Running along the waterfront and beach is the go-to run in Santander. It’s a combination of great water views, beaches, and some of Santander’s historic and cultural sites — all in one run! We’ve mapped the full 9.4 km one-way between the historic centre and Playa de Mataleñas. One could run one-way and take transport back, do the full out and back, or divide into sections, with Palacio de la Magdalena a good dividing point.

Palacio de la Magdalena. Javier Barrera

Start at the Monumento a José María de Pereda near the Tourist Info Center, and do a loop around the gardens. Then head to the water, admiring the Renzo Piano designed Centro Botín. Run along the waterfront promenade, with nice views of the water, Marina, Palacio de Festivales de Santander (concert hall), Maritime Museum, to the Playa de la Magdalena. At the 3.4 km mark, the next section is a loop around the peninsula to the iconic waterfront Palacio de la Magdalena. It’s a 2.3 km loop on a scenic paved path with great views. You could turn around here for a 9 km out and back.

The waterfront path continues north for ~2 km on beachfront promenade path, passing by the inland Parque Doctor Mesones. The final section is a spectacular loop around the Parque de Mataleñas on a dedicated trail (Senda), passing a viewpoint, overlooking the Playa de Mataleñas.

Add-Ons/Variations. The route can be divided into two sections, using the Palacio de la Magdalena as a good dividing point. For more, there are additional paths in the parks along the way. Among the beaches, the Playa del Sardinero is the most runnable.