Playa de la Magdalena - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background
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Playa de la Magdalena

4.6
·219 reviews·Santander, Spain

A serene, protected beach in an estuary, offering calm, shallow waters and stunning views of the Palacio de la Magdalena.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Playa de la Magdalena - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background

Playa de la Magdalena

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, protected beach in an estuary, offering calm, shallow waters and stunning views of the Palacio de la Magdalena.

4.6
(219 reviews)

"Beautiful cozy beach, less crowded and more relaxed with great spots to find sea shells."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from City Center

Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart.

🐚 Shell Hunting Fun

Explore rocky areas for unique seashells.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Estuary Beach Serenity

Estuary Beach Serenity

Santander Bay

A clean, protected beach with shallow, brackish waters, perfect for a relaxed dip or exploring rocky shores.

Reddit
Palacio de la Magdalena Views

Palacio de la Magdalena Views

Adjacent to the beach

Stunning historical palace offering panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.

TikTok
Sea Shell Treasures

Sea Shell Treasures

Rocky areas of the beach

Discover unique seashells along the less crowded, rocky sections of this charming beach.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Estuary Vibe

Playa de la Magdalena offers a unique beach experience within an estuary, meaning calmer, often brackish waters. It's a protected area, so expect a clean, well-maintained shoreline. While walkable from the city center, consider the tide for the best access and swimming conditions. Reddit

Tides and Currents to Consider

While generally calm, be aware that Playa de la Magdalena can have strong currents in certain areas. The shallow, rocky sections are great for exploring, but always check local conditions before swimming. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Warmer waters for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌟 5 PLANES GRATIS 🌟 1. Palacio de la Magdalena 2. Mirador del Centro Botín 3 Funicular Río de la Pila 4. Playa del Sardinero 5. Caminata al Faro de Cabo Mayor Guarda este reel si estás armando tu viaje o si quieres escaparte un finde a la costa norte de España.🇪🇸 #españa #planesgratis #planazo #plangratis #planesenfamilia #planesgratuitos #gratis #planespotting #planes #santander #cantabria #plan...
@espanaconvaleria
3K likes • 114K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from City Center

Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart. Reddit

🐚 Shell Hunting Fun

Explore rocky areas for unique seashells. Reddit

Palacio de la Magdalena #parati #santander #cantabria #lobosmarinos🦭🦭 #faro #palacio #montaña #verano #ciudadesdeespaña
@mateoberrioalzate
2.6K likes • 80.1K views
Y tu, habías visto esto alguna vez? Lo de meter el DNI? 😱 #baños #PalacioDeLaMagdalena #Santander #CantabriaInfinita #VisitSantander #TurismoCantabria #SantanderLovers #HistoriaSantander #MagdalenaSantander #SantanderTurismo #QuéVerEnSantander #PatrimonioSantander #CantabriaMágica #RinconesDeCantabria #SantanderExperience #PalaciosDeEspaña #VistasAlMar #CostaCantábrica #DescubreCantabria #Santande...
@elviajedeivan
2.4K likes • 101.4K views

🌊 Be Current Aware

Strong currents can be present; swim cautiously. Reddit

🧼 Beach Cleanliness

Appreciate the daily cleaning efforts for a pristine experience. Reddit

Y tú conocías toda la info sobre el palacio de la Magdalena? 😍 y qué opinas de lo de los animales? 🦭 🥹 te leo en comentarios 👀 #PalacioDeLaMagdalena #Santander #CantabriaInfinita #VisitSantander #TurismoCantabria #SantanderLovers #HistoriaSantander #MagdalenaSantander #SantanderTurismo #QuéVerEnSantander #PatrimonioSantander #CantabriaMágica #RinconesDeCantabria #SantanderExperience #PalaciosDeEs...
@elviajedeivan
1.8K likes • 33.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from City Center

Enjoy a scenic stroll to the beach from Santander's heart. Reddit

🐚 Shell Hunting Fun

Explore rocky areas for unique seashells. Reddit

🌊 Be Current Aware

Strong currents can be present; swim cautiously. Reddit

🧼 Beach Cleanliness

Appreciate the daily cleaning efforts for a pristine experience. Reddit

🍽️ Nearby Dining Options

A nice restaurant is available with friendly staff. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(219 reviews)

