Playa de Mataleñas
A stunning sandy cove in Santander, accessed by a dramatic staircase, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more shade
Playa de Mataleñas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more shade
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning sandy cove in Santander, accessed by a dramatic staircase, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape.
"Wonderful secondary and hidden beach in Santander, always majestic."
👟 Stair Challenge Prep
The climb back up is steep! Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Limited natural shade. Arrive early or bring your own umbrella for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dramatic Descent
Beach entrance
Descend a steep staircase, with options of 156 or 157 steps, for breathtaking cove views.
Pristine Sandy Cove
Main beach area
Enjoy fine sand in a secluded cove, framed by impressive cliffs and clear waters.
Mataleñas Park Views
Above the beach
Explore the adjacent park with walking trails and stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Descent
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Stair Challenge Prep
The climb back up is steep! Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Limited natural shade. Arrive early or bring your own umbrella for comfort.
🌊 Watch for Jellyfish
Portuguese man o' war can be present. Stay aware of local advisories.
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking is available nearby, but it's a 30-min walk to the center.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Stair Challenge Prep
The climb back up is steep! Wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Limited natural shade. Arrive early or bring your own umbrella for comfort.
🌊 Watch for Jellyfish
Portuguese man o' war can be present. Stay aware of local advisories.
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking is available nearby, but it's a 30-min walk to the center.
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Despite the stairs, it's recommended for families with lifeguards on duty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa de Mataleñas is a highly-rated, beautiful sandy beach nestled in a secluded cove, celebrated for its stunning natural setting and clear waters. While the steep staircase access is a notable challenge, most visitors find the effort worthwhile for the serene and less crowded experience it offers. Lifeguards are present, making it a safe, albeit demanding, destination.
"Wonderful secondary and hidden beach in Santander. The beach is inside a cove with high rocks on the sides and can only be reached on foot after a steep staircase, there is a car park nearby however because it is about 30 minutes walk from the centre of Santander. Despite the isolation there are always lifeguards. The water is wonderful and clean, the tide is very strong and I had the honour of visiting it in bad weather but it was hot and there was fog on the water; amazing and it was June. As you can understand it is never too crowded and is always majestic."
The Frameshifter
"Very nice beach. Its a little bit hidden with a lot of stairs to get there. But it wasnt overcrowded already at Saturday afternoon.
There was a life guard.
Recommended for family with children."
Radek Dohnal
"Beautiful beach. No steps so a steep slope down. But so clean and if you want there's a cafe at the top"
Sally Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa de Mataleñas is located in Santander, Cantabria. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, though it's about a 30-minute walk from the city center. Alternatively, local buses serve the area. The main access to the beach involves descending a steep staircase, with one side having 156 steps and the other 157. 
Yes, there is a car park near Playa de Mataleñas. However, it's important to note that it's still a considerable walk (around 30 minutes) from the center of Santander.
You can walk to Playa de Mataleñas from Santander's center, but it takes approximately 30 minutes. The walk offers scenic views along the coast.
The primary access to Playa de Mataleñas is via a steep staircase. There are two main sets of stairs, one with 156 steps and another with 157 steps, offering different perspectives as you descend.
Yes, local buses operate in Santander and can take you close to the Playa de Mataleñas area, making it accessible for those not using a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa de Mataleñas is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. You can visit and enjoy it freely.
As a natural beach, Playa de Mataleñas is accessible at all times. However, lifeguard services are typically available during the summer season.
There is no admission fee for Playa de Mataleñas. It is a public beach open to everyone.
While generally open, be aware of potential advisories regarding marine life, such as the Portuguese man o' war, especially during warmer months.
Yes, Playa de Mataleñas can be visited year-round. However, the experience might differ based on weather conditions and the presence of lifeguards.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Playa de Mataleñas features fine sand, making it a pleasant surface for sunbathing and walking.
While it can get busy, especially on weekends, it's often described as less crowded than other beaches in Santander due to its secluded cove location and the effort required to access it. +1
Yes, lifeguards are typically present at Playa de Mataleñas, especially during the peak summer season, ensuring safety for visitors. +1
The water at Playa de Mataleñas is generally described as clean and not rough, with a slow gradient, making it enjoyable for swimming and relaxing. +1
Natural shade is limited at Playa de Mataleñas. It's advisable to bring your own umbrella or visit earlier in the day when some areas might be shaded by the cliffs. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the stairs offers a panoramic view of the cove, perfect for capturing the beach's scale. The cliffs framing the beach also provide dramatic backdrops. Don't miss the adjacent Mataleñas Park for elevated coastal shots.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for serene shots. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour lighting for dramatic sunsets over the sea.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Playa de Mataleñas or the surrounding park.
Playa de Mataleñas is excellent for landscape, seascape, and travel photography. Its natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic staircase make for compelling shots.
The unique staircase access and the cove's dramatic cliff formations offer distinctive photographic opportunities. The adjacent park also provides a different natural setting for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
+1 The beach itself offers a beautiful natural setting for a swim or a walk along the shore. Combine your visit with a hike through the adjacent Mataleñas Park for a full day of outdoor activity and stunning coastal views. 📸 Photographers
+2 Capture the scale of the cove from the top of the stairs, or focus on the textures of the sand and the play of light on the water. The adjacent park also provides excellent vantage points for landscape shots. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Staircase
+1 This significant climb is a key feature that deters some, but for those who make the journey, the reward is a stunning, secluded cove. The stairs offer increasingly dramatic views as you descend, making the journey as memorable as the destination.Be prepared for the climb back up, especially if you're carrying beach gear or have mobility concerns. Many visitors recommend wearing comfortable footwear and taking your time.
Mataleñas Park: A Green Oasis
The park provides walking trails that meander through the landscape, offering beautiful views of the coastline and the Cantabrian Sea.It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll before or after visiting the beach, providing a different perspective of the area's natural beauty.
+1 The park is also home to a significant number of trees, with one particular ancient tree standing out. This combination of coastal beach and serene parkland makes the Mataleñas area a multifaceted destination for nature lovers.Seasonal Considerations and Marine Life
+1 These sightings can lead to temporary beach closures or advisories for swimmers' safety. It's always a good idea to check local conditions and any posted warnings before heading to the beach.Despite these occasional concerns, the water quality at Playa de Mataleñas is generally praised as clean and inviting.
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