The Magdalena Peninsula

Travelling around the city

One of the places best-loved by the people of Santander, this park covers 24.5 hectares and offers many activities.

magdalena

1. Real Sociedad de Tenis
This private tennis club was founded in 1906 thanks to the emergence of high society social and sporting life. Linked to the Spanish Royal Family, King Alphonse XIII was the first Honorary President of the Club.

2. The Magdalena Peninsula
Tourist Train The laziest of you can discover the Peninsula of La Magdalena on this little train that runs through the park while telling its story. *Currently, the tourist train is not running.

3. Prominent monuments
The park houses a series of monuments, such as the one dedicated to the victims of terrorism by Agustín Ibarrola or the sculpture of Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente.

4. Marine Park
Built in the open air, taking advantage of the Cliff rocks and the entry of the sea water, you will be able to see seals, sea lions and penguins.

5. Man and the Sea Museum
In recognition of the sailor from Santander, Vital Alsar, you will be able to see the three galleons used in his crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside them, is the replica of the wooden raft on which he crossed the Pacific Ocean in 1970.

6. Palacio de La Magdalena
Located on the highest point of the Magdalena Peninsula is the former summer residence of King Alphonse XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia. Currently, it is used for the summer courses held by the UIMP, as well as events of different kinds throughout the year.

7. La Cerda Lighthouse
Built on the cliffs, where formerly there was a fortress (1639) constructed to protect the city from its enemies. Today, its installations are used for the ‘Aula del Mar’ (Sea Classroom) educational project.

8. Isla de Mouro
From the north-eastern façade of the Palacio de La Magdalena you will see this island, the lighthouse of which was built in 1858 in order to warn the ships about their entry into the Bay.

9. Tide Gauge
Built in 1874 to measure the cliffs of the Peninsula, with respect to the sea level, along with the ones in Cadiz and Alicante. Next to this, we find the Embarcadero del Rey.

10. Playa de Bikini
Located at the foot of the Park of La Magdalena, it owes its name to the foreign female students who, in the nineteen sixties, came to the summer courses and wore this garment on the beach.

11. Royal Stables
Finished in 1917, it has been used not only to house animals and vehicles while the Royal Family was in residence in the summer, but also as a student hall of residence for the university. It is still used for this at present during the summer courses of the UIMP. The grounds also include a hall, where many activities are held.

12. La Horadada
It is a rock which, according to legend, was pierced by the stone barge that transported the heads of the Martyr Saints: Saint Emeterius and Saint Celedonius. Unfortunately, a storm broke it up.

13. Campa de La Magdalena
Previously it was a Polo field. Today it has been turned into a large leisure area that hosts concerts, sporting events and other activities.

14. Playa de La Magdalena
Due to its proximity to the Campa de La Magdalena and, therefore, to the children’s park, the beach is very popular amongst families with small children.

15. Isla de La Torre
Known as the Island of Mice, it was used to keep the ships that arrived with sick crew members in quarantine. Today, it houses the Isla de la Torre sailing school.