Welcome, sun and sea lovers! If you are looking for the perfect destination for your next vacation, you have come to the right place! The stunning Santander beaches, Cantabria’s coastal jewel, await you with crystal-clear waters and dreamlike landscapes. With more than a dozen sandy shores scattered across the city, it is the ideal destination for beach enthusiasts.
While there are eight main beaches, there are up to 13 recognized for their upkeep and excellent services. Sun and beach tourism is one of the pillars of our province’s economy, and every year Santander strives to offer high-quality beaches with fine golden sand that are also safe and accessible.
Despite the city’s reputation for unpredictable weather, the truth is that those who visit our beautiful city always come back! Every summer, the population along our coast multiplies. We are even compared to the “Marbella of the North,” as each year more curious travelers come to enjoy our beaches, our history, and, of course, our gastronomy.
Yes, we Glutendtrotters are head over heels in love with our “Tacita de Plata” (Silver Cup), and we have plenty of reasons why. Today we are showing you 13 of them. Follow us and discover the paradise of Northern Spain! The adventure starts now!
Santander Beaches
1. Los Peligros Beach
In order of proximity to the city center, Los Peligros is the first beach. Located within the Santander Bay and not in open sea, this beach is ideal for a day with children. Don’t be fooled by its name (The Dangers), as it refers to the possibility of ships running aground if they stray from the entry channel to the port of Santander.
Access and Transportation
You can reach this beach by taking a pleasant stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, passing iconic landmarks such as the Los Raqueros sculpture and the Cantabrian Maritime Museum. During the summer season, municipal buses run a direct line to the beach entrance.
Los Peligros boasts excellent accessibility, showers, and even a small playground right on the sand. Throughout the summer, it is fully monitored by lifeguard services.
What to Do at Los Peligros Beach
To make the most of your time in the water, there is a pedal boat rental service with slides available all summer—guaranteed fun for both kids and adults.
next to the Maritime Museum, known as “La Fenómeno.” This stretch of sand, which has grown in recent years by a whim of nature, offers some of the most beautiful sunsets from the nearby Duna Zaera. Don’t leave without posting a photo of this spectacular sunset on Instagram!
2. La Magdalena Beach
La Magdalena Beach is, in fact, a continuation of Los Peligros Beach and marks the entrance to the Magdalena Peninsula. With its 900 meters of golden sand, it offers a quiet environment well-sheltered from the wind. The La Horadada area, in particular, is less crowded, providing a perfect refuge to relax.
Access and Transportation
The best way to get there is on foot or by using the municipal bus line. Although the parking area is free, the addition of the bike lane and the high number of visitors during peak season make finding a parking spot a difficult and nearly impossible task.
What to Do at La Magdalena Beach
Don’t miss the stunning views from this beach. The Santander Bay, the La Torre islet, and El Puntal Beach create a landscape that invites you to stay. With its peaceful atmosphere and wonderful vistas, La Magdalena Beach is an unmissable destination in Santander.
3. Los Bikinis Beach
Just past the Tennis Club and right before you enter the spectacular Magdalena Peninsula, you will find the charming Bikinis Beach.
Curious name, isn't it? In the seventies, when international students attended summer Spanish courses at the Menéndez Pelayo International University, this small 300-meter stretch of sand was filled with young women wearing bikinis—a garment that was still considered too daring for Spanish society at the time. That is how it got its name, being one of the first places in Spain where bikinis were ever seen.
Access and Transportation
The best way to reach it is on foot, taking a pleasant stroll along the shore from Los Peligros, or by bus. The municipal bus will drop you off just outside the Magdalena Peninsula grounds, from where you must continue on foot.
What to Do at Los Bikinis Beach
Nowadays, Bikinis Beach remains a popular meeting point for young people who have fun jumping off the pier. It is also a favorite for families enjoying picnics in the surrounding areas of the Magdalena Palace, taking advantage of the designated spots.
Once you are here, you cannot leave without exploring everything this spectacular corner of Santander has to offer: visiting the Royal Palace (the former residence of King Alfonso XIII), taking a dip at the Royal Pier, watching the seals and penguins at the marine mini-zoo, touring the grounds on the “Magdaleno” train, and enjoying the unrivaled views of the Mouro Island Lighthouse with the Hotel Real in the background.
4. El Camello Beach
Just on the other side of the Magdalena Peninsula, we discover Santander’s first beach facing the open Cantabrian Sea: El Camello Beach.
When the tide goes out, the rocks on the right side are revealed, including a very unique one shaped like a camel, which is where the beach gets its name.
