Playa de la Magdalena, Coastal beach in Santander, Spain

Playa de la Magdalena is a sandy beach on the southern side of Magdalena Peninsula, stretching about 350 meters with fine golden sand throughout. Two small islands called La Torre and La Horadada sit offshore, and designated swimming areas marked by buoys help guide visitors in the water.

This beach gained prominence in the early 1900s when Magdalena Palace was built nearby as a summer retreat for Spain's royal family. That royal connection shaped how this coastal spot developed and what it means to the city.

The beach lies inside the Bay of Santander, on the southern side of the Magdalena Peninsula, between Los Peligros beach and the Bikinis beach. The peninsula itself is public land owned by Santander's city council, so the sand and the adjoining park are open to anyone. Bathers move between these adjoining coves along the same stretch of coast.

The beach has designated swimming areas marked by buoys and can be reached easily via Avenida Reina Victoria near Magdalena Palace. The water stays cool year-round, so a wetsuit is helpful if you plan to spend extended time in the water.

The two offshore islands create unusual wave patterns and water conditions not found at other nearby beaches. Many visitors return specifically for these water conditions, which shift with the seasons and tides.