Palacio de la Magdalena
The royal summer palace on its own peninsula, ringed by a small free-roaming zoo.
How to reach it
A short day-trip from Santander — about 3 km from the station. Santander is the start of the route.
- From the station
- 3 km
- Rail pass
- Renfe Abono
- Tickets
- Book tour / ticket
More to see in Santander
Centro Botín
Renzo Piano's arts centre floating over the bay.
Playa del Sardinero
Belle-époque beach where the city takes the sea air.
Península de la Magdalena Park
Seaside parkland with sea lions, a replica galleon and views to the open Cantabrian.
Mercado de la Esperanza
A double iron-and-stone market hall, seafood below and produce above.
Catedral de Santander
A fortress-like Gothic cathedral stacked on a Roman-era lower church.
Faro de Cabo Mayor
A clifftop lighthouse walk past the Mataleñas coves at the city’s edge.
Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
A whale skeleton and Bay-of-Biscay aquariums telling Cantabria’s seafaring story.
Faro Santander
David Chipperfield's conversion of the bayfront Pereda Building, opened in 2026 with Banco Santander's art collection from Goya to Picasso.
Other stops on the Cantabria by Cercanías
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Palacio de la Magdalena from Santander station?
- A short day-trip from Santander — about 3 km from the station. Santander is the start of the route.
- Is Palacio de la Magdalena covered by the Renfe Abono?
- The train journey to Santander is fully covered by the Renfe Abono. Entry to Palacio de la Magdalena is ticketed and not included in the rail pass.
- What else is there to see near Palacio de la Magdalena?
- Other sights in Santander include Centro Botín, Playa del Sardinero, Península de la Magdalena Park, Mercado de la Esperanza, Catedral de Santander.