Magdalena
The palace's presence enhances the overall experience of visiting the beach, offering a cultural dimension to a day of relaxation. The juxtaposition of the serene beach below and the grand palace above creates a visually striking scene, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers alike. Exploring the palace is highly recommended for a fuller understanding of the area's heritage and for those stunning vistas.
Active Pursuits and Relaxation
For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the beach's protected status and daily cleaning ensure a pleasant environment. Finding a quiet spot to sunbathe or read a book is certainly possible, especially if you venture towards the less crowded, rocky sections. The unique estuary setting provides a different kind of beach ambiance, often perceived as more relaxed and less exposed than open-sea alternatives.
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