Access and Transportation
You can easily reach it via the municipal bus, which offers frequent service. Additionally, there is a parking lot right at the beach entrance, though finding a spot during the summer can be difficult due to the high volume of visitors. This 200-meter wide sandy shore is very popular with families thanks to its excellent accessibility and lifeguard surveillance.
What to Do at El Camello Beach
Don’t know how to play “palas”? It is the quintessential Santander beach game, and this is the perfect place to learn. Every day that the weather permits, a large group of people gathers here to practice it.
Furthermore, if you enjoy exploring rocks in search of marine life, you are in the ideal spot. At the foot of “Devil’s Rock”—a large crag well-known to locals because of an old sculpture with a trident that once stood at its peak—you can find crabs, limpets, colorful seaweed, and even starfish.
5. La Concha Beach
Yes! Santander also has a La Concha Beach, just like San Sebastián. Although it is less famous, it is one of the smallest beaches in Santander and is located right before reaching the First Sardinero Beach, with which it shares the same stretch of sand.
Access and Transportation
Visited mainly by locals, La Concha Beach has convenient access from Avenida de Reina Victoria. There is a parking lot nearby, but finding a space can be difficult during the high season.
What to Do at La Concha Beach
Balneario de la Concha and the BNS terrace, two well-known local spots, make this the perfect place to enjoy the sunset while having a bite to eat and taking in the wonderful evening views.
6. The First Sardinero Beach
The First Sardinero Beach (Primera Playa del Sardinero) is the most famous beach in Santander, stretching from the Maremondo restaurant to the Piquío Gardens. This iconic spot is the birthplace of the “Baños de Ola” (Wave Baths), a summer tradition once popular among the Spanish nobility of the last century.
History and Events
If you want to experience this part of our history firsthand, a cultural event is held during the first half of July to commemorate the Baños de Ola. This celebration allows you to immerse yourself in activities that recreate the atmosphere of yesteryear.
Access and Transportation
Access to the First Sardinero Beach is pedestrian, via stairs starting from Plaza de Italia. It is also easily accessible by bus, with several lines dropping you off near the shore. There is parking nearby, though it can be quite difficult to find a spot during the high season due to the beach’s immense popularity.
What to Do at the First Sardinero Beach
The First Sardinero Beach shares its sandy stretch with La Concha and the Second Sardinero Beach. If you enjoy walking, you have nearly 2 kilometers of beach to enjoy at low tide. Additionally, it is one of the best surfing spots in Santander, thanks to its consistent waves.
This area is perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming, and practicing water sports. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Piquío Gardens, which offer spectacular sea views and are the ideal place to relax after a day at the beach.
7. The Second Sardinero Beach
Separated from the First Sardinero Beach by the Piquío Gardens, the Second Sardinero Beach is wider and less crowded than its older sister. Also known as Castañeda Beach, it is very similar to the First Beach, yet it possesses a special charm that makes it stand out.
Access and Transportation
The Racing Stadium parking lot is located very close to this beach. Generally, unless there is an event taking place, it is fairly easy to park here. You can also arrive by bus, with several lines dropping you off nearby, or by walking from the First Sardinero Beach through the Piquío Gardens.
What to Do at the Second Sardinero Beach
After enjoying a day of sun and sea, it would be unforgivable to leave El Sardinero without tasting a refreshing local delicacy: Regma ice cream. You will recognize their stands from a distance by the endless lines and the colossal size of their scoops. Additionally, Regma offers gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy their delicious flavors.
If you love Mexican food as much as we do, you cannot miss the nachos with guacamole and the tamales at Mar de Cortés. This is one of our favorite gluten-free friendly Mexican restaurants, located right next to the Second Sardinero Beach.
8. Los Molinucos Beach
We leave behind the lively El Sardinero neighborhood and enter the peaceful Mataleñas Park, near the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse. The trail bordering the Mataleñas Golf Course leads us to two of the best beaches in Santander: Los Molinucos Beach and Mataleñas Beach. Although Los Molinucos is the smallest beach in the city, its charm is enormous.
Access and Transportation
To reach Los Molinucos Beach, you must take the Senda de Mataleñas (Mataleñas Trail), which starts from the Coronna cafeteria or from the Mataleñas Park itself. This small sandy cove, barely 25 meters long, offers beautiful views over El Sardinero. Its fine golden sand and breathtaking setting of cliffs make it one of the most cherished treasures for the people of Santander.
What to Do at Los Molinucos Beach
Although Los Molinucos Beach does not have lifeguard surveillance and almost completely disappears at high tide, it is a special place dearly loved by locals. The beach is ideal for those seeking a quiet and unique corner, far from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded shores.