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

Clean and protected beach
Shallow, calm waters
Palacio de la Magdalena views

What People Dislike

Rocky texture
Occasional strong currents

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa de la Magdalena is conveniently walkable from Santander's city center, offering a pleasant stroll along the coast. Reddit 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a fantastic way to reach the beach, with dedicated paths and scenic routes available in Santander. TikTok

Limited parking is available near the beach and the Palacio de la Magdalena, but it can fill up quickly, especially during summer. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa de la Magdalena is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its shores freely. TikTok

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. TikTok

As a protected area, it's important to respect the environment. Dogs may have restrictions during certain times or seasons, and littering is prohibited. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit It's also a good spot for active people. Reddit

Yes, the shallow and often calm waters make it a good choice for families with young children. Reddit However, always supervise children closely due to potential currents. Reddit

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. TikTok

Absolutely! The rocky parts of the beach are excellent for finding a variety of sea shells. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a nice restaurant located near the beach with friendly and polite staff. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, the presence of a restaurant suggests options for meals and refreshments after your beach visit. Reddit

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. TikTok

Information on direct snack bars on the beach is limited, but the nearby restaurant offers a convenient dining option. Reddit

The proximity to the Palacio de la Magdalena and the bay views might offer opportunities for a romantic experience, especially at the nearby restaurant. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok

Yes, the combination of the beach, the historic palace, and the bay creates a picturesque setting perfect for photography. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the beach and palace without harsh shadows. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa de la Magdalena is a fantastic choice for families. Its shallow, brackish waters are generally calmer and safer for younger children to splash and play in. Reddit The beach is also known for its cleanliness, with daily cleaning efforts ensuring a pleasant environment. Reddit Exploring the rocky areas for seashells can be an engaging activity for kids, turning a beach day into a treasure hunt. Reddit Remember to supervise children closely due to potential currents in some areas. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Explorers

For those who enjoy a good walk, Playa de la Magdalena is easily walkable from Santander's city center, offering scenic coastal views along the way. Reddit This makes it an ideal destination for a day trip without needing a car. The beach itself is also great for exploring, with its unique estuary environment and rocky sections perfect for discovering sea shells. Reddit Combine your visit with a walk up to the Palacio de la Magdalena for even more stunning vistas. TikTok

📸 Photographers and View-Seekers

The combination of the beach and the majestic Palacio de la Magdalena provides a stunning backdrop for photographers. TikTok Capture the interplay of light on the water, the historic architecture, and the natural beauty of the bay. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for dramatic shots. TikTok Don't miss the panoramic views from the palace grounds, which are equally photogenic. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Estuary Beaches

Playa de la Magdalena offers a distinct experience compared to typical open-sea beaches. Situated within an estuary, its waters are often calmer and can be brackish, meaning a mix of fresh and saltwater. This protected environment contributes to its cleanliness and makes it a unique spot for a relaxed beach day. Reddit The shallow nature of the water in many areas is a significant advantage for families with young children, providing a safer environment for play. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit This blend of gentle waters and interesting geological features makes it a multifaceted destination.

Exploring the Palacio de la Magdalena

Overlooking Playa de la Magdalena is the magnificent Palacio de la Magdalena, a historical landmark that adds significant charm to the area. This former royal summer residence offers a glimpse into Spain's past and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and the Cantabrian Sea. TikTok Visitors can often tour the palace grounds and interiors, learning about its rich history and architectural significance. TikTok

The palace's presence enhances the overall experience of visiting the beach, offering a cultural dimension to a day of relaxation. TikTok 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. TikTok Exploring the palace is highly recommended for a fuller understanding of the area's heritage and for those stunning vistas. TikTok

Active Pursuits and Relaxation

Playa de la Magdalena caters to both those seeking active pursuits and those looking for pure relaxation. The beach is described as 'good for active people,' suggesting opportunities for beach games or simply enjoying the invigorating sea air. Reddit The presence of a restaurant nearby means you can easily refuel after your activities or enjoy a leisurely meal with a view. Reddit

For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the beach's protected status and daily cleaning ensure a pleasant environment. Reddit Finding a quiet spot to sunbathe or read a book is certainly possible, especially if you venture towards the less crowded, rocky sections. Reddit The unique estuary setting provides a different kind of beach ambiance, often perceived as more relaxed and less exposed than open-sea alternatives. TikTok

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