Beaches

Over a dozen beaches at various points of the city make Santander an ideal destination for beach lovers.

If our beaches are known for one thing it is their excellent condition and their services. Over the years the city of Santander has strived to provide beaches of quality that are safe and accessible. In addition to lifesaving services, showers, public transport, and car parks, it should be stressed that more and more beaches are offering leisure areas such as libraries and children’s play centres, adapted toilets, and an amphibious chair service to make bathing easier for people with reduced mobility.

Los Peligros: The closest to the city centre. Although there are several theories as to its name, the most generally accepted is that it refers to the danger to shipping which may run aground owing to its shallow waters. It has a car park, a footbridge that connects it to La Magdalena, and floating platforms for leisure use. It has a full range of services.

La Magdalena: At the foot of the Península de La Magdalena, it has a full range of services and the added value of a large lawn area. Owing to its location sheltered by the bay it is an ideal beach for families with children.

Bikini: this beach is famous for being the first in Santander where a woman wore a bikini, hence its name. It has calm waters and a gentle breeze, and a full range of services. Access is via La Magdalena.

El Camello: It owes its name to the rock which stands on the right of the beach which looks like a camel in profile; it is easily visible at low tide. This beach is frequented by families and players of palas, a sport that is played all year round in Santander. It has a large number of services including a car park and a bar.

La Concha: Right on El Sardinero you will find this quiet beach with a moderate swell. Its name (The Shell) is due to its former shape. In addition to the habitual services it also has sunshades for hire.

La Primera Playa of El Sardinero (The First Beach of El Sardinero): This used to be the beach of the nobility and where the ‘Baños de Ola’ were enjoyed. It has a surface area of over 2,800 m and a pleasant promenade. It has a full set of services. An elevator has recently been installed to make access to the beach easier for the physically disabled.

La Segunda Playa of El Sardinero (The Second Beach of El Sardinero): Separated from the First by the Piquío Gardens, if the First beach was for the nobility the Second was reserved for the common people. It is the largest beach in the municipality and has full services and a children’s play area. In the vicinity you will find restaurants, a large parking area, and a park.

Los Molinucos: At Cabo Menor you will find this small beach which is only 25 metres long. It is isolated and has no services. Access is via the Parque de Mataleñas or by a path that borders on the Cabo Menor.

Mataleñas: Located on a creek surrounded by cliffs, access to it is only possible by stairs descending a steep slope. Despite this it is very popular owing to its impressive views. It has all kinds of services and is very near a campsite and the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse.

El Bocal: It is in the town of Monte and is isolated owing to poor signposting. With its moderate swell and fine sand it is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It has few services and surveillance only on Saturdays and holidays.

Rosamunda: Little known even to locals, it is isolated and solitary. It is located in the rural area of San Román and is sometimes covered at high tide. It has no services and access is possible only on foot.

La Maruca: In a beautiful rocky enclave in Monte, this small beach has a car park, adjacent restaurants, and the cultural attractions of the estuary and the San Pedro battery. It has surveillance services and toilets and is cleaned daily.

Virgen del Mar: It is located alongside the Chapel of the Virgen del Mar in a rocky area that is struck by the waves of the Cantabrian Sea. It is a very clean beach with fine white sand that disappears at high tide. It has good equipment.