9. Mataleñas Beach
It is one of the best beaches in Santander, with nothing to envy of the idyllic beaches of the Caribbean. The view from above is spectacular, especially when the sea is calm and the water turns an impressive turquoise.
Access and Transportation
Mataleñas Beach is a cove about 125 meters long nestled between cliffs. To access it, you have to descend more than 100 stairs—which, of course, you will eventually have to climb back up. Although the access can be a bit of a challenge, the reward is well worth the effort.
What to Do at Mataleñas Beach
Even though the beach faces the open sea, swimming here is calm and the area is monitored by lifeguards, making it a safe spot to enjoy the water.
An important detail to keep in mind is that shade arrives earlier in the afternoon here than at other beaches in Santander due to its position between the cliffs. The upside is that it is very well protected from the wind, making it ideal for a relaxed day at the beach.
10. El Bocal Beach
Located in the Monte neighborhood, just a few kilometers from the center of the Cantabrian capital, El Bocal Beach is one of the great hidden gems of the Santander coastline—unknown even to many locals.
Access and Transportation
To reach El Bocal Beach, you should head toward Monte, a quiet, rural area that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Santander’s busier beaches. Access is easiest by car, though you can also arrive by bicycle if you enjoy taking in the scenery.
What To Do at El Bocal Beach
El Bocal Beach features about 200 meters of shoreline dotted with large rocks and bathed by moderate waves. It is the ideal spot for those seeking an isolated stretch of sand to enjoy tranquility and nature.
This beach is also the stage for the “La Vaca Gigante” surfing championship, held every year, which attracts surfers from all over the world to challenge its massive waves.
11. Rosamunda Beach
In the rural surroundings of San Román, near El Bocal, you will find Rosamunda Beach. This beach is even more isolated and solitary, featuring a discreet sandy area that often disappears completely when the tide comes in.
Access and Transportation
Rosamunda Beach is located in the town of Monte, within the peaceful rural setting of San Román. To get there, it is best to go by car due to its remote location. The beach is surrounded by an impressive natural landscape.
What To Do at Rosamunda Beach
Although Rosamunda Beach isn’t the most practical spot in Santander—with its many rocks and a tiny sandy area that almost completely disappears at high tide—its charm lies in its peace and views. It is the perfect place for those seeking a truly isolated and unique beach experience.
Exploring Rosamunda Beach will allow you to discover a different, more serene side of the Cantabrian coast. The views from this beach are breathtaking and offer a sense of peace that is hard to find at the more crowded seaside spots.
12. La Maruca Beach
In addition to being located in a beautiful rocky enclave in the Monte neighborhood, less than 10 km from the center of Santander, La Maruca Beach is ideal for enjoying a calm swim without any waves.
Access and Transportation
To reach La Maruca Beach, you can drive from the center of Santander, as it has a suitable parking area. This beach offers easy accessibility.
What To Do at La Maruca Beach
This rocky enclave is filled with fishing boats in winter and offers 120 meters of sandy shoreline with good access and calm waters in summer. Its proximity to the estuary and the San Pedro Battery adds a cultural touch to your visit, allowing you to explore beyond the beach.
In 2010, a restoration process for the battery’s remains began, along with the construction of a building that houses the Coastal Interpretation Center, which opened on December 15, 2010. Additionally, it is close to some of the most delicious seafood restaurants in Santander.
13. Virgen del Mar Beach
Just 5 km from La Maruca, you will find Virgen del Mar Beach, a charming 400-meter-long stretch of sand. This beach takes its name from the hermitage that presides over it and stands out for the beauty of its rocky landscape and its pristine shoreline.
Access and Transportation
Virgen del Mar Beach is easily accessible by car, with parking available near the shore. Its location in San Román makes it a quiet and picturesque option for visitors.
What to Do at Virgen del Mar Beach
This beach is perfect for enjoying a relaxed day in a natural setting. The rocky landscape and clear waters make it an ideal spot for exploring and photography. Additionally, the proximity of the Virgen del Mar hermitage adds an essential cultural element to your visit.
Exploring Beyond Santander’s Beaches
From urban and world-famous shores like El Sardinero to more secluded spots like Virgen del Mar Beach, every corner of Santander has something unique to offer. Our exploration of Santander’s beaches ends here, but the region has so much more in store. The paradise of Northern Spain doesn’t stop at the city limits. Come and discover the marvelous beaches located near Santander. Keep reading and prepare to be amazed!
The beaches near Santander are truly spectacular. It might sound a bit biased coming from a local, but it’s the honest truth. Many other places in Spain would envy the incredible coastline we have here in Cantabria, and I would love for you to get to know it too.
