Palacio de la Magdalena
Av. de la Magdalena 1, Santander, Spain, 39005
This magnificent palace on the peninsula, with a blend of English, French, and regional Spanish architecture, was built in the early 1900s as the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. It now belongs to the city of Santender, and is open to the public for visits, and also used to hold university courses in the summer.
The basics
Tours to the Palacio de la Magdalena are often part of Santander day tours, or those stopping at other areas like Santillana del Mar or the Picos de Europa. Visitors can experience the palace in three ways. First, a guided tour gives you a general idea of the palace. Premium tours offer access to certain rooms you don’t see otherwise. Or, you can book a dramatized tour, in which actors depict what life was like when the royal family summered there.
Things to know before you go
Note that food and drink are not permitted inside the palace.
Guide dogs are allowed, but no other animals.
Virtual tours are available, so you can get your bearings before your visit.
How to get there
One of the most enjoyable ways to get to the palace is by a tourist train, which runs along the sea offering beautiful views. You could also take the bus and hop off at La Magdalena. Or, for extra convenience, book a Santander tour with transportation included from your hotel.
When to get there
The palace is open year-round, but during the summer when the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo takes place, it’s only open on the weekends. Be sure to check the schedule and reserve your tour in advance. The summer is a particularly lovely time to visit, when the gardens are in bloom.
Santander’s favorite fishes
After a visit to the palace, find one of Santander's local restaurants and be ready to dig into several dishes prepared with locally caught seafood. Highlights to sample are rabas, or calamari, Santoña anchovies, cocido montanes (fish soup), and maybe some chipirones (small calamari) with their ink served over white rice. Make sure to check the specials at Bar Chupi.
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