I loved this Palace. The architecture, the setting by the water and rocks, the views of the…read moreislands, beaches and lighthouses, the forest around it, all made it very beautiful and serene. The Real Palacio de la Magdalena is the most emblematic building in Santander, as important for its present as for its past as the summer residence of Kings Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia. It was built in the early 1900s as a royal residence, but today it has multipurpose uses.....university campus, event space, conference hall and more...but still the royal bedrooms are open to be used by the King of Spain whenever he wishes. Those bedrooms are part of the Royal heritage. The guided tour took about an hour and I got to see many of the palace rooms and they were magnificent. The cost was about 6 euros and you can buy online or at the door. They sometimes have to cancel or reschedule guided visits depending on event happening at the Palace, like conferences, movie shootings, diplomatic visits, etc.

The Spanish royal family apparently still uses this palace and so would I! Stunning grounds, views…read moreof the ocean, a small zoo and the palace itself is incredible. We spent a really nice afternoon walking the grounds and taking in the sights. It has better views than the Buckingham palace and I would choose this over that...if I was given the choice. ;-)