El Puntal Beach
Since I was a child, I have had a special weakness for El Puntal Beach, as it holds some of my most cherished family memories. This beach is one of the most peaceful and paradisiacal gems in Santander.
Located right across the Bay of Santander, this stretch of sand forms part of over 10 kilometers of uninterrupted beach, which changes names depending on the town from which you access it: Loredo, Somo, and finally El Puntal.
Access and Transportation
The only way to access El Puntal Beach is by boat, which guarantees a peaceful experience without the crowds. You can take the “Los Reginas” ferries from the Santander Promenade, right next to the Palacete del Embarcadero and near the Centro Botín. You can also reach it on foot from the parking area in the town of Somo, although finding a parking spot there can be quite tricky.
What to Do at El Puntal Beach
The beach is very calm, making it one of the best options in Santander for families with children. You can enjoy a relaxing dip in its tranquil waters while taking in the stunning views of the Bay of Santander and the Magdalena Palace on the horizon.
At El Puntal Beach, there are two chiringuitos (beach bars) that offer excellent food and a fantastic atmosphere. They are the perfect place to enjoy a great meal by the sea after a day of sun and fun.
Valdearenas Beach in Liencres
In the heart of Costa Quebrada, you will find one of the longest beaches in Cantabria.
Access and Transportation
The best way to explore this wonderful beach is by car. In approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Santander, you will reach Valdearenas Beach. Take the S-20 and follow the signs toward the Corbán-Liencres exit. Then, continue on the CA-231 until you reach the village of Liencres. Shortly after passing Liencres, you will see a sign indicating a right turn toward Valdearenas Beach. Take that turn and follow the road down through the pine forests until you reach the beach parking lot.
What to Do at Valdearenas Beach
Valdearenas Beach, located within the Dunas de Liencres Natural Park, stretches for over 3 km and is completely open to the sea. It is the ideal spot for surfing and water sports lovers, but be very careful with the strong waves, especially if you are visiting with children.
Covachos Beach
Located in a privileged setting just 10 kilometers from the center of Santander, you will find Covachos Beach. This small nudist beach is ideal for those who enjoy the sun and the sea without restrictions, but don’t worry—everyone is welcome, whether you wear a swimsuit or not!
The relaxed and free atmosphere makes it a special and welcoming place. Since it is a pristine beach, it is recommended to bring your own water and food, and don’t forget to take all your trash with you to protect the environment.
Access and Transportation
To reach Covachos Beach from Santander, take the S-20 and continue until the Corbán-Liencres exit. Follow the CA-231 until you reach Soto de la Marina. Once you have passed the village, you will see a brown sign indicating the right turn toward Covachos Beach and La Arnía.
Follow that road and continue straight until the next sign, which will instruct you to veer slightly to the right again. The approximate travel time from the center of Santander is about 15 minutes.
Access to the beach can be somewhat complicated, as you have to descend stairs that may be more difficult to navigate if it coincides with high tide.
At the top of the cliff, there is a path that leads to the vicinity of the beach. To descend, there is a section with concrete steps, but due to storms, these stairs do not reach the base. To get down to the sand, you have to climb down the rocks using a rope for assistance. It is highly recommended to wear athletic footwear with non-slip soles.
What To Do at Covachos Beach
This beautiful beach is located in a spectacular natural setting. A thin sandy isthmus stretches from the beach to Castro Island, allowing for a lovely walk when the tide is low. This pristine beach is hidden between massive rock walls of great geological value, forming part of the impressive Costa Quebrada.
The sandy tombolo is one of the beach’s main attractions, but not the only one. The beach gets its name from the various caves formed by sea and wind erosion. One of these caves is located on the island and is home to different marine species. Additionally, a waterfall formed by the water of an ancient river cascades down one of the cliff walls, adding a magical touch to the place.
In 1983, a diver discovered the remains of an ancient British galleon between Covachos Beach and Castro Island. Among the artifacts found were cannons, an anchor, and large iron pieces dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. These remains were moved to the Cantabrian Maritime Museum after complicated recovery efforts due to the strong swell.
Don’t let the summer pass by without enjoying the wonderful beaches of Santander! Every corner of our coastline is a gem waiting to be discovered, from the calm waters of Los Peligros to the secluded paradise of Covachos. So, what are you waiting for? Come and explore the paradise of Northern Spain.
Don’t miss the chance to get to know each of these incredible beaches and create unforgettable memories. The adventure begins now!
You might also be interested in reading the following posts:
The Ultimate 3-Day Cantabria Itinerary: Beaches, Villages and Mountains
Top 10 Things To Do in Santander Spain: A One-Day Itinerary to Discover the City’s Highlights
