The Magdalena Peninsula, royal emblem site of Santander
Located in a unique place in the city of Santander and watching over the bay, we have the famous Magdalena Peninsula.
It is also called the Real Sitio de la Magdalena, and has been an exceptional witness to the history of this beautiful Cantabrian city.
The Magdalena Peninsula is currently a very beautiful public park whose main point of interest is the Palacio de la Magdalena, the palace that was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII who received this park as a gift from the city.
Visit the Magdalena Palace
Although the Peninsula de la Magdalena was once a private area belonging to the monarchy, today it is a very large public park with many green spaces for the enjoyment of the entire family.
And it is that in addition to the famous palace, there is also a small zoo, some royal stables, a large playground and many other corners that can be visited thanks to a tourist train.
The Magdalena Palace is the park’s main monument and nerve center. It was built in 1912 and the entire city of Santander participated in its construction to later be given, as we have already said, to King Alfonso XIII to turn it into his summer residence, since the monarch was a great lover of the city of Santander. Santander.
It was in 1913 when the king and queen would spend their first vacations here, not missing the appointment until 1930, the last year they attended before being converted into the headquarters of the Menéndez Pelayo International University, whose summer courses are in the news of the most prestigious in the world.
Visiting its interior is possible thanks to a guided tour that will take you through some of its rooms.
Other places to see in the Magdalena Peninsula
But the points of interest of the Magdalena Peninsula do not end in its famous palace, we can also visit many other places that will make you enjoy yourself in different ways.
Simply with the impressive views of the Cantabrian Sea that you have from here, it will have already made the visit worthwhile.
Inside there is a small zoo where you can admire some specimens of penguins, ducks, seals or sea lions, although a few years ago there were also other animals.
But now those that remain are animals related to the sea and water that are used so that the little ones can enjoy their visit. Also, this little zoo is free.
On the Peninsula there is also a small and beautiful beach, Playa de la Magdalena, with fine golden sand.
And also the Royal Stables, which were built in 1930 and which is currently the residence of foreign students who attend courses organized by the Menéndez Pelayo International University every summer.
We must also highlight the monument to Felix Rodríguez de la Fuente and the 3 caravels that Vital Alsar used to commemorate Francisco de Orellana’s voyage through the Pacific Ocean.
You can find more information on the official website of the Palacio de la Magdalena.
